Job summary
InFocus is the vision impairment & complex needs
charity. We deliver a range of education, care, therapy and support services
for children and young adults from a base in Exeter, in the south west of
England.
We cater for young people with all levels of vision
impairment, multi-sensory impairmentand a wide range of complex needs.
You will join
an organisation of approximately 250 employees, led by CEO Jane Bell and an
Executive Team of directors. Staff work across a range of disciplines,
including classroom teaching, supporting, and enabling our young people,
mobility and therapy, fundraising and marketing, administration,
estates and maintenance and catering. The work of the charity is governed by an
active and engaged Board of Trustees.
We have an
ambitious vision for our charity, and you will be joining a dynamic and growing
organisation. We are expanding our
services in the near future.
As a Speech and
Language Therapist, you will join part of the multidisciplinary Health and
Therapy Team to provide specialist support to children and young people with
vision impairment and complex needs.
This varied and exciting role will guarantee that no two days are the
same! You will be expected to work both
in 1-1 and group sessions with the young people we support and delegate
therapeutic work to the Speech and Language Assistant. You will also have the opportunity to train
and utilise our skilled team of enablers to maximise impact and achieve the
best outcomes.
Main duties of the job
To provide SLT to young people as a part of a holistic health and care
programme across all InFocus services
Work collaboratively with the Head of Health and Therapy to facilitate
high professional standards of SLT service at InFocus
Take professional lead for the SLT provision at InFocus
Deliver SLT programmes throughout the extended curriculum
Provide leadership, management and development of speech and language
therapy practices to staff across all InFocus services.
Maintain and develop standards of the SLT service at InFocus.
Represent SLT in planning meetings
About us
Our Values
People FirstWe put the people we support at
the centre of our services. We act with kindness, respect and a positive caring
attitude. We always listen to the voice of the people we support.
AmbitionWe believe in the potential of
the people who use our services. We are ambitious for them, and for our staff
and for our organisation.
InnovationWe act boldly, take risks and
embrace technology so we can expand and improve opportunities for people with
vision impairments and complex needs, and can be more effective in the way we
work.
CollaborationWe have a strong
multi-disciplinary approach that values teamwork. We work with others to create
the best outcomes for the people we support.
RecognitionWe
recognise and are inspired by the achievements of our young people. We
celebrate their wow moments. We actively appreciate the contribution that our
staff and volunteers make, and we look after them well
For more information about the role and to find out more about InFocus Charity, please visit our website at www.InFocus-Charity.org.uk
Job description
Job responsibilities
Lead and attend meetings as required both on and off site
Complete assessments on prospective Students and young people and those
commencing at InFocus or as part of the transition process. Review these
assessments as circumstances change
Take responsibility for the delivery, monitoring, implementation and
evaluation of a high standard of SLT which promotes the independence,
communication, health and care of those we support
Ensure all young people have high quality programmes of SLT which are
shared with the appropriate circle of support and all supporting workers at the
InFocus within a holistic framework
Review all programmes annually or as circumstances change.
Provide high quality training for Enablers to ensure SLT is an integral
part of peoples day
Have current HCPC registration and comply with CPD requirements using
guidance from The Royal College of SLT
Quality assure SLT provision and contribute to the organisational
improvement plans to raise standards of SLT
Keep abreast of new developments and trends in order to raise standards
Maintain records in accordance with the Royal College of SLT and InFocus
Write ITPs (Individual Therapy Priorities) and evaluate them termly
Write the appropriate section of the Annual Review /Annual Report
documents for college students
Write the appropriate sections of the young persons Care Plan, Risk
Assessment and other documentation as necessary
Complete analysis of SLT provision for development of the service
Take responsibility or the lead for designated tasks or new initiatives
Risk manage SLT sessions
Ensuring specialist equipment is used safely and withdrawn from use if
unsafe or inappropriate for the young person
To liaise with external professionals relating to the needs of the young
person
To attend external meetings to promote the wellbeing of the young
person
To support the day to day management of the work of the specialist SLT
assistant
Job description
Job responsibilities
Lead and attend meetings as required both on and off site
Complete assessments on prospective Students and young people and those
commencing at InFocus or as part of the transition process. Review these
assessments as circumstances change
Take responsibility for the delivery, monitoring, implementation and
evaluation of a high standard of SLT which promotes the independence,
communication, health and care of those we support
Ensure all young people have high quality programmes of SLT which are
shared with the appropriate circle of support and all supporting workers at the
InFocus within a holistic framework
Review all programmes annually or as circumstances change.
Provide high quality training for Enablers to ensure SLT is an integral
part of peoples day
Have current HCPC registration and comply with CPD requirements using
guidance from The Royal College of SLT
Quality assure SLT provision and contribute to the organisational
improvement plans to raise standards of SLT
Keep abreast of new developments and trends in order to raise standards
Maintain records in accordance with the Royal College of SLT and InFocus
Write ITPs (Individual Therapy Priorities) and evaluate them termly
Write the appropriate section of the Annual Review /Annual Report
documents for college students
Write the appropriate sections of the young persons Care Plan, Risk
Assessment and other documentation as necessary
Complete analysis of SLT provision for development of the service
Take responsibility or the lead for designated tasks or new initiatives
Risk manage SLT sessions
Ensuring specialist equipment is used safely and withdrawn from use if
unsafe or inappropriate for the young person
To liaise with external professionals relating to the needs of the young
person
To attend external meetings to promote the wellbeing of the young
person
To support the day to day management of the work of the specialist SLT
assistant
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised national therapy qualification - Speech and Language Therapy to Diploma or Degree level as a minimum
- Registration with HCPC
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Additional qualifications and experience related to the specific therapy - Sensory Integration, Makaton and Dysphagia
Experience
Essential
- Experience of Multi-professional working
- Knowledge of Augmentative, Alternative Communication strategies to meet speech and language and communication needs
- Remain updated with professional practice and new research
- Ability to reflect on practice independently and with peers
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Ability to work - lead both with individuals and groups - classes
- Ability to work in a collaborative way with the team
- Competent IT skills
- Ability to call and manage meetings
- Imaginative use of skills to enhance the experiences of young people
- Demonstrate through practice high professional skills
- Committed to person centred practice
- Have an element of flexibility of working hours
Desirable
- Experience of working in an educational - health environment
- Experience of sensory impairment - VI
- Experience of supporting people with dysphagia
- Knowledge of Safeguarding
- Experience of delivering training
- Experience of working in specialist education
- Supervisory skills
- Management skills
- Implement the use of both high and low tech communication aids
- Familiar with using The Grid communication software
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Tact and diplomacy
- Willingness to learn new approaches
- Self-motivated
- Highly literate and numerate
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised national therapy qualification - Speech and Language Therapy to Diploma or Degree level as a minimum
- Registration with HCPC
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Additional qualifications and experience related to the specific therapy - Sensory Integration, Makaton and Dysphagia
Experience
Essential
- Experience of Multi-professional working
- Knowledge of Augmentative, Alternative Communication strategies to meet speech and language and communication needs
- Remain updated with professional practice and new research
- Ability to reflect on practice independently and with peers
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Ability to work - lead both with individuals and groups - classes
- Ability to work in a collaborative way with the team
- Competent IT skills
- Ability to call and manage meetings
- Imaginative use of skills to enhance the experiences of young people
- Demonstrate through practice high professional skills
- Committed to person centred practice
- Have an element of flexibility of working hours
Desirable
- Experience of working in an educational - health environment
- Experience of sensory impairment - VI
- Experience of supporting people with dysphagia
- Knowledge of Safeguarding
- Experience of delivering training
- Experience of working in specialist education
- Supervisory skills
- Management skills
- Implement the use of both high and low tech communication aids
- Familiar with using The Grid communication software
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Tact and diplomacy
- Willingness to learn new approaches
- Self-motivated
- Highly literate and numerate
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
