Job summary
The post holder will contribute to the provision of a cohesive and effective speech and language therapy service to people with a Learning Disability who live in the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark or Lewisham.
The post holder will provide assessment, advice and intervention to adults with a Learning Disabilities receiving services from several appropriate agencies, such as Social Services, not for profit organisations, private and voluntary. The post holder will have a responsibility for assessment and intervention with people who have specialist communication and eating, drinking and swallowing needs.
The post holder will contribute to an effective and holistic multidisciplinary service to support the health needs of adults with a Learning Disability and their networks with a strong focus on the promotion of health equality.
The post involves a commitment to high quality clinical supervision for more junior speech and language therapists and student education.
Main duties of the job
Responsibility for the assessment, diagnosis, development and delivery of highly specialist Speech and Language Therapy intervention to meet the needs of service users with dysphagia and communication
To maintain accurate case notes, upholding HCPC standards
To write highly specialised reports in multiple formats so that, where needed, they are accessible to the service users, their carers, and other professionals
To ensure that service users are actively involved in the planning and prioritisation of their own care plan
Communicating effectively and respectfully with service users, carers, members of the professional team
Offer a well-coordinated MDT approach to case management
Participation in the community team's clinical meeting and to present cases for planned review, service initiatives and research.
Co-ordinate and chair multidisciplinary team and speech and language therapy team meetings as required
Demonstrate advanced negotiation and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate the use of appropriate caseload management strategies when dealing with complex issues
Adapt practise to offer an inclusive service to adults with a learning Disability and their networks
Gather the evidence of clinical effectiveness, using appropriate outcome measures and employing evidence-based practise
About us
Guy's and St Thomas' is comprised of four Clinical Groups (CGs) and Integrated and Specialist Medicine is one of the largest of the groups with a budget of over £500m and approximately 6200 WTE staff.
Integrated and Specialist Medicine consists of 9 Directorates and provides care and treatment to patients who require emergency and inpatient care, community services including district nursing and specialist care, dental services, specialist inpatient / outpatient areas, imaging and pharmacy. Integrated and Specialist Medicine also have responsibility for cross site operations. The integrated approach of the clinical group facilitates and promotes the shared learning of best practice, innovative and creative ways of working to enhance the patient experience and ensure the delivery of outstanding care.
The Integrated Local Services directorate within this clinical group provides a range of community and inpatient health services for adults within the communities of Lambeth and Southwark, with some services also provided in Lewisham. Our hospital-based inpatient and outpatient services provide care for adults from across the region.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Responsibility for the assessment, diagnosis, development and delivery of highly specialist Speech and Language Therapy intervention to meet the needs of service users with dysphagia and communication
To maintain accurate case notes, upholding HCPC standards
To write highly specialised reports in multiple formats so that, where needed, they are accessible to the service users, their carers, and other professionals
To ensure that service users are actively involved in the planning and prioritisation of their own care plan
Communicating effectively and respectfully with service users, carers, members of the professional team
Offer a well-coordinated MDT approach to case management
Participation in the community teams clinical meeting and to present cases for planned review, service initiatives and research
Co-ordinate and chair multidisciplinary team and speech and language therapy team meetings as required
Demonstrate advanced negotiation and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate the use of appropriate caseload management strategies when dealing with complex issues
Adapt practise to offer an inclusive service to adults with a learning Disability and their networks
Gather the evidence of clinical effectiveness, using appropriate outcome measures and employing evidence-based practise
Support the Speech and Language Therapy Leads and undertake any duties compatible with the grading structure and sphere of competence
Offer consultation to colleagues, to provide second opinions and to share information and expertise with other team members
Participate in the development of local clinical guidelines, informed by the evidence of work within community environments.
Initiate quality improvement projects and contribute to existing projects, building local evidence base and contributing to team clinical effectiveness
Leadership
Provide clinical supervision and mentoring to less experienced speech and language therapists and speech and language therapy assistants
Contribute to the development of problem solving and negotiation skills of others within peer review, case discussion and supervision
Take a lead role in audit within defined specialist areas
Training/Education and Research
Act as a supervisor to Speech and Language Therapy service users on placement with the team as required.
Participate in formal training events and evaluate effectiveness
Undertake research in areas of clinical specialism, present the findings to the multidisciplinary team, within GSTT and at Regional forums and national conference
Publish research in local, national and international journals
Provide advice to non-specialists and other specialists/professionals
Provide relevant information to The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, regarding initiatives and work within adults with learning disabilities
Professional Development
Participate in performance development review PDR
Identify and attend specialist short courses and advanced training in areas of clinical specialism as identified in PDR
Feedback to MDT colleagues on all relevant courses attended
Attend all mandatory training specified by the job role
Maintain up-to-date HPC and RCSLT registration
Have a working knowledge of relevant legislation: The Mental capacity Act, safeguarding vulnerable adults, deprivation of liberty safeguards working with adults within the criminal justice system
Apply the principles of Clinical Governance to professional practise
Undertake any other duties required by the Lead Speech and Language Therapist, commensurate with grading and competency.
Information Management
To carry out administrative duties including data collection, arranging client appointments, and maintaining general equipment
To monitor the use of specialist equipment and arrange for maintenance/replacement in conjunction with line manager
To use a range of office programmes (Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.), symbol programmes (Boardmaker, etc) and advanced multimedia programmes (Adobe Premier Pro, Cool Edit Pro etc) to effectively carry out work using digital voice output and digital video footage
Maintain electronic client records as per HCPC, Trust and local guidance
Job description
Job responsibilities
Responsibility for the assessment, diagnosis, development and delivery of highly specialist Speech and Language Therapy intervention to meet the needs of service users with dysphagia and communication
To maintain accurate case notes, upholding HCPC standards
To write highly specialised reports in multiple formats so that, where needed, they are accessible to the service users, their carers, and other professionals
To ensure that service users are actively involved in the planning and prioritisation of their own care plan
Communicating effectively and respectfully with service users, carers, members of the professional team
Offer a well-coordinated MDT approach to case management
Participation in the community teams clinical meeting and to present cases for planned review, service initiatives and research
Co-ordinate and chair multidisciplinary team and speech and language therapy team meetings as required
Demonstrate advanced negotiation and problem-solving skills
Demonstrate the use of appropriate caseload management strategies when dealing with complex issues
Adapt practise to offer an inclusive service to adults with a learning Disability and their networks
Gather the evidence of clinical effectiveness, using appropriate outcome measures and employing evidence-based practise
Support the Speech and Language Therapy Leads and undertake any duties compatible with the grading structure and sphere of competence
Offer consultation to colleagues, to provide second opinions and to share information and expertise with other team members
Participate in the development of local clinical guidelines, informed by the evidence of work within community environments.
Initiate quality improvement projects and contribute to existing projects, building local evidence base and contributing to team clinical effectiveness
Leadership
Provide clinical supervision and mentoring to less experienced speech and language therapists and speech and language therapy assistants
Contribute to the development of problem solving and negotiation skills of others within peer review, case discussion and supervision
Take a lead role in audit within defined specialist areas
Training/Education and Research
Act as a supervisor to Speech and Language Therapy service users on placement with the team as required.
Participate in formal training events and evaluate effectiveness
Undertake research in areas of clinical specialism, present the findings to the multidisciplinary team, within GSTT and at Regional forums and national conference
Publish research in local, national and international journals
Provide advice to non-specialists and other specialists/professionals
Provide relevant information to The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, regarding initiatives and work within adults with learning disabilities
Professional Development
Participate in performance development review PDR
Identify and attend specialist short courses and advanced training in areas of clinical specialism as identified in PDR
Feedback to MDT colleagues on all relevant courses attended
Attend all mandatory training specified by the job role
Maintain up-to-date HPC and RCSLT registration
Have a working knowledge of relevant legislation: The Mental capacity Act, safeguarding vulnerable adults, deprivation of liberty safeguards working with adults within the criminal justice system
Apply the principles of Clinical Governance to professional practise
Undertake any other duties required by the Lead Speech and Language Therapist, commensurate with grading and competency.
Information Management
To carry out administrative duties including data collection, arranging client appointments, and maintaining general equipment
To monitor the use of specialist equipment and arrange for maintenance/replacement in conjunction with line manager
To use a range of office programmes (Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.), symbol programmes (Boardmaker, etc) and advanced multimedia programmes (Adobe Premier Pro, Cool Edit Pro etc) to effectively carry out work using digital voice output and digital video footage
Maintain electronic client records as per HCPC, Trust and local guidance
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters level qualification in Speech and Language Therapy/Science or equivalent experience
- Postgraduate qualification in dysphagia
Desirable
- Makaton qualification and skills
- AWLD dysphagia qualification
- Advanced dysphagia qualification
- Clinical Audit Training
- PBS training
Professional/ Statutory Registration
Essential
- Membership of the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Desirable
- Membership of the RCSLT
- Membership of relevant CEN's e.g. oAdults with learning disabilities oAdults with autism
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people with a learning disability
- Experience of carrying out SLT assessment and intervention
- Experience of working with AWLD and dysphagia
- Experience of training carers, volunteers and health care professionals and support staff
- Experience of supporting AAC users, who use light-tech communication devices, such as symbols, photos, objects etc
- Experience of undertaking SLT clinical risk assessments and joint risk assessment with wider team
- Experience of independent case-management skills
- Experience of clinical audit
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience of liaison with Mental health in LD, health, social services, adult education and voluntary organisations
- Experience of working with a SLT assistants and delegation of work appropriately
Skills and knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrate skills in assessing and providing intervention for AWLD in a range of settings
- Demonstrate skills in assessing and providing intervention for people with learning disabilities
- Demonstrate skills in dysphagia assessment and management
- Demonstrate skills in using reflective practice and evidence based practise
- Demonstrate skills in the use of AAC. e.g. Talking Mats, Makaton (keyword signing), visual timetables, symbols and photos, Light tech switches, objects etc
- Demonstrate ability to prioritise workload and work on own initiative
- Demonstrate ability to produce documents and training sessions in a variety of accessible formats e.g. video, easy read, objects for people with learning disabilities and their carers
- Demonstrate skills in using multimedia software packages such as Communicate In-Print, GRID 3, Boardmaker etc
- Demonstrate ability to produce highly-specialised reports
- Demonstrate good organisational and time-management skills
- Inclusive approach to working with people from diverse backgrounds including Global Majority populations
Desirable
- Ability to assess and train AWLD and their carers in the use of appropriate communication aids (low and high tech AAC)
- Knowledge of legislation relevant to AWLD
- Demonstrate skills in AWLD dysphagia assessment and management
- Knowledge of appropriate strategies and skills required by others to manage extreme behaviours safely
- Demonstrate ability to provide second opinion to colleagues in area of clinical specialism
- Demonstrate ability to organise service-development initiatives within the specialism of AWLD
- Demonstrate ability to plan and chair SLT and MDT meetings
- Ability to understand and interpret specialist Psychological / Psychiatric / medical information from other professionals and make these accessible to carers and people with learning disabilities
- Demonstrate innovation and leadership skills
- Deemonstart the ability to embed GSTT behaviours and values in all aspects of work
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters level qualification in Speech and Language Therapy/Science or equivalent experience
- Postgraduate qualification in dysphagia
Desirable
- Makaton qualification and skills
- AWLD dysphagia qualification
- Advanced dysphagia qualification
- Clinical Audit Training
- PBS training
Professional/ Statutory Registration
Essential
- Membership of the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Desirable
- Membership of the RCSLT
- Membership of relevant CEN's e.g. oAdults with learning disabilities oAdults with autism
Clinical Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people with a learning disability
- Experience of carrying out SLT assessment and intervention
- Experience of working with AWLD and dysphagia
- Experience of training carers, volunteers and health care professionals and support staff
- Experience of supporting AAC users, who use light-tech communication devices, such as symbols, photos, objects etc
- Experience of undertaking SLT clinical risk assessments and joint risk assessment with wider team
- Experience of independent case-management skills
- Experience of clinical audit
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience of liaison with Mental health in LD, health, social services, adult education and voluntary organisations
- Experience of working with a SLT assistants and delegation of work appropriately
Skills and knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrate skills in assessing and providing intervention for AWLD in a range of settings
- Demonstrate skills in assessing and providing intervention for people with learning disabilities
- Demonstrate skills in dysphagia assessment and management
- Demonstrate skills in using reflective practice and evidence based practise
- Demonstrate skills in the use of AAC. e.g. Talking Mats, Makaton (keyword signing), visual timetables, symbols and photos, Light tech switches, objects etc
- Demonstrate ability to prioritise workload and work on own initiative
- Demonstrate ability to produce documents and training sessions in a variety of accessible formats e.g. video, easy read, objects for people with learning disabilities and their carers
- Demonstrate skills in using multimedia software packages such as Communicate In-Print, GRID 3, Boardmaker etc
- Demonstrate ability to produce highly-specialised reports
- Demonstrate good organisational and time-management skills
- Inclusive approach to working with people from diverse backgrounds including Global Majority populations
Desirable
- Ability to assess and train AWLD and their carers in the use of appropriate communication aids (low and high tech AAC)
- Knowledge of legislation relevant to AWLD
- Demonstrate skills in AWLD dysphagia assessment and management
- Knowledge of appropriate strategies and skills required by others to manage extreme behaviours safely
- Demonstrate ability to provide second opinion to colleagues in area of clinical specialism
- Demonstrate ability to organise service-development initiatives within the specialism of AWLD
- Demonstrate ability to plan and chair SLT and MDT meetings
- Ability to understand and interpret specialist Psychological / Psychiatric / medical information from other professionals and make these accessible to carers and people with learning disabilities
- Demonstrate innovation and leadership skills
- Deemonstart the ability to embed GSTT behaviours and values in all aspects of work
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
