Specialist speech and language therapist - Voice

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose:

To provide specialist Speech and Language Therapy management to outpatients presenting with voice disorders under the supervision of the Lead Speech and Language Therapist in Voice.

To assess, diagnose and manage adult clients with voice disorders using sound theoretical knowledge to inform advice, support and therapy.

To work closely with the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) within the Voice clinic in the management of these patients in an outpatient setting

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Clinical Lead SLT Voice

Head of Adult SLT

Cross-site clinical lead SLT

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Acute Care

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Stroke

L&G ENT Consultants

Voice clinic Vocal Coach & Laryngeal Osteopath

All L&G Speech and Language Therapy Staff

L&G nursing staff

Referring clinics and GP

GPs

Voluntary Services

Academic Institutions

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.0 Clinical

1.1 To work in a multidisciplinary team at UHL managing voice disorders in a wide variety of clients amongst whom professional voice users are a significant cohort.

1.2 To provide specialist assessment and treatment to outpatients with voice disorders of various aetiologies, with the support and advice of the Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist or delegated supervisor.

1.3 To draw on clinical skills in voice disorders to identify most appropriate treatment options and therapy planning when managing patients with voice disorders.

1.4 To be highly flexible to the demands of the environment including work patterns, deadlines and frequent interruptions

1.5 To employ perceptual and instrumental techniques as appropriate in assessment and for outcome purposes. To participate in stroboscopic examination of the larynx under the supervision of a Lead/Head Speech and Language Therapist.

1.6 To work as part of the MDT in the voice services in order to plan effective patient management. This involves actively communicating with multidisciplinary team for goal planning and interventional goal setting, and working collaboratively with the team to deliver care aims.

1.7 To collaborate with members of the wider Voice clinic team to ensure that patients receive holistic care and advice in relation to their voice disorders

1.8 To negotiate therapy goals with patients, their carers and the multidisciplinary team (MDT).

1.9 To provide information, support and training to patients and carers

1.10 To employ counselling skills with patients and carers with highly complex needs including those related to terminal illness, death and severe disability or disfigurement.

1.11 To participate in MDT decision-making process around consent to treatment taking full account of the legal and ethical considerations.

1.12 To work closely with the Speech & language therapy assistant and Speech & Language Therapy administrator in the management of the clinical caseload and day to day running of the outpatient voice service.

1.13 To demonstrate specialist knowledge in acquired voice disorders, underpinned by current evidenced based practice.

1.14 To attend relevant training and development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge required of a specialist therapist working in the respective fields. To maintain HPC and RCSLT registration and ensure it is up to date.

1.15 To keep up to date with new techniques and developments for the promotion and maintenance of good practice in your clinical area.

1.16 To write reports for other professionals reflecting your knowledge of voice disorders.

1.17 To communicate complex condition related information from assessment and intervention to clients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions.

1.18 To attend team meetings, case conferences where appropriate, and other multidisciplinary meetings. To ensure a two-way exchange of information with these parties to help decide on the best course of intervention for each individual.

1.19 To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers and families and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist.

1.20 To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by the use of evidence based practice and outcome measures.

1.21 To provide advice on speech and language therapy to non-specialists and other specialists/professionals within clinical field.

1.22 To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local trust policies.

1.23 To participate in the development and delivery of training (formal and informal) to others in area of clinical expertise.

1.24 To have due regard for your own personal safety and that of clients and carers, in particular to have regard to moving and handling regulations, restraining policies, lone working and ensure the safe positioning of self and others

1.25 To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate

2.0 Organisational

2.1 To be aware of, adhere to and implement service and team plans and policies.

2.2 To use your specialist knowledge to inform service/policy developments as appropriate and

2.3 To attend meetings at the request of the service manager.

2.4. To consult with service users regarding service developments wherever possible, within existing resources.

2.5 To participate in and develop innovations in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness within Speech and Language Therapy and the Trust in general.

2.6 To develop Clinical Governance/audit projects within the speech and language therapy services.

2.7 To contribute to development of local clinical guidelines informed by the evidence of your clinical specialism.

2.8 To demonstrate the ability to reflect on your practice with peers and mentors and identify your own strengths and development needs

2.9 To participate in Personal Development Reviews ensuring that the objectives set reflect the Service and Trust plans, including specific objectives relating to the clinical specialty.

2.10 To keep accurate and complete records of the amount of time spent on clinical activities in order to monitor effectiveness and facilitate service delivery.

2.11 To contribute to interagency/multi-disciplinary team building

2.12 To assist with the identification of training needs within the team.

3.0 Professional

3.1 To be accountable for your own professional action and recognise your professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate.

3.2 To attend and contribute to departmental CPD sessions participating in peer review.

3.3 To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained including equipment loaned to clients.

3.4 To demonstrate a working knowledge of the principles of Clinical Governance and their application to professional practice.

3.5 To gather activity data accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information promptly within local Trust guidelines.

3.6 To participate in departmental research and clinical governance/audit projects.

3.7 To collect and provide research data as required.

3.8 To demonstrate negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations.

3.9 To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible and following the Trust complaints procedure.

3.10 To form productive relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have challenging communication difficulties.

3.11 To demonstrate knowledge of, and adhere to RCSLT Professional and National and Local Clinical Guidelines.

3.12 To keep records and share information in such a way that the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality are maintained at all times.

3.13 To provide support and supervision where required to newly qualified therapists, and therapy assistants, providing advice and second opinions.

3.14 To collaborate with colleagues in the induction of new members to the team.

3.15 To provide student placements to Speech & Language Therapists in training on undergraduate and postgraduate courses and evaluate their progress.

3.16 To provide observational placements to those considering a career in Speech and Language Therapy.

3.17 To supervise SLT admin staff in running effective Speech & Language Therapy services, providing regular one-to-one supervision and annual Personal Development Reviews.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Qualified and registered Speech and Language Therapist (Registered Member of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Membership of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks.

Desirable

• Relevant short courses in dysphonia and management of voice disorders
• Post-graduate dysphagia competency training

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience of adult acquired disorders including voice disorders
• Experience of assessment and management of voice disorders

Desirable

• Experience in working in a multidisciplinary environment
• Experience in laryngeal assessment using laryngostroboscopy imaging
• Independent practice in dysphagia management

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Specialist knowledge of a variety of assessment and treatment methods relevant to managing patients who have voice disorders.
• Knowledge of national policies and guidelines relevant to voice disorders.
• Understanding of the principles of clinical governance and ability to carry out departmental audits and projects.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Lewisham

Lewisham High Street

London

SE13 6LH

Employer's website

https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)