Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Community Stroke

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose To provide specialist speech and language therapy input into a multidisciplinary, client focused therapy service for adultswith who have a stroke diagnosis within their own homes or other community settings. The post holder will have specialistknowledge of adult neurology and sound knowledge of community environments. To undertake advanced assessment, differential diagnosis and treatment of clients with a wide range of speech and languageimpairments and swallowing disorders arising from neurological conditions. These clients may have a complex or multiplepathologies. To determine the speech and language therapy treatment indicated and to maintain records, as an autonomous practitioner. To participate and advise in the management and development of the multidisciplinary BSRT team, so that it continues tomeet the needs of the client group and responds to Government initiativesThis post may be asked to be part of a rota for weekend working

Job function and responsibilities:

Clinical1. To provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and therapy for clients with neurological deficits affecting speech, language or swallowing.2. To develop a specialist knowledge within a specific clinical area.3. To take individual responsibility for maintaining and developing clinical skills to ensure evidence based practise is offered at all time4. To work autonomously and independently on a daily basis in a range of community settings, without immediate access to professionalsupport. To be aware of when support is needed and professional boundaries.5. To write reports reflecting specialist knowledge in neurology as well as being meaningful to the recipient.6. To have knowledge and /or experience of using Low and High tech AAC with clients.7. To provide advice to others regarding the management and care of clients with communication and/or feeding and swallowingdifficulties.8. To plan, set up and monitor treatment programmes carried out by BSRT rehabilitation assistants for clients on own caseload.9. To demonstrate good negotiation skills across a range of issues.10. To demonstrate skills in dealing with complex issues of the community environment; to generate appropriate strategies for caseloadmanagement without access to immediate supervision.11. To ensure that clients are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their care plans wherever possible, using a bridges approach.13. To adapt practice to meet individual clients circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences. This may includeenvironments that are difficult or challenging.14. To have current knowledge and skills in dysphagia caseload management. To liaise closely with the SLTs in acute settings and othercolleagues to provide a seamless management of clients swallowing needs.15. To demonstrate clinical expertise and knowledge on the latest research and evidence based practice for neurological rehabilitation.

Liaison, Teamwork and Leadership16. To participate in the development of team objectives or projects in liaison with peers and seniors.17. To work jointly with MDT leads to ensure a collaborated approach.18. To participate in referral screening and to liaise with acute and community referrers.19. To assume delegated tasks as requested by line manager, including participation in working groups and policy development groups.20. To deputise as MDT team lead, in the absence of team lead such as during periods of annual leave.21. To contribute to interagency/multi-disciplinary team building and policy development.22. To be aware of, adhere to and contribute to the implementation of service and team plans and policies.23. To use specialist knowledge to inform seniors for service/policy developments as appropriate.24. To assist in ordering and maintaining stock of equipment for SALT team.25. To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety aremaintained including equipment loaned to clients.Training and Liaison26. To provide training on a range of topics to community staff and agencies. To co-ordinate and plan the delivery of the trainingprogrammes for team rehabilitation assistants.27. To participate in the organisation and delivery of training to carers, nursing home staff, people in voluntary organisations, members ofthe MDT and other professionals as appropriate and to evaluate the effectiveness of the training.28. To explain the role of Speech and Language Therapists to visitors, students and volunteers.29. To provide support to students from other professional groups as appropriate.

Administration30. To maintain up to date and accurate progress notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local trust policies.31. To return monthly mileage figures, as required.32. To keep monthly statistics in accordance with team and trust policies.Research and development33. To participate in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness34. To participate in departmental research and clinical governance/audit projects35. To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate.36. To work within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct

37. To contribute to clinical teams both multi-disciplinary and uni-disciplinary by discussing own and others input around clients needsensuring a well co-ordinated care plan

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Up to date Professional development log as per guidelines from Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and HCPC
• Postgraduate qualification in Dysphagia or extensive clinical experience
• Evidence of post qualification experience in a range of neurological settings, i.e. acute and rehabilitation
• Good experience of Stroke specific treatment approaches.
• Audit experience.
• Good knowledge of clinical governance issues
• Experience of supervising staff and students

Desirable

• Evidence of attendance at relevant post graduate courses
• Community Experience
• Member of RCSLT

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Excellent verbal communication skills in the English language
• Ability to keep clear precise records which meet legal requirements in the English language
• Computer literacy.
• Able to plan, prioritise and manage a caseload.
• Knowledge and skill with assessment and therapeutic tools
• Knowledge and skill with clinical governance and outcome measures
• Knowledge of current legislation and developments within the NHS
• Knowledge and adherence to client confidentiality legislation and procedures

Desirable

• Full clean drivers licence valid for UK

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Lewisham, Owen centre

Lewisham High Street

London

SE13 6LH

Employer's website

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