Speech and Language Therapist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

To take shared responsibility for a designated caseload of adults (supported by a band 6 and/or band 7 therapist) with acquired communication and swallowing disorders, predominantly as a result of an acquired neurological condition such as stroke, ABI or a progressive neurological condition; becoming independent with assessing, diagnosing and treating disorders in adults as part of a multidisciplinary team.

To support patients (and their families) in managing their condition.

To use a range of evidence-based assessment tools in the assessment of communication and swallowing disorders.

To provide therapeutic intervention with patients, either individually or in groups as best meets the needs of the patient

Identify indicators of potential associated medical conditions and refer to other specialists or professionals as appropriate.

To undertake training to achieve RCSLT competencies in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

To refer patients appropriately for instrumental evaluation of their swallow where appropriate e.g. FEES, Videofluoroscopy

Use non-verbal communication skills to recognise the emotional needs of the client/carer and maintain sensitivity at all times, particularly when imparting potentially distressing information.

Use negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations.

To use developed interpersonal skills to assess clients own goals where communication ability is a significant barrier

Provide expert facilitation of clients communication with others to ensure that they are central to the process

Play a pivotal role in ensuring effective joint working for clients with communication difficulties.

To use developed skills in motivating clients and their carers to engage with the therapeutic process, particularly when co-existing apathy or lack of initiation exist.

Demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures.

To work with the AAC specialist SLT to provide appropriate support with communication where indicated.

Communicate complex information, regarding communication and/or eating or swallowing, to patients, relatives and other professionals through written reports, programs and face to face discussion, matching communication style and content to the needs of the situation, including where there may be barriers to understanding.

Adapt practice to meet individual client circumstances including due regard for culture, social and linguistic difficulties.

To maintain up to date and accurate case-notes in line with SWFT and RCSLT professional standards.

To maintain clinical and non-clinical standards and work within the policy frameworks laid down (e.g. NHS, Trust, Professional, Health Care Professionals Council, Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, relevant government policies etc.)

To participate in team, professional and personal development activities and promote commitment to continuous development and improvement.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised Speech & Language Therapy Degree or equivalent
• Registered NQP member of Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
• Health Professions Council Registration

Desirable

• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development since qualification including successful completion of specialist short courses
• Post graduate Dysphagia qualification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with adults
• Experience of working with a range of acquired neurological conditions including head injury and stroke

Skills

Essential

• Demonstrates knowledge of standardised assessment tools relevant to the client group
• Demonstrates the ability to draw upon psychological knowledge to develop a holistic view of the client and assess the psycho-social impact on them, their family and environment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of a range of evidence based therapeutic interventions e.g. compensatory swallowing techniques, specific oral exercises, creation of communication charts, use of AAC and supported conversation
• Demonstrates knowledge of national policies, procedures, legislation and frameworks relevant to the client group.
• Demonstrates understanding of the use of client centred goal planning and the use of SMART goals
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise caseload
• Demonstrate interest/knowledge of stroke/ABI

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Strong team player
• Well-developed communication skills and ability to match communication style to context.
• Good time management skills and ability to work flexibly
• Awareness of own limitations and ability to reflect on own practise
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative
• Able to concentrate for prolonged periods when undertaking assessments

Other

Desirable

• Car driver/owner

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

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

George Eliot Hospital

College St

Nuneaton

CV10 7DJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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