Job summary
A highly specialist speech and language therapist is needed to provide leadership and ensure that we achieve top quality physical health outcomes across our inpatient mental health units.
We provide care to a wide variety of patients with speech, language, communication and dysphagia needs, such as ABI, Stroke, Dementia and trauma and work closely with our colleagues on the team and the wards.
We are a multidisciplinary satellite service providing physical healthcare across a number of sites for adult and older adult populations with an acute mental illness, including Dietitians and Physiotherapists as well as the ward staff (including nurses, occupational therapists, doctors, art/drama therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists etc.).
You will be supported in your role by the Team Manager, whom you will also deputise for alongside the other Band 7 Clinicians. There is an expectation that you will want to clinically develop and contribute to research, audit and CPD both for yourself and the team.
Main duties of the job
Physical Health Allied Health Professions (AHP) Team works within mental health hospitals with patients who present with an acute mental health crisis. Patients who have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act are admitted to mental health hospitals for a period of assessment and treatment of their mental health diagnosis. During their admission the AHP Team are able to offer support with their physical health concerns.
To provide S< Service (assessment and management) to a designated caseload of the mental health inpatient population of West London NHS Trust. This will include Acute Mental Health Services and Older People's Mental Health Services.
To be based at trust HQ and cover the in-patient wards of Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow and Southall as per designated caseload.
To contribute to the development of the service and the provision of multi-professional training within the Trust.
To support others by providing clinical leadership, day to day supervision, clinical advice and clinical supervision as appropriate.
About us
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Qualification and Training
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent
- Post graduate training in clinical areas relevant to the post e.g. Makaton, Clinical Supervision, Talking Mats.
- Intensive Interaction, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Registered with Health and Care Professions Council & Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
- RCSLT Dysphagia Competency Level D/EDSCF Level 6
Desirable
- ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observations Schedule) assessment tool/equivalent ASD diagnostic assessment
Experience
Essential
- Assessment, mealtime management and therapeutic intervention of acute and chronic dysphagia
- Assessment and therapeutic intervention of speech, language and communication difficulties in an adult population (including geriatric population)
- Working independently with a dysphagia and communication caseload
- Administration and analysis of both formal and informal clinical assessments in a range of environments
- Relevant post qualification clinical experience with adult population
- Development and implementation of programs of care
- Communicating information clearly to patients, staff, carers and support network where appropriate
- Experience working in collaboration with members of the MDT team in order to support the needs of patients with dysphagia and communication needs
- Implementation of robust therapy plans and monitoring and evaluating outcomes
- Clinical supervision of SLT students and junior SLTs
- Deliver training to a range of professionals to upskill others in a range of therapy approaches/ strategies/ service delivery whilst capturing effectiveness of the training
- Experience in delivery of structured groups
- Experience with complex communication and challenging behaviours
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with Mental Illness or personality disorder and/or challenging behaviour
- Incorporation of Accessible Information Standard (AIS) criteria into clinical practice
Knowledge
Essential
- To carry out and analyse both formal and informal assessments for people who have dysphagia, complex speech, language, social and communication needs
- Knowledge of up-to-date assessment tools and therapeutic interventions related to specialist area
- Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance/audit
- Knowledge of the roles of other professionals such as social workers, community nurses, physiotherapists
- Knowledge of national policies, legislation and procedures that impact of SLT and future care for learning disabilities
- Ability to record electronic notes and reports to a high standard.
- High standard of organisational, time management and prioritisation skills
- Independently assess, diagnose and provide specialist input for dysphagia cases
- Applying visual systems to support communication in ADLs e.g. AAC, BSL, Makaton signs and symbols
- Knowledge of a total communication approach
- Good presentation skills
- An awareness of relevant legislation e.g. Mental Health Act
Desirable
- Advanced knowledge of Research and/or clinical audit skills
- Skills in developing/delivering structured groups
- Willingness and ability to develop a specialist area of expertise and clinical service
Other requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel independently in accordance with Trust policies and service need.
Person Specification
Qualification and Training
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent
- Post graduate training in clinical areas relevant to the post e.g. Makaton, Clinical Supervision, Talking Mats.
- Intensive Interaction, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Registered with Health and Care Professions Council & Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
- RCSLT Dysphagia Competency Level D/EDSCF Level 6
Desirable
- ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observations Schedule) assessment tool/equivalent ASD diagnostic assessment
Experience
Essential
- Assessment, mealtime management and therapeutic intervention of acute and chronic dysphagia
- Assessment and therapeutic intervention of speech, language and communication difficulties in an adult population (including geriatric population)
- Working independently with a dysphagia and communication caseload
- Administration and analysis of both formal and informal clinical assessments in a range of environments
- Relevant post qualification clinical experience with adult population
- Development and implementation of programs of care
- Communicating information clearly to patients, staff, carers and support network where appropriate
- Experience working in collaboration with members of the MDT team in order to support the needs of patients with dysphagia and communication needs
- Implementation of robust therapy plans and monitoring and evaluating outcomes
- Clinical supervision of SLT students and junior SLTs
- Deliver training to a range of professionals to upskill others in a range of therapy approaches/ strategies/ service delivery whilst capturing effectiveness of the training
- Experience in delivery of structured groups
- Experience with complex communication and challenging behaviours
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with Mental Illness or personality disorder and/or challenging behaviour
- Incorporation of Accessible Information Standard (AIS) criteria into clinical practice
Knowledge
Essential
- To carry out and analyse both formal and informal assessments for people who have dysphagia, complex speech, language, social and communication needs
- Knowledge of up-to-date assessment tools and therapeutic interventions related to specialist area
- Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance/audit
- Knowledge of the roles of other professionals such as social workers, community nurses, physiotherapists
- Knowledge of national policies, legislation and procedures that impact of SLT and future care for learning disabilities
- Ability to record electronic notes and reports to a high standard.
- High standard of organisational, time management and prioritisation skills
- Independently assess, diagnose and provide specialist input for dysphagia cases
- Applying visual systems to support communication in ADLs e.g. AAC, BSL, Makaton signs and symbols
- Knowledge of a total communication approach
- Good presentation skills
- An awareness of relevant legislation e.g. Mental Health Act
Desirable
- Advanced knowledge of Research and/or clinical audit skills
- Skills in developing/delivering structured groups
- Willingness and ability to develop a specialist area of expertise and clinical service
Other requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel independently in accordance with Trust policies and service need.
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).
