Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Speech and Language Therapist who is committed to providing a high standard of care to patients within our acute medical team at Ashford and St Peter's Hospital. We are looking for someone who is interested in developing their specialist skills and will enjoy opportunities to participate in local service development.
The successful candidate will have experience working in dysphagia and communication within the inpatient setting. There will also be an opportunity to gain experience in the critical care setting. There is access to the SLT-led VF service and FEES service with opportunities to develop competencies in these interventions.
We are committed to personal development through supervision and appraisal, as well as internal/external training. Staff involvement in research and development is encouraged, with opportunities for service evaluation, audit, and quality improvement initiatives.
For further information please contact Natasha Mir, Therapy Manager for Dietetics and Medical SLT, Email: natashamir@nhs.net
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work within the Acute Medical Inpatient team. There role will include:
- Undertake advanced assessments, clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients with a high level of clinical complexity often having complex and/ or chronic presentations.
- They will work within (multi-disciplinary teams) MDTs to provide specialist advice and support, as appropriate, to facilitate the effective management of patients whilst in hospital and on discharge.
- Work as an autonomous practitioner to undertake a significant specialist clinical caseload, working without direct supervision.
- Take a role in supervision and teaching of Speech and Language Therapists within clinical speciality and participate in multi-disciplinary team teaching an student supervision.
- Demonstrate leadership skills and contribute to service development and monitoring of standards of practice and developing multidisciplinary management of patients.
- Flexibility, good organisational and prioritisation skills are essential to this role. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate excellent team working skills and enthusiasm.
About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.
Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey.
We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at Ashford & St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with our strong commitment to staff health and wellbeing. We are committed to providing continuous professional development, staff benefits and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.
Please see the supporting links which you can find on the right-hand side of this job advert. There is guidance on how to make an application on NHS Jobs as well as more information about joining the ASPH Team
Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To assess, differentially diagnose and manage complex communication, swallowing, cognitive and emotional impairments related to a wide range of conditions in all acute medical pathways.
- To effectively plan the daily management of a caseload of patients by prioritising clinical work, responding to urgent referrals and occasionally unpredictable work patterns.
- To use sound clinical reasoning skills, assessment techniques and diagnostic procedures to assess and develop treatment programmes and to evaluate outcomes.
- To communicate effectively with all disciplines involved in a patients care, both those from within the organisation and those outside, to ensure effective multidisciplinary working. This will include discussion of patient care, patient progress and involvement in discharge planning.
- To ensure timely and effective communication with the Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist and senior staff on all professional matters.
- To maintain accurate records in line with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy standards and Trust and service standards and policies.
- To attend relevant board rounds, meetings and case conferences as appropriate in order to ensure appropriate management and effective and timely discharge of patients.
- To attend staff meetings and actively participate ensuring understanding of information imparted.
- To appreciate cultural differences and take these into account when agreeing treatment plans with patients.
- To work as part of the Speech and Language Therapy team and Multi-disciplinary team to provide an efficient and effective service.
- To supervise junior Speech and Language Therapy staff where appropriate or therapy assistants.
- To ensure professional competence is maintained by participating in all CPD opportunities and maintaining a portfolio
- To be responsible for and actively record your own personal development. This may include active participation in journal clubs, clinical reasoning and joint problem patient sessions.
- To participate in appropriate work-related evaluation projects and to be aware of current research relevant to the specialty.
- To participate in any relevant clinical governance projects and audits
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To assess, differentially diagnose and manage complex communication, swallowing, cognitive and emotional impairments related to a wide range of conditions in all acute medical pathways.
- To effectively plan the daily management of a caseload of patients by prioritising clinical work, responding to urgent referrals and occasionally unpredictable work patterns.
- To use sound clinical reasoning skills, assessment techniques and diagnostic procedures to assess and develop treatment programmes and to evaluate outcomes.
- To communicate effectively with all disciplines involved in a patients care, both those from within the organisation and those outside, to ensure effective multidisciplinary working. This will include discussion of patient care, patient progress and involvement in discharge planning.
- To ensure timely and effective communication with the Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist and senior staff on all professional matters.
- To maintain accurate records in line with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy standards and Trust and service standards and policies.
- To attend relevant board rounds, meetings and case conferences as appropriate in order to ensure appropriate management and effective and timely discharge of patients.
- To attend staff meetings and actively participate ensuring understanding of information imparted.
- To appreciate cultural differences and take these into account when agreeing treatment plans with patients.
- To work as part of the Speech and Language Therapy team and Multi-disciplinary team to provide an efficient and effective service.
- To supervise junior Speech and Language Therapy staff where appropriate or therapy assistants.
- To ensure professional competence is maintained by participating in all CPD opportunities and maintaining a portfolio
- To be responsible for and actively record your own personal development. This may include active participation in journal clubs, clinical reasoning and joint problem patient sessions.
- To participate in appropriate work-related evaluation projects and to be aware of current research relevant to the specialty.
- To participate in any relevant clinical governance projects and audits
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Completion of RCSLT NQP Autonomous Status
Desirable
- Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to speciality
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses up to master's degree equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a range of inpatient clinical areas, and the ability to work independently with complex patients (dysphagia and communication)
- RCSLT dysphagia competencies and up to date specialist knowledge and skills
- Experience of working in a team and contributing to team decisions
- Experience of training other professionals including the wider multi-disciplinary team
Desirable
- Competence in instrumental assessment e.g. VFS/FEES
- Line management and/ or student supervision
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of the evidence base for different treatment approaches.
- Ability to conduct a wide range of assessments and treatment interventions for complex clinical presentations in a holistic manner
- Knowledge of audit and its use to improve interventions
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to mange and prioritise own caseload
- Ability to build relationships with colleagues and patients
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel and work between sites
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Completion of RCSLT NQP Autonomous Status
Desirable
- Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to speciality
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses up to master's degree equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a range of inpatient clinical areas, and the ability to work independently with complex patients (dysphagia and communication)
- RCSLT dysphagia competencies and up to date specialist knowledge and skills
- Experience of working in a team and contributing to team decisions
- Experience of training other professionals including the wider multi-disciplinary team
Desirable
- Competence in instrumental assessment e.g. VFS/FEES
- Line management and/ or student supervision
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of the evidence base for different treatment approaches.
- Ability to conduct a wide range of assessments and treatment interventions for complex clinical presentations in a holistic manner
- Knowledge of audit and its use to improve interventions
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to mange and prioritise own caseload
- Ability to build relationships with colleagues and patients
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel and work between sites
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).
