Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job description

Job responsibilities

To manage a complex and highly specialist caseload independently demonstrating evidence of sound clinical judgement and outcome measurement with access to support and supervision as necessary.

To demonstrate highly specialist knowledge in clinical specialism underpinned by current evidence based practice.

To reflect on practice with peers and identify strengths and needs.

To demonstrate evidence of highly specialist clinical judgement, evidence based practice and outcome measures.

To act as a lead speech & language therapist in the appropriate specialism.

To provide support and supervision for junior team members as directed by Team Leader.

To provide specialist second opinions, advice and training to less experienced/ junior colleagues and/or other professionals in the field.

To write appropriate reports and case notes, reflecting specialist knowledge.

To communicate verbally and in writing with parent/ carer/ client assessment findings, diagnosis and therapy intervention plan reflecting specialist knowledge. This may include breaking bad news in a sensitive manner.

To negotiate with parents/clients/other professionals around case management and to recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs and take steps to resolve.

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

To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible.

To attend and contribute to relevant Speech and Language Therapy Team meetings and participate in team projects.

To attend and participate in departmental study/development days.

To take a proactive role within multidisciplinary teams.

To supervise and plan time-table and work for assistants and volunteers.

To take responsibility for day-to-day operational management of small staff groups.

To take the lead on inter-agency team-working as requested.

To represent the SLT department in meetings with other agencies e.g. teachers.

To assist the line manager in the identification of training needs within the team.

To be responsible for the specialist teaching / training of other speech and language therapists and other professional groups.

To target training appropriately to the needs of course participants and to evaluate it.

To develop and deliver specialist training to others in the area of clinical expertise.

To contribute to the induction and support system for new staff.

To provide full student speech and language therapy placement.

To take the lead on the development of local policies and care pathways.

To use highly specialist knowledge to inform service/ policy developments as appropriate.

To monitor service delivery and own highly specialist service delivery and report to line manager.

To be responsible for implementing agreed changes in working practice.

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

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.

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

To share information with others, observing data protection guidelines.

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

To initiate Clinical Governance /audit projects within local service.

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

To collect and provide research data as required.

To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries.

To work independently within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct.

To access appraisal within an Individual Performance Framework at pre-determined intervals.

To identify and attend relevant training and development in line with appraisal and service needs relating to clinical specialism.

To keep up to date with new developments within a clinical specialism, at a highly specialist level, through attendance at relevant SIGs and other training.

To have a working knowledge of Clinical Governance and its application to professional practice.

To monitor auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of clients communication and to identify appropriate strategies to facilitate and enhance communicative effectiveness. This may require intense periods of concentration.

To demonstrate the ability to manage clients with challenging behaviour appropriately.

Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

This job description gives a general outline of the post and is not intended to be inflexible or a final list of duties. It may therefore be amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification

Education/ Qualifications

Essential

• oRecognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
• oRegistration with Health Professions Council as a speech and language therapist
• oRegistered member of RCSLT
• oEvidence of continuing professional development and advanced training in specialist area

Desirable

• Member of national organisation / CEN related to Mainstream schools

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• oSignificant experience of working with children/young people with complex communication needs and DHH.
• oHighly Specialist knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group
• oExperience of carrying out assessment and differential diagnosis for children with complex speech, language and communication difficulties.
• oHighly specialist knowledge of a range of appropriate educational and therapeutic interventions effective for working in schools that are relevant to the clinical specialism and an ability to compare and contrast relative benefits
• oAdvanced knowledge of prioritisation issues within client group
• oPostgraduate experience of developing and delivering training
• oExperience working collaboratively with colleagues in health and other agencies including education
• oIn-depth knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to the client group
• oIn-depth knowledge of principles of clinical governance

Skills, Abilities and Attributes

Essential

• oDemonstrate ability to be a good team member and assume leadership responsibilities
• oExcellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills o
• Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
• oDemonstrate excellent organisational, analytical and reflection skills
• oDemonstrates advanced negotiation, conflict resolution and problem solving skills
• oDemonstrates excellent analytical and reflection skills

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

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Carmelita House

21-22 The Mall

London

W5 2PJ

Employer's website

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