Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Adult Learning Disability

Job description

Job responsibilities

Maintaining high levels of evidence base learning disability practice, contributing to and facilitating care processes and pathways. Demonstrate understanding of learning disability practice underpinned by theoretical knowledge and relevant clinical experience and competence

Display specialist knowledge of individuals physical and mental health needs and appropriate evidence informed interventions in learning disability practice

Show awareness of national and local policies impacting on learning disability practice

Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of health improvement methodologies and how they contribute to the delivery of improved health outcomes for people with learning disabilities across the lifespan

Display skills in risk assessment, risk management and risk enablement in liaison with MDT / SLT ALD Clinical Leads

Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the diverse health needs of people with learning disabilities, supporting mainstream services across all tiers in the development of relevant knowledge, skills and clinical competences

Display a high level of awareness of own values and beliefs

Comply with both DPT and TSDFT and professional codes and standards in demonstrating personal and professional commitment to equality and diversity

Demonstrate knowledge of relevant legislation and national and local policies and procedures, including the Mental Capacity Act

Search, review, analyse, critically appraise and apply relevant literature effectively to influence policy and practice development

Core Duties involved in the care of people with LD Include:

Specialist assessment of clients with learning disabilities who have complex communication needs and challenging behaviour and/or mental health issues

To participate in the multi-professional delivery of holistic care and intervention

Structured observation of interaction of clients with carers to inform understanding of the persons communication needs and the impact of carers communication strategies

Undertake assessment and develop management plans for people with complex eating and drinking difficulties (dysphagia)

Contribute to development and evaluation of training in areas of communication and dysphagia

To support B5 (if appropriate) & B3 speech and language therapy team members in developing their clinical skills and in delivering SLT service

To have specialist expertise in distressed (challenging) behaviour and mental health issues

To contribute to the delivery of research and evidenced based CPD for the Specialist Health Community Learning Disability Teams and SLT teams

To input into the development of local communication strategies and SLT initiatives

To provide specialist speech and language therapy assessment, diagnosis and treatment service to adults with learning disabilities in a range of settings

Contribute to triaging and managing SLT ALD caseload and waiting lists

Plan and deliver intervention jointly with relevant others (Person with learning disability, carer, Specialist Health Community Learning Disability Team colleagues and other professionals)

Promote the use of inclusive communication in the lives of people with learning disabilities (i.e. a Total Communication and/ or Intensive Interaction approaches)

At all times abide by the Terms and Conditions of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists code of Ethics and HCPC Regulations

To maintain flexibility, plan and work with other disciplines to reach shared objectives, including use of technology for delivery of service

MCA / DOLS supporting maximisation of communication for Capacity Assessments

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

• oDegree in speech and language therapy (or equivalent)
• oCurrent professional registration with HCPC and Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists /RCSLT)
• oEvidence of relevant CPD/ongoing education

Knowledge and experience

Essential

• oClinical experience in a range of core areas such as learning disability, dysphagia, Intensive Interaction, autism, sensory impairment, dementia and AAC using a person centred approach
• oEvidence of completion of RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies at level C
• oExperience of working in a multi-disciplinary community setting
• oAbility to work alone and as integral part of a team
• oInterest and passion to work with people with learning disabilities
• oUnderstanding of governance related activities e.g. MCA, audit, CQC
• oUnderstanding the health needs of people with a learning disability
• oAbility to cope under pressure, be proactive and take own initiative

Desirable

• oExperience of working with a learning disability caseload.
• oEvidence of post-grad training in specialist short courses up to Masters level or equivalent in specialist ALD clinical field
• oExperience of producing accessible information using easy words and pictures, including use of symbol software and communication Apps
• oKnowledge and experience of using assessments such CASP, ACE, TALC etc.

Specific skills

Essential

• oPositive valuing approach to people with learning disabilities
• oGood organisational skills, flexibility & ability to prioritise
• oAbility to work closely with carers, support workers and other professionals across a range of agencies

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

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Estuary House

Units 1 & 2 Brunel Industrial Estate, Collett Way

Newton Abbot

TQ12 4PH

Employer's website

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