Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Adults Social Care)

Job responsibilities

The postholder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a range of settings. They will manage a caseload of Adults with Learning Disabilities in a range of environments (including out of borough placements when necessary) to develop functional communication in pursuit of independence in ordinary life.

The Integrated Learning Disability Team is a Health and Social Services team for adults with learning disabilities who live in or originate from the London Borough of Merton. We use a person-centred approach to promote a good quality of life for people through using services in their local communities.

To work independently in the provision of specialist input, responding to a range of diverse needs.

To reflect on auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of clients communication and to identify appropriate strategies to facilitate and enhance communicative effectiveness.

To communicate information resulting from assessment about complex conditions to clients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions.

To work closely with clients, carers and families, demonstrating empathy and forming productive relationships and agreeing decision making relevant to the patient/client management.

To evaluate client intervention and subsequent progress using appropriate outcome measures and evaluation tools.

To employ excellent communication skills to ensure that effective communication is achieved and develop skills in motivating clients and /or carers to engage in the therapeutic process

To provide specialist advice to others regarding the management and care of adults with learning disabilities and a range of complex needs including communication difficulties and behaviours of concern.

To demonstrate a well-developed knowledge and management of learning disabilities and behaviours of concern, underpinned by current evidence based practice

To demonstrate skills in dealing with complex issues to generate appropriate strategies for independent caseload management.

To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local policies, sharing information with others where necessary in line with data protection guidelines.

To write reports reflecting specialist knowledge.

To complete risk assessments and continually evaluate risk throughout intervention in relation to all aspects of safety regarding self, client and colleagues.

To participate in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness.

To play an active role in the safeguarding of vulnerable adults.

To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate.

To attend case conferences, network, review and any other relevant meetings, including liaison with other professional organisations and personnel in relation to the clients needs.

To work in partnership with other statutory, private and voluntary sector organisations and promote good working relationships with health and other professionals, providers, clients and carers.

To attend team and staff meetings and participate in discussions concerning clients, relevant policies and elements of professional practice.

To use computers and other items of technology in the normal performance of the duties of the post.

To participate in the development and delivery of training (formal and informal) to others in area of clinical expertise with and without support.

To supervise the work of the social work assistant and volunteers and to participate in student placements as appropriate

To delegate as appropriate, elements of Speech and Language Therapy intervention to support workers.

To demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers and mentors and identify own strengths and development needs.

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent.
• Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses.
• Health and Care Professions Council Licence to Practice.
• Knowledge of communication with people with learning disabilities
• Well established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group.

Desirable

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Experience

Essential

• The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate sensitive information to clients carers and colleagues in a way that they can understand.
• The ability to work with people from different cultures backgrounds religions and circumstances including the ability to support clients and their carers during periods of major changes and stress.
• Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods for client sessions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including observation listening and empathy skills.
• Demonstrates good analytical and reflection skills.
• Ability to work within difficult conditions including verbal and/or physical aggression exhibited by clients with behaviours of concern.
• Good auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically.
• Ability to work with both managers and staff within the department and across organisational/professional boundaries to ensure good practice with a diverse professional network.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise workloads and work to deadlines.
• Ability to relate positively to people and work co-operatively as a member of a team, inclusive of group work as required.
• Ability to use Information Technology and produce statistics performance indicators as required.
• UK driving licence and use of a car.

Desirable

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Training

Essential

• Experience of working with people with learning disabilities.
• Relevant experience post registration.
• An understanding of the role and services provided by other agencies Mencap.
• An understanding of and ability to comply with the Council Equalities Diversity policies.
• An understanding of the councils policies in relation to quality Health and Safety and Customer Care.
• Experience of supervising others

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).