Post: Senior Speech & Language Therapist
Context: An exciting opportunity has arisen for a self-employed, speech and language therapist to join us on the next stage of our journey to offer person-centred, multi-disciplinary, community-based care, research and education for people living with longterm neurological conditions.
We require your enthusiasm, motivation and passion to deliver an evidence-based service with the patient at the core of its every aspect. The post holder will manage their own caseload, help ensure timely communication and collaborative working across our different therapy pathways, and embody the vision and values of the centre. We are committed to providing a safe, accessible, welcoming and caring working environment.
About us
Based in Canterbury, the University of Kent has established the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT), the first non-drug, clinical, research and education centre of its kind. In January it will broaden its client base to support people with other longterm neurological conditions, focusing initially on acquired and traumatic brain injury. A key component of our new brain injury service will be a 3 week intensive rehabilitation programme (5 hours per day, 5 days per week) to those in the sub-acute stage and who are medically stable.
Our facilities include a comprehensive neuro gym, spacious multipurpose studio and massage/acupuncture treatment rooms. Other services include physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, dance, music, horticultural therapy, individual and group fitness classes and art therapy. PCIT has established a thriving social group of over 250 members which hosts regular events and fund-raising activities. In conjunction with the University of Kent, it also is pioneering the development of new neurological treatments based on non-invasive neurostimulation.
Role Specific Duties
The role of the senior speech and language therapist is to provide information, support and expert advice in the management of those living with Parkinson’s disease and brain injury from the time of diagnosis onwards. The role-holder will be involved in the advanced assessment of those living with Parkinson’s and brain injury who may have complex and or/chronic presentation. They will be expected to devise therapy plans which will include regular monitoring and evaluation.
Person Specification
Qualifications and training:
Essential:
* BSc Speech and Language Therapy
* HCPC registration
Desirable:
* Specialist post-graduate training
Clinical skills and experience:
Essential:
* 5 years post graduate experience in Neurological rehabilitation. Proven record of providing high quality intervention for high risk patients. Fieldwork educator. Clinical audit. Knowledge of up to date clinical / evidence based practice. Highly developed clinical skills in relevant area. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organisational skills. Excellent time management. Up to date therapeutic moving & handling skills. Basic IT knowledge. Effective and strong team player.
Desirable:
* Clinical audit and competent presentation skills.
Governance:
Essential:
* Awareness of professional issues and recent developments in the NHS and Primary Care including Clinical Governance and NICE.
Personal/professional attributes:
Essential:
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to adapt, connect with and empathise with patients and their carers. A desire to get to know the patients and their carers who access the Therapy Centre so as to provide the best possible care and experience. Ability to motivate and organise others to ensure best practice and care of patients. Ability to work under pressure. To be flexible and adaptable to meet the demand of patients on a day to day basis. Ability to prioritise care delivery in a professional manner, with due consideration for the Therapy Centre’s policies and procedures. Ability to organise and manage their own work load. Ability to cope with change and use own initiative. Ability to think on the spot and be creative when changes might be required.
Other requirements:
Essential:
* To be an advocate for the Centre and its patients, to adhere to and actively support the Centre's vision and values.
Communications and Working Relationships:
Internal:
* All colleagues within PCIT, patients, carers and families
External to Kent:
* Local NHS services
* Professional health and social care bodies
* Charitable and Statutory Providers
* Patient Representative Groups
* Higher and further educational institutions
Other:
* Consultants (other specialties & Directorates)
* General Practitioners
The small print:
The contract is a self-employed, associate basis - invoice on a monthly basis
Salary scale - £48,526-£52,809 (subject to experience) PA (pro rata, if applicable)
Hours of work - .2 to .4FTE. We anticipate a January 2025 start.
Contractual notice - 3 months
Probationary period - 6 months
Application and Interviews
To discuss this position informally please contact Mark Colley, operations manager m.colley@kent.ac.uk or Professor David Wilkinson, Centre director dtw@kent.ac.uk
Applicants should email their CV and a 1 page covering letter outlining how they meet the job description to Mark Colley, m.colley@kent.ac.uk by 14th October 2024. Interviews to be held from week commencing 14th October 2024 (may vary).
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £48,526.00-£52,809.00 per year
Licence/Certification:
* HCPC (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 14/10/2024
Expected start date: 02/01/2025
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