Job summary The Regional Communication Aid Service (RCAS) is a regional specialised service commissioned by NHS England. We provide specialised assessments and provision of communication equipment to adults and children across the North-East and North Cumbria who have complex communication needs. We are seeking an experienced Registered Clinician who is able to meet the knowledge and skills applicable to the post, who is looking for a development opportunity to expand their skills and experience within this specialist Regional Communication Aid Service. The post holder will provide clinical and professional leadership to the team to ensure the highest possible quality of care. The post holder will lead the therapy team and related clinical aspects of service provision, working jointly with the Technical Team Lead to achieve operation and performance in line with the NHS E service specification. The post holder will work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, clients, carers and other professionals to provide specialised, evidence-based assessment and equipment provision. The postholder will workclosely with all members of the team. Main duties of the job Within the scope of the Therapy Team Lead role a focus of the post will include: Responsibility and accountability for ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and efficient care to service users and their carers within the Regional Communication Aid Service (RCAS). To be responsible for the initial assessment and resulting prescription of highly complex Specialist Bespoke Communication Aid configurations for clients across the Northern Region and subsequent client reviews and related issues (e.g. re-assessments). Contribute to appraisal, professional and personal development of the RCAS staff. Identify and organise the delivery of appropriate clinical training for the RCAS staff in order to ensure that the highest standard of evidence based clinical interventions are provided. To lead the education and training of professionals including the up skilling of local speech and language therapy services on behalf of the Regional Communication Aid Service. Lead on and ensure timely clinical audit systems are in place. Assist the designated Clinical Business Unit (CBU) and Service Lead with Integrated Governance, individual practitioner performance and team development. To manage the staff and non-staff budget for the service in collaboration with the Technical Team Lead. About us We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career. The Neurological Services encompass outreach services and those based at WGP. There are 4 dedicated inpatient wards (neuro-rehabilitation, neurobehavioral and neuro-psychiatry) providing 65 beds in total. There are also outpatient and community services consisting of Outpatient Spasticity Management; Regional Disability Team; Community Multiple Sclerosis Team; Community Neuropsychiatry Team; Regional Communication Aid Service; Regional Environmental Control Systems Service; North East Drive Mobility; Northumberland Head Injury Service; and Community Acquired Brain Injury Services based in Gateshead and Sunderland. Date posted 06 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 263-SCG25-015-EW Job locations Walkergate Park Hospital Benfield Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 4QD Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will lead the therapy team and related clinical aspects of service provision, working jointly with the Technical Team Lead to achieve operation and performance in line with the NHS E service specification, reporting to the Long-Term Conditions Lead. It is expected that the post holder will demonstrate competent clinical practice and continue to further develop clinical knowledge and skills with relevant training and clinical supervision. Regular support and supervision will be available, and the post holder will be expected to actively engage in the supervision and the continuing professional development process. The following should be considered as essential: Specialist knowledge and clinical experience in this field of electronic assistive technology. Specialist knowledge in the provision of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) prescribed solutions Significant relevant clinical skills gained through demonstrated experience. Ability to carry out complex assessments of client needs and provide and monitor technological solutions involving specialist assessment for assistive technology interventions, especially AAC solutions for clients with severe and often complex physical disabilities. Ability to problem solve complex (assistive technology) clinical problems Please find attached job description for full details. Advertising date : 6th February 2025 Closing date : 20th February 2025 We welcome your application. Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will lead the therapy team and related clinical aspects of service provision, working jointly with the Technical Team Lead to achieve operation and performance in line with the NHS E service specification, reporting to the Long-Term Conditions Lead. It is expected that the post holder will demonstrate competent clinical practice and continue to further develop clinical knowledge and skills with relevant training and clinical supervision. Regular support and supervision will be available, and the post holder will be expected to actively engage in the supervision and the continuing professional development process. The following should be considered as essential: Specialist knowledge and clinical experience in this field of electronic assistive technology. Specialist knowledge in the provision of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) prescribed solutions Significant relevant clinical skills gained through demonstrated experience. Ability to carry out complex assessments of client needs and provide and monitor technological solutions involving specialist assessment for assistive technology interventions, especially AAC solutions for clients with severe and often complex physical disabilities. Ability to problem solve complex (assistive technology) clinical problems Please find attached job description for full details. Advertising date : 6th February 2025 Closing date : 20th February 2025 We welcome your application. Person Specification Education and Qualification Essential Recognised degree or equivalent HCPC/RCT or equivalent registered Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses and other relevant CPD to Masters level equivalence e.g Post graduate level qualifications Field work educators qualification Desirable Registered member of relevent professional body e.g. Speech & Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy. Knowledge and Experience Essential Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post. Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, e.g. HCPC and RCOT standards, IPEM Codes of Conduct, etc, and other local and national initiatives Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team Experience of providing assessment services Awareness of equal opportunities legislation and policies. Experience of collaborative working across agencies and professional disciplines. Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload in a flexible manner as required. Undertaking appraisals Commitment to Partnership working both multi-agency and multidisciplinary. Desirable Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses and other relevant CPD, to Masters Level. Skills and Competencies Essential Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex needs Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches e.g. identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance). Excellent written and verbal communication skills Evidence of high level of professional organisational and leadership skills Ability to work under pressure and adapt within changing environment Proven track record of acting as an effective advocate for service users and their carers Excellent interpersonal skills including negotiation and conflict management Leadership/delegation skills Evidence of effective organisational skills Expert clinical supervision skills Desirable Specialist knowledge and clinical experience in this field of electronic assistive technology Person Specification Education and Qualification Essential Recognised degree or equivalent HCPC/RCT or equivalent registered Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses and other relevant CPD to Masters level equivalence e.g Post graduate level qualifications Field work educators qualification Desirable Registered member of relevent professional body e.g. Speech & Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy. Knowledge and Experience Essential Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post. Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, e.g. HCPC and RCOT standards, IPEM Codes of Conduct, etc, and other local and national initiatives Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team Experience of providing assessment services Awareness of equal opportunities legislation and policies. Experience of collaborative working across agencies and professional disciplines. Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload in a flexible manner as required. Undertaking appraisals Commitment to Partnership working both multi-agency and multidisciplinary. Desirable Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses and other relevant CPD, to Masters Level. Skills and Competencies Essential Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex needs Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches e.g. identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance). Excellent written and verbal communication skills Evidence of high level of professional organisational and leadership skills Ability to work under pressure and adapt within changing environment Proven track record of acting as an effective advocate for service users and their carers Excellent interpersonal skills including negotiation and conflict management Leadership/delegation skills Evidence of effective organisational skills Expert clinical supervision skills Desirable Specialist knowledge and clinical experience in this field of electronic assistive technology 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). 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. 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 Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust Address Walkergate Park Hospital Benfield Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 4QD Employer's website https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)