Job summary Southport Hospital has a band 5 Speech and Language Therapy post which will offer a stimulating and challenging role in the assessment and management of inpatients with communication needs and/ or dysphagia and who are admitted to the general medical and surgical wards. The successful candidate will join a growing, supportive, and innovative team of Speech and Language Therapists with a diverse set of skills, who take pride in offering the very best care for our patients. The SLT team is comprised of a consultant SLT, Highly Specialised SLTs, Specialised SLTs, Newly Qualified SLTs and SLT assistants. As a band 5, the successful applicant will work under the close supervision of a designated clinical supervisor to develop a wide range of skills in the assessment and management of patients with communication needs and/ or dysphagia, on the general medical and surgical wards. You will work as an essential and valued member of the Acute General Medical and Surgical Team, with close and regular informal and formal support from Specialised and Highly Specialised Speech and Language Therapists. While consolidating your training and gaining experience, you will have opportunities to develop skills in areas such as frailty/ elderly care, emergency medicine, respiratory medicine, and neurological disorders. This role involves close collaborative working with MDT colleagues, and the wider SLT team. This post is a full time, permanent position. Main duties of the job The post holder will be supervised in providing a comprehensive clinical service specifically to adults admitted to the general medical and surgical wards, who have communication and swallowing disorders. With support, the successful applicant will organise, plan and prioritise their own workload, and develop appropriate strategies for caseload management. There will also be the opportunity to develop skills in training and providing direct and indirect support to other professionals relating to communication and swallowing disorders, and the post holder will be encouraged to contribute to the development and implementation of care pathways, departmental policies, and protocols as appropriate. At Southport Hospital we hold regular Videofluoroscopy clinics and are implementing the MBSImP protocol. We also have an established FEES service. Continuing Professional Development is essential and actively encouraged, and there are multiple opportunities to develop and acquire new skills in a nurturing and supportive environment, such as: Regular close clinical supervision Joint working with other SLTs Working towards NQP goals Training in dysphagia AHP preceptorship programme Regular in-service training Regular SLT team meetings Relevant external training Attendance at relevant CENs Exposure to FEES and VFS where appropriate About us The Secretary of State has approved the partnership between St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals and Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals. From 1st July we have come together as a single organisation under the name Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The Trust delivers acute hospital care, intermediate care, community, and primary care services to a population of over 600,000 people with a combined workforce of around 9000 dedicated and skilled staff from 17 locations including Whiston, Southport & Formby, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals. The Trust provides regional services for burns, plastic surgery and spinal injuries to more than 4 million people across Mersey and West Lancashire, Cheshire, the Isle of Man and North Wales. Our Vision is to deliver 5 Star Patient Care: CAREthat is evidence based, high quality and compassionate SAFETY that is of the highest standards COMMUNICATION that is open, inclusive and respectful SYSTEMS that are efficient, patient centred and reliable PATHWAYS that are best practice and embedded, but also respect the individual needs of patients Our achievements include: Trust rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018 Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal) Awarded National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for our Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme Please see our Wellbeing & Benefits booklet for more information on our staff benefits. Date posted 03 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary Depending on experience per annum Contract Fixed term Duration 24 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 409-6774016 Job locations Southport District General Hospital Town Lane Southport PR8 6PN Job description Job responsibilities KEY DUTIES To undertake therapy assessment, clinically diagnose and implement treatment plans if appropriate in a manner that respects peoples privacy, dignity, and individuality. To liaise with members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team and external agencies to ensure the effective management of patients care, communicating patient information in relation to their care as required. Manage a clinical caseload ensuring patients are see in a timely manner. To ensure effective internal and external 2-way communication with patients, carers and all other Health and Social Care Professionals regarding all aspects of patient care. To provide and receive complex information which requires empathy and reassurance. Communicating where there may be barriers to understanding and where skills such as motivational interviewing and counselling are required. Able to formulate and implement individualised care plans, reviewing progress and adapting as required. To be involved in the production and evaluation of resources produced by the department e.g. information and training packs, advice leaflets etc, providing specialist advice. To provide cover for leave and sickness to the clinical service as appropriate. To be a member of the multi-disciplinary team and actively participate in M.D.T. meetings. To contribute to the development of departmental / organisational procedures and guidelines. Ensure the safe use of appropriate medical devices required to carry out treatment in line with departmental procedures. To participate in shift patterns to support the delivery of 7-day service as required. To provide training sessions for other health care professionals and patient/carer groups. To work autonomously but recognise own limitations and when to escalate issues or refer to more senior therapist for advice and support. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES To develop and maintain accessible patient information, equipment, and resources to complement Rehabilitation. To be responsible for the timely and accurate collection of such statistics / records as are required nationally and departmentally and to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES To develop knowledge and skills in specific therapy practice through a competency-based programme led by the team leader. To contribute to the Induction, development and training of therapy assistants, students, and other colleagues as appropriate and as advised by the clinical supervisor. To participate in service training, keeping up to date with relevant practice and maintaining CPD portfolio. To identify own personal development needs with supervisor through supervision and Personal Development Plans. To actively contribute to Trust/Departmental activities in relation to Clinical Governance and audit in service area as requested by clinical supervisor. Job description Job responsibilities KEY DUTIES To undertake therapy assessment, clinically diagnose and implement treatment plans if appropriate in a manner that respects peoples privacy, dignity, and individuality. To liaise with members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team and external agencies to ensure the effective management of patients care, communicating patient information in relation to their care as required. Manage a clinical caseload ensuring patients are see in a timely manner. To ensure effective internal and external 2-way communication with patients, carers and all other Health and Social Care Professionals regarding all aspects of patient care. To provide and receive complex information which requires empathy and reassurance. Communicating where there may be barriers to understanding and where skills such as motivational interviewing and counselling are required. Able to formulate and implement individualised care plans, reviewing progress and adapting as required. To be involved in the production and evaluation of resources produced by the department e.g. information and training packs, advice leaflets etc, providing specialist advice. To provide cover for leave and sickness to the clinical service as appropriate. To be a member of the multi-disciplinary team and actively participate in M.D.T. meetings. To contribute to the development of departmental / organisational procedures and guidelines. Ensure the safe use of appropriate medical devices required to carry out treatment in line with departmental procedures. To participate in shift patterns to support the delivery of 7-day service as required. To provide training sessions for other health care professionals and patient/carer groups. To work autonomously but recognise own limitations and when to escalate issues or refer to more senior therapist for advice and support. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES To develop and maintain accessible patient information, equipment, and resources to complement Rehabilitation. To be responsible for the timely and accurate collection of such statistics / records as are required nationally and departmentally and to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES To develop knowledge and skills in specific therapy practice through a competency-based programme led by the team leader. To contribute to the Induction, development and training of therapy assistants, students, and other colleagues as appropriate and as advised by the clinical supervisor. To participate in service training, keeping up to date with relevant practice and maintaining CPD portfolio. To identify own personal development needs with supervisor through supervision and Personal Development Plans. To actively contribute to Trust/Departmental activities in relation to Clinical Governance and audit in service area as requested by clinical supervisor. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree in Speech & Language Therapy or equivalent HCPC Registered Knowledge & Experience Essential Previous demonstrable experience of working in a health, social or personal care setting as a Speech & Language Therapist Working knowledge of confidentiality and data protection procedures in relation to the recording of patient information Awareness of current NHS issues, National Policies, and relevant frameworks/quality indicators Knowledge of evidence-based practice and importance within clinical area Experience of taking an active role within Multidisciplinary Team Demonstrate an awareness of clinical governance, and its application within Therapy Demonstrate commitment to your and others ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and maintenance of professional portfolio Awareness of health and safety issues and reporting mechanisms Skills & Abilities Essential Ability to manage own time and work autonomously within clinical and non-clinical activity and to guide others using problem solving and decision-making skills Ability to maintain records, statistical and activity data according to service standards Ability to encourage and motivate others by providing sound practical and realistic advice Ability to demonstrate clinical reasoning and a holistic problem-solving approach appropriate to experience within clinical area Ability to manage own stress and awareness of stress in others To demonstrate tact/diplomacy and empathy within clinical settings Good interpersonal skills with effective written and verbal communication Effective teaching and presentation skills Ability to demonstrate assertiveness within clinical settings Ability to positively represent the Therapy Team within the Organisation Ability to demonstrate reflective practice Other Essential The post includes a combination of physical activities with duties being carried out in a variety of settings across the clinical sites The post holder will be required to work across sites including hospital / community settings To be able to carry out moving and handling with patients using specialist medical devices related to specialism The post holder will be required to use frequent concentration in assessing patients and devising care plans during the day Conveying complex information in a comprehensible and practical way to clients, families, and carers where there may be significant barriers to understanding Prioritising clinical work responding to unpredictable demands on time e.g. responding to bleeps for urgent referrals The post holder will often have to overcome barriers to communication such as illiteracy, learning difficulties, hearing and sight impairment, language and may have to work with interpreters Communication with and have direct contact with a wide variety of people, including health, social care and education professionals, patients, carers, the public Daily involvement with chronically and terminally ill patients and their carers The post holder will be exposed to sensitive, emotional and distressing circumstances, including terminally ill patients and abusive patients/carers The post holder will be exposed to the working conditions associated clinical environment Routinely encounters unpleasant smells and sights, with possible exposure to bodily fluids including blood and sputum Ability to fulfill the travel requirements of the post Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree in Speech & Language Therapy or equivalent HCPC Registered Knowledge & Experience Essential Previous demonstrable experience of working in a health, social or personal care setting as a Speech & Language Therapist Working knowledge of confidentiality and data protection procedures in relation to the recording of patient information Awareness of current NHS issues, National Policies, and relevant frameworks/quality indicators Knowledge of evidence-based practice and importance within clinical area Experience of taking an active role within Multidisciplinary Team Demonstrate an awareness of clinical governance, and its application within Therapy Demonstrate commitment to your and others ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and maintenance of professional portfolio Awareness of health and safety issues and reporting mechanisms Skills & Abilities Essential Ability to manage own time and work autonomously within clinical and non-clinical activity and to guide others using problem solving and decision-making skills Ability to maintain records, statistical and activity data according to service standards Ability to encourage and motivate others by providing sound practical and realistic advice Ability to demonstrate clinical reasoning and a holistic problem-solving approach appropriate to experience within clinical area Ability to manage own stress and awareness of stress in others To demonstrate tact/diplomacy and empathy within clinical settings Good interpersonal skills with effective written and verbal communication Effective teaching and presentation skills Ability to demonstrate assertiveness within clinical settings Ability to positively represent the Therapy Team within the Organisation Ability to demonstrate reflective practice Other Essential The post includes a combination of physical activities with duties being carried out in a variety of settings across the clinical sites The post holder will be required to work across sites including hospital / community settings To be able to carry out moving and handling with patients using specialist medical devices related to specialism The post holder will be required to use frequent concentration in assessing patients and devising care plans during the day Conveying complex information in a comprehensible and practical way to clients, families, and carers where there may be significant barriers to understanding Prioritising clinical work responding to unpredictable demands on time e.g. responding to bleeps for urgent referrals The post holder will often have to overcome barriers to communication such as illiteracy, learning difficulties, hearing and sight impairment, language and may have to work with interpreters Communication with and have direct contact with a wide variety of people, including health, social care and education professionals, patients, carers, the public Daily involvement with chronically and terminally ill patients and their carers The post holder will be exposed to sensitive, emotional and distressing circumstances, including terminally ill patients and abusive patients/carers The post holder will be exposed to the working conditions associated clinical environment Routinely encounters unpleasant smells and sights, with possible exposure to bodily fluids including blood and sputum Ability to fulfill the travel requirements of the post 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 Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Address Southport District General Hospital Town Lane Southport PR8 6PN Employer's website https://www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)