Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Clinical responsibilities
1. To perform highly specialist assessments of patients with diverse presentations and complex physical and psychological conditions, to provide a clinical diagnosis and develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme.
2. To undertake a comprehensive highly specialist assessment of patients including those with diverse or complex presentations/multi pathologies; use advanced clinical reasoning skills, interpretation of available test results and assessment techniques to provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition.
3. To offer advice and support in recommending and interpreting VFS and FEES of patients who experience swallowing difficulties.
4. To take responsibility for patients requiring complex rehabilitation within intensive care, and deputise for the SALT Clinical Lead in critical care.
5. To formulate and deliver a highly specialist individual SLT programme based on a sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and treatment options using clinical assessment.
6. To provide and receive complex information relating to patient's diagnosis, treatment and long term rehabilitation outcomes to patients, carers and the MDT.
7. To actively contribute to relevant clinical and management meetings such as MDT, Regional network groups, critical care core group.
8. To demonstrate empathy with patients, carers families and colleagues ensuring that effective communication is observed.
9. To plan, provide and monitor structured communication and swallowing programmes and strategies for carers, therapy support workers and other professionals.
10. To assess the need for, and teach patients and carers in the safe and effective use and application of communication aids e.g Low tech eye gaze, partner assisted spelling.
11. To be available regularly for second opinions within the SLT team with reference to patients with complex presentation.
12. To advise, support and facilitate other professionals e.g with regards to Patient management issues relating to swallowing and communication difficulties e.g To work with patients and advise MDT of the impact of ventilator on weaning and, swallowing and communication.
13. To adhere to Trust and professional policies and procedures regarding own extended scope role, for example radiology IRMER regulations, PPE.
14. To advise and assist with complex ethical decisions e.g negotiating with consultants and team on suitability of nasogastric tube versus Peg insertion.
15. Be able to persuade, motivate, negotiate and problem solve with patients, SLT team members, MDT and other professionals on a daily basis.
16. To take responsibility of management and discharge of own caseload and refer on to other agencies if required.
Leadership and Management
1. Deputise for Clinical Lead which may include taking operational management of the team in the Clinical Lead absence.
2. Develop line management skills for Band 6/5 SLTs.
3. To participate in the recruitment and selection process when required.
4. To demonstrate highly developed negotiation, influencing and problem solving skills.
5. Demonstrate strong self motivation and motivation of others.
6. Supervise junior members of staff, students and support workers.
Service development
1. Work collaboratively with the SLT management team to evaluate activity, outcomes and effectiveness to ensure the service delivery is of the highest standard (audit, policies, guidelines, service development).
2. To contribute to issues of service delivery including shortfall, service pressures in the adult SLT service and attend relevant meetings.
3. Demonstrate and disseminate best practice.
4. Attend and contribute to regular SLT Critical Care team meetings.
5. Attend Regional and National meetings, CENS, conferences.
6. To contribute to implementation and change of policies/procedures, in line with up to date evidence based practice.
7. To contribute to and implement evidenced based emerging assessment and therapy techniques in swallowing and communication.
8. To contribute to research/clinical governance/audit projects within area of specialism.
9. To contribute to any research, audits, data collection being undertaken within the specialist areas- this could be locally or as part of the East Midlands critical care Network.
10. Use therapy outcome measures to evaluate service.
11. To assist Clinical lead in developing and implementing training needs for the SLT team and wider MDT, and work with the SLT management team to develop training needs analysis.
12. To contribute in the development, implementation and evaluation of multidisciplinary policies and procedures and integrated pathways.
13. To provide education and training to MDT, SLT team and students.
14. Achieve FEES competencies.
Professional
1. To work autonomously within the broad scope of national and local standards and guidelines relating to professional practice.
2. To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practise through CPD activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development.
3. Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence-based practice in the areas of specialty.
4. To engage in a structured programme of professional and personal development based on a system of performance review (i.e appraisal).
5. To adhere to the code of ethics and professional standards of RCSLT and HPC.
6. Participate in management and clinical supervision.
Freedom to Act
1. To interpret and implement national policy relevant to adult SLT critical care service.
2. Manage highly complex caseload independently.
3. To monitor and evaluate own highly specialist service delivery and that of others in the team and ensure this is communicated as appropriate.
4. To be accountable for own and others professional actions and recognise professional boundaries through interpretation of clinical/professional policies.
5. To ensure that self and others within the SLT critical care service, act within defined national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct.
6. To maintain a working knowledge of relevant procedures/ statutory requirements including safe guarding and other legal frameworks.
7. To have responsibility for the implementation of health and safety policies ensuring regular audit and review of subsequent changes.
8. To negotiate with team/others around service issues and caseload management.
9. To lead the operational management of SLT team, ensuring appropriate referral pathways across teams are cohesive and interface to ensure smooth transition of clients between acute and community services.
10. To lead on the development and implementation of objectives or projects relating to the service, ensuring that these reflect local health and social care priorities, in conjunction with SLT team manager.
11. To support staff to implement team objectives and projects.
12. To monitor own and others service delivery and report to SLT manager/management team.
13. To advise SLT team manager on issues of service delivery including shortfall, service pressures, etc.
14. To assume delegated tasks as requested by SLT team manager, including leading working groups, policy development groups within area of clinical and or management expertise.
15. To contribute to inter agency/multi-disciplinary team building and policy development, assuming a lead where appropriate.
16. To adhere to and ensure that team plans and policies are implemented.
17. To use specialist knowledge to inform service/policy development as appropriate.
Person specification
Training & qualifications
Essential criteria
* Recognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent.
* Healthcare Professionals Council Registered.
* Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
* Evidence of successful completion of specialist courses /modules /programme (master's degree and/or equivalent).
* Membership of relevant Clinical Education Networks.
Desirable criteria
* Leadership/Management Training.
Experience
Essential criteria
* Highly specialist knowledge of dysphagia.
* RCSLT Level C Dysphagia training.
* RCSLT tracheostomy competencies section 5 (Critical care) completed (or evidence of working towards this and willingness to ensure this is completed).
* VFS competencies: level 1 and working towards level 2.
* Highly skilled in managing own caseload.
* Experience of being a clinical educator and providing training to students and other professionals.
* Experienced in assessment of application of AAC.
Desirable criteria
* FEES competency level 1 or above.
* Experienced in the assessment and use of Above Cuff Vocalisation.
Communication & relationship skills
Essential criteria
* Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills.
* Highly developed negotiation and problem-solving skills in complex situations and ability to facilitate these skills in others.
* Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal.
* Excellent organisational skills and ability to facilitate these skills in others.
* Evidence of giving formal presentations at local, regional, national or international level.
* Able to fulfil the travel requirements of the role.
* Able to respond and prioritise frequently through the day.
* Willingness to work across 3 hospital sites, sometimes in one day when needed.
Analytical & judgement skills
Essential criteria
* Relevant highly specialist experience post qualification.
* Experience in contributing to policy, planning and service development.
* Evidence of effective leadership.
* Evidence of facilitating change/innovation.
Desirable criteria
* Experience in operational/line management.
Planning & organisational skills
Essential criteria
* Ability to assume leadership responsibilities.
* Advanced negotiation and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills.
Leadership and managerial
Desirable criteria
* Experience of operational management and supervising other staff.
* Experience of recruitment and selection process.
* Experience of appraisal process.
Motivation
Essential criteria
* Strong self-motivation.
* Experience motivating others.
* Experience of facilitating change.
Additional Information
Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.
Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.
The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.
COVID 19 Risk Assessment
Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.
The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.
If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
Covid Vaccination Status
Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
* Job description (PDF, 584.5KB)
* Person Specification (PDF, 264.6KB)
* Understanding your right to work in the UK (PDF, 1.1MB)
* Employee Benefits (PDF, 578.5KB)
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