Job summary We are seeking a B6 specialist speech and language therapist to our adult acute inpatient speech and language therapy team on a temporary 12-month contract. We require a dynamic, resourceful, and well-rounded SLT who is already experienced, or ready for the next step in their professional career. You will be capable of providing high quality care across Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHT) including differential diagnosis/management of adult dysphagia and communication caseloads across LTHT. A core part of this role will involve working collaboratively other healthcare staff to optimise patient safety, including provision of education and training to support excellent patient care and patient experience within LTHT. The Adult SLT service provides cross-site inpatient speech and language therapy input which covers Leeds General Infirmary, St James's University Hospital and Chapel Allerton Hospitals. You will have the opportunity to develop skills as a core member of the Adult Speech & Language Therapy team. The adult acute inpatient team covers multiple hospital sites and work across a wide range of specialisms and wards including Neurosciences, ENT, Oncology, Head & Neck, General Medicine, Elderly Medicine, Acute Medicine, Cardiology, Vascular, Major Trauma, Respiratory and Critical Care, as well as providing access to weekly instrumental assessment including Videofluoroscopy (VFSS) and Fibreoptic Endoscopic evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) clinics. Main duties of the job To fulfil this role, you will have excellent organisational and team working skills as well as experience of working within multidisciplinary teams. You will have experience of assessment, differential diagnosis and management of complex Swallowing and Communication disorders and developing and/or delivering accompanying training packages. If successful you will join a flexible, supportive, and innovative Speech and Language Therapy service comprising of over 40 SLTs. The Department offers comprehensive supervision in conjunction with a well-established in-service training, supervision, support, and access to regular staff meetings. These posts will involve flexible working and you will be included in bank holiday working rotas. Experience of VFSS and FEES competencies is desirable but not essential. About us Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) is one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe, a regional and national centre for specialist treatment, a renowned biomedical research facility, and the local hospital for the Leeds community. Every year, LTHT provides healthcare and specialist services for people from the city of Leeds, Yorkshire and the Humber and beyond. The Trust plays an important role in the training and education of medical, nursing and dental students and it is a centre of world-class research, pioneering new treatments.1.5 million patients are treated every year, including more than 200,000 emergency patients. The Trust spends around £1.34 billion of NHS money, treating illness and disease in Leeds and on specialised services for people across Yorkshire and the Humber and nationally. Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions. Date posted 07 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number C9298-ATH-409 Job locations Leeds General Infirmary Great George Street Leeds LS1 3EX Job description Job responsibilities Expected Shortlisting Date 29/04/2025 Planned Interview Date 05/05/2025 JOB PURPOSE 2.1 To perform communication and swallowing assessment on patients with diverse presentations and complex neurological and psychological conditions, to provide a diagnosis and develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme. Provide equitable, evidence-based input at the appropriate points along the care pathway ensuring all patients have opportunity to maximise their swallowing and communication function. 2.2 To work across a range of clinical settings. 2.3 To be responsible for their own continuing professional and personal development. 3. JOB DIMENSIONS 3.1 To hold responsibility for own case load and be responsible for a defined area of the service or a particular patient type, working without direct supervision. Access to advice and support from a senior Speech and Language Therapist is available if required, clinical work is not routinely evaluated. 3.2 To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner within this specialist field. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 5.1 Qualifications 5.1.1 SLT Degree or equivalent 5.1.2 Attendance on relevant post graduate courses 5.2 Experience 5.2.1 Significant experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist 5.2.2 Working with a wide range of professionals including medical, nursing and therapy colleagues 5.3 Skills 5.3.1 Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing 5.3.2 Ability to prioritise, organise and allocate workload 5.3.3 Time management skills 5.4 Knowledge 5.4.1 Insight into clinical specialty e.g. thorough academic study at post graduate level or equivalent 5.4.2 Insight into current professional issues and those influencing the NHS 5.4.3 Standards of professional practice 5.5 Personal Attributes 5.5.1 Professional and patient focused 5.5.2 Ability to work independently and as part of a team 5.5.3 Flexible, adaptable, capable of lateral thinking 5.5.4 Good interpersonal skills 7. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS 7.1 Teaching skills with the ability to use various media 7.2 Communication skills 7.3 Time management skills 7.4 Team player 7.5 Professional 7.6 Research conscious 8. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING 8.1 An understanding of the organisational structure and working practices of this specialist area. 8.2 To have a working knowledge of Professional Standards set by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, Health Professions Council and National Standards e.g. NSFs 9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 9.1 Clinical 9.1.1 To be professional and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work relating to the assessment and treatment of patients in your care undertaking clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner. 9.1.2 To undertake the comprehensive assessment and treatment of patients including those with diverse/complex /multi pathological presentation. This will necessitate the use of investigative and analytical skills to formulate an accurate diagnosis and treatment from a range of options. 9.1.3 Using investigative and analytical skills to formulate individualised management and treatment plans including the development of comprehensive discharge plans. 9.1.4 To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time. 9.1.5 To demonstrate dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory skills in the assessment and manual treatment of patients. 9.1.6 To develop and deliver the Speech and Language Therapy element of the rehabilitation programme, and on occasion to deliver some elements normally undertaken by nursing or occupational therapy colleagues. 9.1.7 Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress treatment and rehabilitation programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating. 9.1.8 Ability to work in a stressful environment imparting information regarding poor rehabilitation prognosis on a daily basis. 9.1.9 Ability to deal effectively with emotional and/or aggressive patients and/or carers on a daily basis. This will necessitate the use of communication skills e.g. to motivate and reassure. 9.1.10 Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent working as a facilitator in this process and have the knowledge to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. 9.1.11 To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under your management and support more junior staff/students to do likewise. 9.1.12 Formulate and deliver Speech and Language Therapy treatment programmes based on a sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options using clinical assessment, reasoning skills and knowledge of treatment options e.g. Speech and Language Therapy assessments, individual treatment programs, clinics and other alternative options 9.1.13 Represent the Speech and Language Therapy service and /or individual patients at multi-disciplinary team meetings, to ensure the delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service, and integration of Speech and Language Therapy treatment. This will include discussion of patient care, patient progress and involvement in discharge planning. 9.2 Education and Training 9.2.1 To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of Speech and Language Therapy, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care. 9.2.2 To communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of their condition. 9.2.3 Be an active member of the in-service training programme by attendance at, and participation in, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses, peer review and reflective practice. 9.2.4 To contribute to the teaching of student Speech and Language Therapists to graduate level on Speech and Language Therapy skills and knowledge within core clinical areas. 9.2.5 Teach, assess and contribute to the performance assessment and appraisal of junior Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy assistant staff. 9.2.6 To provide daily support, guidance and training to junior Speech and Language Therapists, support workers and students, assessing, evaluating and ensuring competence. 9.3 Professional and Managerial 9.3.1 Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence based practice in the areas of each rotation, developing knowledge of a variety of conditions and patient types. 9.3.2 As a senior member of the clinical team you may be required to ensure that you implement policy and service development changes and ensure others do likewise. 9.3.3 To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through Continued Professional Development activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects your own personal development. 9.3.4 To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and therapy colleagues to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service. This will include case conferences, ward rounds and discharge planning as appropriate. 9.3.5 To participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and appraiser and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies. 9.3.6 To undertake the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices through the use of evidence based projects, audit and outcome measures, either individually or with others. Make recommendations for change as appropriate. 9.3.7 To demonstrate an understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management and apply to work situation. 9.3.8 To maintain own continuing professional development by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments, incorporating them as necessary into your work. 9.3.9 In the absence of a senior staff member to supervise more junior staff, technical instructors, assistants and students. 9.3.10 To allocate individual tasks to more junior staff and support workers as required. Organisational 9.4.1 To be responsible for a designated area of work, as agreed with the Superintendent Speech and Language Therapists and to plan and organise efficiently and effectively with regard to patients management and use of time. 9.4.2 To decide priorities for own workload, balancing other patient related demands. 9.4.3 To be responsible for the safe and competent use of individually prescribed equipment used by patients and general therapy equipment used by Speech and Language Therapy staff through teaching, and supervision of practice. 9.4.4 To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date documentation, in line with legal and departmental requirements, and communicate assessment and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines in the form of verbal/written reports/letters. 9.4.5 To be actively involved in the collection of appropriate data and statistics for the use of the department. 9.4.6 To be aware of Health and Safety aspects of your work and implement any policies, which may be required to improve the safety of your work area, including your prompt recording and reporting of accidents to senior staff, and ensuring that equipment use is safe. 9.4.7 To comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures and to be involved in their reviewing as appropriate. 9.4.8 To undertake any other duties that might be considered appropriate by the Clinical Lead or the Head of Speech and Language Therapy. Job description Job responsibilities Expected Shortlisting Date 29/04/2025 Planned Interview Date 05/05/2025 JOB PURPOSE 2.1 To perform communication and swallowing assessment on patients with diverse presentations and complex neurological and psychological conditions, to provide a diagnosis and develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme. Provide equitable, evidence-based input at the appropriate points along the care pathway ensuring all patients have opportunity to maximise their swallowing and communication function. 2.2 To work across a range of clinical settings. 2.3 To be responsible for their own continuing professional and personal development. 3. JOB DIMENSIONS 3.1 To hold responsibility for own case load and be responsible for a defined area of the service or a particular patient type, working without direct supervision. Access to advice and support from a senior Speech and Language Therapist is available if required, clinical work is not routinely evaluated. 3.2 To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner within this specialist field. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 5.1 Qualifications 5.1.1 SLT Degree or equivalent 5.1.2 Attendance on relevant post graduate courses 5.2 Experience 5.2.1 Significant experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist 5.2.2 Working with a wide range of professionals including medical, nursing and therapy colleagues 5.3 Skills 5.3.1 Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing 5.3.2 Ability to prioritise, organise and allocate workload 5.3.3 Time management skills 5.4 Knowledge 5.4.1 Insight into clinical specialty e.g. thorough academic study at post graduate level or equivalent 5.4.2 Insight into current professional issues and those influencing the NHS 5.4.3 Standards of professional practice 5.5 Personal Attributes 5.5.1 Professional and patient focused 5.5.2 Ability to work independently and as part of a team 5.5.3 Flexible, adaptable, capable of lateral thinking 5.5.4 Good interpersonal skills 7. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS 7.1 Teaching skills with the ability to use various media 7.2 Communication skills 7.3 Time management skills 7.4 Team player 7.5 Professional 7.6 Research conscious 8. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING 8.1 An understanding of the organisational structure and working practices of this specialist area. 8.2 To have a working knowledge of Professional Standards set by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, Health Professions Council and National Standards e.g. NSFs 9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 9.1 Clinical 9.1.1 To be professional and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work relating to the assessment and treatment of patients in your care undertaking clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner. 9.1.2 To undertake the comprehensive assessment and treatment of patients including those with diverse/complex /multi pathological presentation. This will necessitate the use of investigative and analytical skills to formulate an accurate diagnosis and treatment from a range of options. 9.1.3 Using investigative and analytical skills to formulate individualised management and treatment plans including the development of comprehensive discharge plans. 9.1.4 To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time. 9.1.5 To demonstrate dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory skills in the assessment and manual treatment of patients. 9.1.6 To develop and deliver the Speech and Language Therapy element of the rehabilitation programme, and on occasion to deliver some elements normally undertaken by nursing or occupational therapy colleagues. 9.1.7 Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress treatment and rehabilitation programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating. 9.1.8 Ability to work in a stressful environment imparting information regarding poor rehabilitation prognosis on a daily basis. 9.1.9 Ability to deal effectively with emotional and/or aggressive patients and/or carers on a daily basis. This will necessitate the use of communication skills e.g. to motivate and reassure. 9.1.10 Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent working as a facilitator in this process and have the knowledge to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. 9.1.11 To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under your management and support more junior staff/students to do likewise. 9.1.12 Formulate and deliver Speech and Language Therapy treatment programmes based on a sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options using clinical assessment, reasoning skills and knowledge of treatment options e.g. Speech and Language Therapy assessments, individual treatment programs, clinics and other alternative options 9.1.13 Represent the Speech and Language Therapy service and /or individual patients at multi-disciplinary team meetings, to ensure the delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service, and integration of Speech and Language Therapy treatment. This will include discussion of patient care, patient progress and involvement in discharge planning. 9.2 Education and Training 9.2.1 To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of Speech and Language Therapy, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care. 9.2.2 To communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of their condition. 9.2.3 Be an active member of the in-service training programme by attendance at, and participation in, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses, peer review and reflective practice. 9.2.4 To contribute to the teaching of student Speech and Language Therapists to graduate level on Speech and Language Therapy skills and knowledge within core clinical areas. 9.2.5 Teach, assess and contribute to the performance assessment and appraisal of junior Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy assistant staff. 9.2.6 To provide daily support, guidance and training to junior Speech and Language Therapists, support workers and students, assessing, evaluating and ensuring competence. 9.3 Professional and Managerial 9.3.1 Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence based practice in the areas of each rotation, developing knowledge of a variety of conditions and patient types. 9.3.2 As a senior member of the clinical team you may be required to ensure that you implement policy and service development changes and ensure others do likewise. 9.3.3 To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through Continued Professional Development activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects your own personal development. 9.3.4 To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and therapy colleagues to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service. This will include case conferences, ward rounds and discharge planning as appropriate. 9.3.5 To participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and appraiser and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies. 9.3.6 To undertake the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices through the use of evidence based projects, audit and outcome measures, either individually or with others. Make recommendations for change as appropriate. 9.3.7 To demonstrate an understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management and apply to work situation. 9.3.8 To maintain own continuing professional development by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments, incorporating them as necessary into your work. 9.3.9 In the absence of a senior staff member to supervise more junior staff, technical instructors, assistants and students. 9.3.10 To allocate individual tasks to more junior staff and support workers as required. Organisational 9.4.1 To be responsible for a designated area of work, as agreed with the Superintendent Speech and Language Therapists and to plan and organise efficiently and effectively with regard to patients management and use of time. 9.4.2 To decide priorities for own workload, balancing other patient related demands. 9.4.3 To be responsible for the safe and competent use of individually prescribed equipment used by patients and general therapy equipment used by Speech and Language Therapy staff through teaching, and supervision of practice. 9.4.4 To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date documentation, in line with legal and departmental requirements, and communicate assessment and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines in the form of verbal/written reports/letters. 9.4.5 To be actively involved in the collection of appropriate data and statistics for the use of the department. 9.4.6 To be aware of Health and Safety aspects of your work and implement any policies, which may be required to improve the safety of your work area, including your prompt recording and reporting of accidents to senior staff, and ensuring that equipment use is safe. 9.4.7 To comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures and to be involved in their reviewing as appropriate. 9.4.8 To undertake any other duties that might be considered appropriate by the Clinical Lead or the Head of Speech and Language Therapy. Person Specification Other Criteria Essential Professional, hard working and flexible with a positive attitude Confident and able to take appropriate responsibilities Use transferable skills to ensure effective patient care Contribute to effective team working including prioritisation, organisation of self and others and delegation of work load Participate in clinical education of less experienced staff/students Qualifications Essential Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent Health Professions Council Registration Experience Essential significant post graduate clinical experience including relevant core areas Person Specification Other Criteria Essential Professional, hard working and flexible with a positive attitude Confident and able to take appropriate responsibilities Use transferable skills to ensure effective patient care Contribute to effective team working including prioritisation, organisation of self and others and delegation of work load Participate in clinical education of less experienced staff/students Qualifications Essential Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent Health Professions Council Registration Experience Essential significant post graduate clinical experience including relevant core areas 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 Leeds Teaching Hospitals Address Leeds General Infirmary Great George Street Leeds LS1 3EX Employer's website https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)