To provide specialist Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) assessment, diagnosis and treatment to Stroke patients with communication and swallowing disorders in the community stroke unit. To work as a key member of the multidisciplinary team contributing to the holistic management and rehabilitation of the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) caseload. To support the Therapy Lead in service development, evaluation and quality initiatives in line with local and national drivers. To support the Therapy Lead in adhering to national and local standards set out for Stroke and rehabilitation. To provide professional support and advice to therapy, nursing and medical staff acting as a clinical resource for speech and language therapy in the specialist area of Stroke. DIMENSIONS The community stroke unit provides Allied Health Professional (AHP) led specialist rehabilitation to people with difficulties following stroke. Therapy takes place on the community stroke unit and is supported by a team of experienced multi-disciplinary AHPs, nursing staff and rehabilitation assistants. The team works closely with the Acute Stroke Unit based in Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS foundation Trust and the Stroke Early Supported Discharge Team (ESDT), the Community Neurology Service (CNS) as well as AHPs based in the Integrated Community Teams (ICTs) and community hospitals. The Speech and Language therapists contribute to the MDT rehabilitation of relevant patients and assist in the day to day running of the team, including training, referral management and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of self and others. The following responsibilities are associated with the role: Involvement in the Speech and language therapy strategy development and implementation, practice development and quality improvement Contribute to Speech and language therapy workforce development, education, students Participation in Speech and language therapy research, audit and evaluation Health promotion, Making Every Contact Count (MECC) Note: This is a non-exhaustive list and may vary depending on individual skill sets. CORE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Clinical To provide specialist differential diagnosis, clinical advice, as well as safe and effective care plans/therapy to clients with communication / swallowing difficulties; this includes analysis of facts and a comparison of a range of options for appropriate intervention, implementing specialist programmes where appropriate. To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner to work alone with access to guidance from highly specialised SLT within Gloucestershire Care Services. To be professionally and legally accountable for a designated patient caseload, to manage clinical risk and to decide priorities for own work area, balancing other patient related and professional demands. To assess patients capacity, gain valid informed consent to treatment and where such capacity is lacking/absent to work within a legal framework in the management of the patient. To provide advice and second opinions to SLT colleagues when necessary to support the clinical management of clients following a stroke. To assess and analyse type, severity and impact of complex conditions of speech, language, communication and swallowing impairments in stroke patients, through specific formal, informal and instrumental assessments. To provide advice and second opinions when necessary to support the clinical management of clients especially when wards require support to make complex multi-disciplinary decisions around the care of clients. To demonstrate clear communication skills when presenting specialist clinical information in both verbal and written formats when dealing with sensitive situations such as end of life. Professional To monitor and undertake audit as service demands in order to inform the SLT service and Gloucestershire Hospital NHS Trust (GHNHST) of development needs. Contribute to local clinical guidelines using specialist experience from specific area of work. To contribute to the production of the competency framework in the specialist area of stroke. To work with the departmental research champion for support to initiate research projects. To monitor and evaluate clinical effectiveness using provided support, evidence-based practice and outcome measures. To maintain up to date and accurate case notes, both paper and electronic records in line with RCSLT Professional Standards, GHC Trust Policy and departmental guidelines. To adhere to and maintain the standards and guidelines as recommended by the RCSLT and the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) codes of conduct and practice. To attend relevant training and development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge required of a specialist therapist working with a variety of patients and maintain up to date HCPC and RCSLT registration. To prescribe augmentative and alternative methods of communication (e.g. communication aids) and provide support, advice and training to clients, carers and professionals. To refer clients on to other services and agencies and to liaise with members of voluntary organisations concerned with the client group. To negotiate with carers/clients/others around individual case management, ensuring client involvement in their clinical outcomes. Leadership / Management To manage communication breakdown/conflict in complex cases and generates potential solutions. To attend departmental development meetings, presenting and leading as necessary. To provide clinical and line management supervision to colleagues including annual appraisal, training and support to assistants and students. To be involved in the management of issues relating to performance management. The post holder has no budgetary responsibility but will contribute to effective stock control and use of resources to support budget management.