Highly Specialised Speech and Language Therapist
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced speech and language therapist to lead the speech and language therapy services for adults with learning disabilities in the London borough of Hillingdon. We welcome and encourage applications from band 7 applicants, or band 6 with experience looking to progress to band 7.
This is a rare opportunity to take the lead in the development of a safe and efficient speech and language therapy service for adults with learning disabilities. This dynamic role requires strong skills in leadership and innovation, in addition to previous experience of service development and delivery. We are looking for applicants who have a passion and commitment to working with people with Learning Disabilities and their carers.
Opportunity to work virtually for 2.5 days.
Main duties of the job
As the local lead for Speech and Language Therapy within the Learning Disability Team, you would be responsible for the development and oversight of SLT clinical pathways, supervising and training junior clinicians, in addition to managing a diverse and wide-ranging clinical caseload. As a part of the multi-disciplinary team you would provide advice and support to colleagues working with people with learning disabilities across the MDT and neighbouring services.
Candidates should have extensive experience of autonomously managing both dysphagia and communication caseloads. Relevant experience of service development and working as part of a multidisciplinary team is also required. Ideal candidates would preferably have some experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, though we would welcome applications from experienced therapists from other clinical areas who have a genuine interest in learning disabilities and are looking to develop their skills in this area. You would receive regular supervision and support from the Speech and Language Therapy Professional Lead in Learning Disabilities within CNWL, in addition to peer supervision with other LD SLT team leads.
Band 6 appointees will be supported to progress to band 7 level through an agreed developmental framework which will be overseen and agreed with the Professional lead for learning disabilities, and the Hillingdon community team manager. Please see job description for more information.
Job responsibilities
You should be highly skilled in the delivery of assessment, advice and intervention around communication and dysphagia for people referred to the service, their families and wider support systems. You should be able to independently manage your clinical caseload and have excellent clinical governance skills.
As the local lead, you would be responsible for managing all SLT referrals to the team, including appropriate triage and allocation within the timelines outlined by the service. You will also be responsible for ensuring safe service delivery and caseload management across the SLT service, and will provide regular supervision to more junior colleagues. There will also be opportunity for recruitment and interview experience for vacant SLT posts within the team.
We are committed to supporting continued development of clinical specialisms in areas of interest relevant to this post e.g. autism, dementia, dysphagia, AAC, mental health, positive behaviour support etc. There is also scope for shadowing and training opportunities across neighbouring services including acute SLT services at local Hospitals and Adult Community SLT services. You will be expected to contribute to the development of the wider community learning disability service, including input to new clinical pathways and Care Quality Improvement projects.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications:
* Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy
* Registered with HCPC
* Registered with RCSLT as a qualified practitioner
* Post-graduate / intermediate dysphagia certification or relevant experience
* MSc or equivalent post graduate study and training in specialist area
* Learning Disabilities, communication and dysphagia workshops and short courses
* Membership of relevant Clinical Excellent Network or equivalent
* Experience of carrying out highly specialist communication and swallowing assessments and intervention
* Experience and skills in working with people with complex health needs such as epilepsy, respiratory difficulties, postural needs and dementia
* Experience in participating in audit / research projects
* Experience in leading and/or developing a service/component of a service
* Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers and mainstream services in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users
* Significant post qualification experience in working with adults with learning disabilities
* Knowledge of the Positive Behaviour Support Framework
* Experience and skills in working with people with behaviour that challenges
Skills, Knowledge and abilities
* Highly developed skills in the assessment and management of complex dysphagia
* Knowledge and skills in using a range of communication assessment tools relevant to the client group
* Skills in using a variety of communication interventions including high and low tech visual communication aids, Makaton signs, Intensive Interaction
* Ability to work autonomously, on own initiative and under pressure to meet deadlines; & to make and action decisions independently within agreed time frames
* Excellent communication skills i.e. written, verbal, listening and proficient use of up to date systems of communication i.e. IT systems, e-mail, telephone etc.
* Computer skills (ECDL) to be able to complete electronic patient records such as Systm One, reports and presentations as appropriate to role
* Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills
* Effective leadership skills through the management of designated projects, audits and research
* Ability to implement a range of therapy outcome measures, evaluate outcomes and apply to service improvement
* Skills in supervising others including SLT students
* Skills in producing timely, accurate and informative reports and notes
* Excellent organisational skills to manage the demands of the role, including prioritisation of workload, delegation skills
* Highly developed written and verbal presentation skills
* Skills in developing and delivering training
* Ability to regularly identify and undertake appropriate learning and development opportunities as part of ongoing CPD
* Ability to ensure the application of risk assessment and risk management strategies which facilitates a service user's management
* Ability to identify and effectively manage performance of self and others
* Ability to maintain effective partnership working with resources both internal and external to the Trust.
* Knowledge and application of national policies and procedures (relevant to the client group)
* Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
* Experience in the application of the principles of clinical governance
* Ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team
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.
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
£51,883 to £58,544 a year per annum inc HCAS
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