Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
An exciting opportunity within the Community Stroke service (CSRT) has arisen for a motivated, creative Specialist Speech and Language Therapist who has a strong interest in stroke rehabilitation. The successful candidate will have completed post-basic dysphagia training with experience of working with stroke patients and be based at Sedgefield Community Hospital as part of a multi-disciplinary stroke team. The Band 6 post will be supported by senior staff to ensure that the successful applicant continues to develop a broad range of specialist competencies that meet the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy standards.
We can offer a robust team approach to caseload management; a well-established network of support from peers and collaborative working with a team of highly skilled Therapy Assistants. The postholder will also benefit from clinical support from the SALT professional leads within the Trust.
Applications from band 5s with significant experience looking to make the step to band 6 will be considered and there will be support within the Trust to achieve this transition. Please call for a discussion and arrange a visit to our offices in Sedgefield and to the team.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a skilled Speech and Language Therapist to assess, develop, and implement effective treatment plans for community-based patients. Your clinical expertise will be pivotal in writing comprehensive reports and providing targeted therapeutic interventions with evaluations of outcomes.
1. Independently manage and prioritize a complex caseload of stroke patients.
2. Collaborate closely with colleagues and relevant agencies for information exchange and attendance at weekly MDT meetings.
3. Provide advice and support to patients, caregivers, and volunteers on communication and swallowing difficulties post-stroke.
4. Participate in evaluating service provision, exploring different work methods, and assessing therapy outcomes.
5. Supervise students and assistants and contribute to in-service training initiatives.
6. Participate with professional SALT leads for regular CPD and clinical supervision.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community-based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
From April 1, 2024, we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary. If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Job responsibilities
The Community stroke team offers a supportive team of experienced colleagues allowing ready access to support second opinions and ongoing peer supervision to deliver evidence-based practice assessment and therapy to patients across all settings.
You will help supervise speech and language therapy students, as well as contribute to the delivery of teaching programmes to a wide range of community professionals enhancing patient care.
We can offer you a challenging and rewarding post that includes:
* Clinical supervision
* Monthly staff meetings, regular management supervision and peer support groups
* In-Service Training
* Well-resourced department with up-to-date technology
* Good access to communication aids/iPads and apps
* Mobile-working laptop and mobile phone
* Professional Lead in Speech and Language Therapy and Clinical Leads in all specialist areas
* Weekly SLT-led VFSS/FEES
* Good IT access
If successful you will be required to undertake a CRB check. A copy of the Code of Practice is available on request.
Please note this position requires a Disclosure Barring Service check (DBS) formerly.
To apply please go to www.jobs.nhs.uk quoting the job reference number.
IN LINE WITH NHS EMPLOYMENT CHECK STANDARDS, YOU MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE WRITTEN REFERENCES COVERING A MINIMUM OF 3 YEARS PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND/OR TRAINING.
The Trust has core values of Quality, Care, Respect, Leadership and Achievement which it expects all employees to demonstrate. Full details of these are available on the Trust website:
Core Values
We positively welcome applications from all sections of the community and actively promote equal opportunities.
Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applicants and those who are not contacted within 6 weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.
Person Specification
Special Requirements
* Ability to travel independently county wide and carry small items of equipment on a daily basis. Ability to meet physical demands of the post.
* Commitment, motivation and ability to work flexibly within a multidisciplinary service.
Experience
* Experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist.
Statutory Registration
* Health Professionals Council License to Practice.
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Knowledge and understanding of national and local Health/education/Social Care Policies and practices.
* Understanding of a range of work procedures and practices which requires expertise within a specialism or discipline, underpinned by theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience.
* Knowledge and understanding of a range of procedures and practices relating to the identification, definition diagnosis and remediation of disorders of human communication, some of which are non-routine.
* Ability to make judgements involving a range of facts or situations which require the analysis or comparison of a range of options.
* Planning and organisational skills applicable to handling a small number of complex activities that may require the formulation and adjustment of plans.
* High level interpersonal and communication skills persuasion, negotiation, training, empathy and reassurance.
* Ability to communicate complex, sensitive information.
Qualifications
* Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent as recognised by RCSLT.
* Evidence of successful completion of non-specialist short courses including post-basic dysphagia or equivalent.
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.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
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