Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Are you an aspiring speech and language therapist with a caring, compassionate nature? Are you keen to undertake training whilst working at Bedfordshire Hospitals?
This may be the opportunity for you!
Apprenticeships are proving to be a popular and successful 'learn while you earn' route to becoming a registered speech and language therapist and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are looking to offer this exciting opportunity to both our current employees and the wider community in partnership with the University of Sheffield.
Successful candidates will be employed as an apprentice speech and language therapist, on a 4 year fixed term contract and all trainees will be offered employment on successful completion of the course. Apprentices will be working in a variety of specialities across our speech and language therapy services at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
On successful completion of the training, apprentices will gain a BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy and will be able to work as a HCPC registered speech and language therapist on an NHS AfC band 5 salary.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.
Main duties of the job
The speech and language therapy apprenticeship course is a four year education programme delivered by the University of Sheffield which leads to a Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree. This is a nationally established apprenticeship utilising virtual delivery.
This apprentice role will provide a targeted pathway to gain the required skills, knowledge and competency to complete the degree-level programme. This will enable the successful individual to register with the HCPC and progress into preceptorship as a band 5 speech and language therapist.
You will combine working as a speech and language therapy apprentice with on-the-job learning, academic modules and practice placements. Placements will take place both internally and externally to the Trust in order for apprentices to experience a breadth of services and meet the practice learning requirements of the programme.
You will be required to carry out delegated work from the team in order to support the provision of individualised patient care under various levels of supervision, appropriate to your knowledge and skills.
You will undertake and complete all elements of the BSc Speech and Language Therapy Apprenticeship and will be supported to complete university virtual attendance one day a week.
Ongoing progression in academic study is essential for this role; employment will be unable to continue without academic attendance and eventual degree level qualification.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region, you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology.
Our Values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trust's core values. We achieve this by using values-based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job responsibilities
The trainee will, over the course of the 4 year programme, develop skills in:
CLINICAL
With support manage and prioritise a defined caseload and work with an appropriate degree of autonomy and independence, with adults across hospital wards, within outpatient settings, care homes and patients' own homes.
Identifying, assessing and diagnosing communication, voice, fluency and swallowing impairments and select appropriate types of therapy for effective treatment.
Delivering speech and language therapy input to adults with a range of impairments including; speech, language and swallowing disorders. You will have exposure to a range of clinical diagnosis including; head and neck cancers, acquired neurological conditions, progressive disease and care of the elderly.
Managing and prioritising a defined caseload and work with an appropriate degree of autonomy and independence.
Identify, develop and implement speech and language therapy approaches as appropriate.
Developing a differential diagnosis on the basis of evidence from assessment, and design appropriate input based on analysis of assessment findings, seeking advice as appropriate.
Demonstrating clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures.
Demonstrating awareness of scope of practice with regular support and supervision from a senior therapist and ability to seek clarification and report back to senior therapists as required.
The consideration and use of objective assessments to add to bedside assessments, e.g. videofluoroscopy, in discussion with senior colleagues.
Recognising signs of a deteriorating patient, and being aware of appropriate procedures to follow should this occur.
Providing advice and support to patients, carers and other MDT members through quality of life issues regarding eating and drinking risks, with regular support and supervision from a senior therapist.
Advice and support patients and carers with a range of impairments. As part of this, you will be involved in MDTs within and outside of the hospital setting. You will have access to supervision and support for complex cases.
Organisational and Managerial
Adhering to and complying with service and team plans and policies, including:
1. Ensuring understanding and adherence to Trust health and safety requirements, including attendance on mandatory training courses. To have regard to moving and handling regulations, restraining policies and the safe positioning of self and others.
2. Working within infection control and health and safety guidelines and being responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment, including equipment loaned to clients.
3. Participation in the Trust incident reporting and risk management procedures.
4. To participate and comment on proposed service/policy developments as appropriate.
5. Demonstrating knowledge of, and adhere to RCSLT Professional and Clinical and National and Local Clinical Guidelines.
6. Developing a working knowledge of relevant procedures/statutory requirements including: Safeguarding Children, Working with Vulnerable Adults and other legal frameworks.
7. Participation in the implementation of service/Trust Clinical Governance Plan.
Education & Training
Developing own clinical skills and professional knowledge through experience, training and supervision.
Supporting in the development and delivery of training to others.
Quality and Effectiveness
The trainee will be aware of, adhere to and implement service and team plans and policies, including:
1. Maintaining up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local Trust policies.
2. Providing activity data accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information promptly within Trust guidelines.
3. Sharing information with others, observing data protection guidelines.
4. Participating as necessary in activities related to research, clinical governance, clinical audit and service-based projects.
5. Supporting the collection of research data as required.
Professional
Uphold clinical workplace commitments alongside requirements for academic study, including attendance of quarterly progress review meetings and completing all necessary work within set deadlines.
Participating in the department appraisal scheme and being responsible for complying with agreed Personal Development Plans to meet knowledge and competencies.
Evidencing personal/professional development through the use of Personal Development Plans/ Portfolio as deemed appropriate by the HEI.
Participating in reflective clinical supervision with peers/clinical supervisor in order to develop and enhance practice.
Contributing towards the supervision of new assistants, students and volunteers upon completion of apprenticeship.
Contributing to the promotion of the role of Speech & Language Therapists to visitors, students, volunteers and other professionals e.g. at Careers Events.
Participating in and contributing to the organising and delivery of the departments CPD programme in collaboration with others.
To be able to respond to feedback (constructive or positive), from patients, carers and professionals. Responds appropriately, within scope of practice, and escalates/seeks support from senior colleagues as indicated.
Communication
Collaborative working and liaison over clinical matters with a wide range of professions across a variety of locations and agencies with support as appropriate.
Attending and reporting to case conferences/review meetings etc. for patients on the caseload, with support as requested for situations where conflict management/negotiation may be required.
Presenting and communicating complex condition-related information in such a manner as to motivate and inform patients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, agreeing decision-making relevant to patient management.
Attending and participating in professional meetings and other relevant meetings.
Establishing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships with other staff which are characterised by open communication, trust and respect.
Planning, organising and prioritising own workload, clinical and non-clinical.
Developing clear care plans based on best practice.
Providing advice including written reports to others regarding the management and care of patients with communication and swallowing difficulties.
Contributing to clinical teams both multi-disciplinary and uni-disciplinary by discussing own and others input around patients needs, ensuring a well-coordinated care plan.
The Trainee will;
Autonomously manage time and complete learning activities and assessments set by mentor and lecturers for the speech and language therapy apprenticeship.
Conduct clinical assessment / treatment with respect to individual patients' dignity, privacy and cultural needs at all times.
Remain flexible and respond to changing situations and priorities within the area and department.
Ensure that all patient records are filed accurately in the correct location in a timely manner.
Maintain up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate patient statistics in accordance with department, Trust, HCPC and RCSLT guidance.
Work within Trust-wide clinical guidelines, policies and procedures and also those locally agreed within the Therapies Department. Adhere to the RCSLT / HCPC professional standards and guidelines.
Attend university teaching activities weekly, engaging in course content and completing set workload.
Attend allocated practice placements agreed with the Trust and university and complete all associated learning required.
Proactively liaise with and arrange supervision sessions with apprenticeship mentor/supervisor.
Attend all agreed Trust mandatory training sessions at least annually and keep up-to-date with E Learning in accordance with the Trust's training and appraisal policies.
Work within the bounds of own competencies and recognise limitations.
Grades A-C/4-9 in minimum three GCSES including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2).
and
Three A-levels grade ABB or an equivalent level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC graded DDD in a health and care or science related subject.
Other qualifications accepted for consideration:
Access to Higher Education diploma in relevant subject with 45 credits at level 3, 36 at distinction, 9 at merit.
Other equivalent Level 3 qualifications may be accepted.
GCSE Level 4 or above or
IELTS grade 8.0 with a minimum of 7.5 per component Or an alternative acceptable English language qualification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Grades A-C/4-9 in minimum three GCSES including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2). and Three A-levels grade ABB or an equivalent level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC graded DDD in a health and care or science related subject.
* Other qualifications accepted for consideration: Access to Higher Education diploma in relevant subject with 45 credits at level 3, 36 at distinction, 9 at merit. Other equivalent Level 3 qualifications may be accepted.
* English Language Requirements: GCSE Level 4 or above or IELTS grade 8.0 with a minimum of 7.5 per component Or an alternative acceptable English language qualification.
* The Care Certificate.
* Healthcare related training.
Experience
* Experience working as part of a team.
* Experience related to healthcare.
* Experience of informal teaching.
* Knowledge of speech and language therapy assessments.
* Knowledge of speech and language therapy management / therapy.
* Knowledge of speech and language therapy policies and guidelines.
Knowledge
* Understanding of the role of a speech and language therapist.
* Understanding of the different clinical settings in which speech and language therapists work.
* Understanding of how speech and language therapists work as part of the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT).
* Knowledge of speech and language therapy assessments.
* Knowledge of speech and language therapy management / therapy.
* Knowledge of speech and language therapy policies and guidelines.
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.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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