Job summary Are you interest in developing your skills within the acute setting? We are excited to share an opportunity to join our team at Leeds Childrens Hospitals as a Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. We are seeking a dynamic individual with the relevant skills to support infants and children under a range of specialities within Leeds Childrens Hospital. You will have the opportunity to develop and enhance your skills within a supportive and skilled team in the assessment and management of children with complex feeding and communication needs. If you enjoy working closely with the MDT and supporting patients and families on their journeys to reaching their potential, striving to provide the highest standards of care, then this post is for you. Both full time and part time posts will be considered. Expected Shortlisting Date 11/04/2025 Planned Interview Date 29/04/2025 Main duties of the job To fulfil this role you will be able to carry out communication and swallowing assessment on patients with diverse presentations and complex medical, 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. To work across a range of clinical settings. To be responsible for their own continuing professional and personal development. Excellent communication skills, organisation, team working & the ability to show evidence of CPD are required. About us Our Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy team provide hospital based services for children with complex communication and/or swallowing difficulties linked to a variety of acute and chronic conditions across a broad range of medical specialities at local and regional level. This role will also include working with SLT colleagues across these areas. This post provides excellent opportunities to develop skills as a core member of a well-established MDT. The post holder will join a highly supportive and innovative wider Speech and Language Therapy Service. The department works to the values of the organisation and everyone is empowered to embrace continuous personal and professional improvement. We offer comprehensive supervision in conjunction with a well-established CPD program and access to regular staff meetings. Weve created a culture where people take a real pride in their work. 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 21 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number C9298-CHI-0359 Job locations Leeds General Infirmary Great George Street Leeds LS1 3EX Job description Job responsibilities 2. JOB PURPOSE 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. To work across a range of clinical settings. To be responsible for their own continuing professional and personal development. 3. JOB DIMENSIONS 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. To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner within this specialist field 4. ORGANISATIONAL CHART 5. 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 6. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are: Patient-centred Collaborative Fair Accountable Empowered All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post: 6.1 Committed to the development of Speech and Language Therapy within the clinical setting 6.2 Committed to the clinical area maintaining high standards of care. 6.3 Committed to own development 6.4 Committed to maintaining high standards of Speech and Language Therapy clinical practice in accordance with relevant guidelines and policies 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. 9.4 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. Job description Job responsibilities 2. JOB PURPOSE 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. To work across a range of clinical settings. To be responsible for their own continuing professional and personal development. 3. JOB DIMENSIONS 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. To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner within this specialist field 4. ORGANISATIONAL CHART 5. 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 6. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are: Patient-centred Collaborative Fair Accountable Empowered All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post: 6.1 Committed to the development of Speech and Language Therapy within the clinical setting 6.2 Committed to the clinical area maintaining high standards of care. 6.3 Committed to own development 6.4 Committed to maintaining high standards of Speech and Language Therapy clinical practice in accordance with relevant guidelines and policies 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. 9.4 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. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent Health Professions Council Registration Evidence of successful completion of specialist post graduate short courses related to specialist caseloads including Post Basic Dysphagia/Cleft (as appropriate) Post Graduate training in and maintenance of: RCSLT Level C Dysphagia Training & Competency Framework An extensive portfolio and evidence of advanced personal and advanced/highly specialist professional development with skills, experience and achieved outcomes Desirable Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Clinical Educators Course Experience Essential significant post graduate clinical experience including relevant core areas Desirable Experience of MDT working in specific clinical area including paediatric dysphagia Additional Requirements Essential Reliable work record Moving and handling patients and equipment is a requirement of this post Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post Skills & behaviours Essential Knowledge and experience in a range of approaches to the management of patients in this area of practice 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 Good written, verbal and interpersonal skills Participate in clinical education of less experienced staff/students Ability to cope working in a stressful environment including the ability to impart information, on a daily basis regarding poor prognosis for rehabilitation Able to deal with emotional or aggressive patients and carers. Desirable Involvement in Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Interest Groups Ability to participate in the organisation of internal external clinical courses Competent basic IT skills Good presentation skills using various media Involvement in audit and an understanding of research and quality issues Person Specification Qualifications Essential Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent Health Professions Council Registration Evidence of successful completion of specialist post graduate short courses related to specialist caseloads including Post Basic Dysphagia/Cleft (as appropriate) Post Graduate training in and maintenance of: RCSLT Level C Dysphagia Training & Competency Framework An extensive portfolio and evidence of advanced personal and advanced/highly specialist professional development with skills, experience and achieved outcomes Desirable Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Clinical Educators Course Experience Essential significant post graduate clinical experience including relevant core areas Desirable Experience of MDT working in specific clinical area including paediatric dysphagia Additional Requirements Essential Reliable work record Moving and handling patients and equipment is a requirement of this post Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post Skills & behaviours Essential Knowledge and experience in a range of approaches to the management of patients in this area of practice 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 Good written, verbal and interpersonal skills Participate in clinical education of less experienced staff/students Ability to cope working in a stressful environment including the ability to impart information, on a daily basis regarding poor prognosis for rehabilitation Able to deal with emotional or aggressive patients and carers. Desirable Involvement in Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Interest Groups Ability to participate in the organisation of internal external clinical courses Competent basic IT skills Good presentation skills using various media Involvement in audit and an understanding of research and quality issues 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. 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. 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)