Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Macmillan and Outpatients
We are seeking a Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (1.0 WTE) to join our team at Darent Valley Hospital, a district general hospital bordering South-East London and North Kent. The post includes 5% cost of living supplement due to the close proximity to London.
The full-time post spans 0.6wte as a Macmillan Professional within the Macmillan SLT service (encompassing inpatient, outpatient and occasional community work) and 0.4wte of the general outpatient caseload. There is flexibility in this 0.6wte Macmillan and 0.4wte Outpatient split according to interest/experience. Job-share opportunities would also be considered, including flexible working options or for those only seeking work within a Macmillan or general outpatient specialty. There is strong admin support for both elements of the post, and regular internal and external CPD opportunities.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will see patients with an array of aetiologies, and will be independent in the assessment and treatment of a range of swallowing and communication disorders. Therefore, experience working with adult dysphagia is essential and work with cancer and/or voice is highly desirable. Both services provide the opportunity to support a diverse caseload with varying rehabilitative or supportive needs. Informal skills in counselling, as well as experience of student supervision, would also be desirable.
We have been running well-established FEES and videofluoroscopy clinics for several years, providing in-house training for more senior staff to develop expertise across the team. Basic knowledge and skills in these areas are also desirable.
About us
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Job responsibilities
The Macmillan service
The current Macmillan caseload is predominantly comprised of post-treatment patients with Head and Neck Cancer with rehabilitative or palliative needs. This role will provide the opportunity to develop and maintain specialist skills in these areas, including work with laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration (the post holder will be supported by the Macmillan SLT Lead). The Lead SLT is a core member of the Head and Neck Multidisciplinary team but dedicated expert SLT provision is also required for patients with other cancer diagnoses.
The role requires work across an inpatient and outpatient setting, with the latter thought to comprise approximately 80% of the workload. Community visiting is carried out in specific circumstances but equates to a small number per year; driving is therefore desirable but not essential.
The general outpatient service
This caseload principally includes ENT voice patients with organic and functional presentations, but also comprises a proportion of patients with dysphagia and/or various communication disorders including neurological aetiologies. The Outpatient Lead will support training requirements, though previous experience in dysphonia management is highly desirable. We run ad hoc SLT-led nasendoscopy clinics for dysphonia, and have access to a Voice Clinic off site.
The wider Adult SLT service at Darent Valley Hospital
Our friendly and driven team has expanded in recent years (17 SLT staff members) with strong and supportive clinical leadership across Inpatient (Acute/Stroke/Macmillan) and Outpatient (Macmillan/Generalist) specialties. We are passionate about service development including clinical advances to enhance patient care and actively support RCSLT initiatives such as Giving Voice. We also promote MDT and AHP liaison and networking, especially for cancer care.
The chosen candidate will receive excellent supervision and support from our well-resourced SLT team. They will be joining a welcoming, energetic and highly innovative department offering regular CPD opportunities both internally and externally.
Please watch our recruitment video to hear more. Watch Video
We would be very excited to welcome another passionate SLT into our team!
Person Specification
Education and Training
* Recognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
* HCPC Licence to Practise
* Registered member of RCSLT
* Successful completion of postgraduate training in dysphagia
* Experience of wide range of clinical settings and communication difficulties
* Relevant experience with patients with cancer and patients with voice/ neurological disorders
* Experience of giving training and presentations
* Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses especially in relation to cancer/ palliative care/ voice
Knowledge and Skills
* Knowledge of assessment tools including videofluoroscopy, FEES, and therapy management techniques underpinned by evidence based practice that are relevant to communication and swallowing problems
* Well established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group
* Well established knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic intervention relevant to client group
* Well established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to the client group
* Knowledge of the role and vision of Macmillan cancer support
Experience
* Significant postgraduate experience working with a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties
* Postgraduate experience of working in an adult SLT setting
* Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
* Experience with laryngectomy patients including basic SVR training
* Experience of working with patient therapy/ support groups
* Experience carrying out videofluoroscopy assessment including analysis and report writing
* Experience of tracheostomy assessment and management
* Experience of work using Telehealth/ digital platforms
Personal Attributes
* Flexible approach to work practice and time management, adapting efficiently in line with service needs
* Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills
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.
Head of Speech and Language Therapy - Outpatients
£39,205 to £47,084 a year incl HCAS per annum
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