Job description

Job responsibilities

• To work within the Speech & Language Therapy service, developing effective clinical interventions in order to contribute to clinical practice in the team in line with current evidence base.
• To autonomously manage own clinical caseload of patients at a specialist level, assessing and treating patients and maintaining clinical records.
• To have proven specialist skills in acquired swallowing and communication disorders in acute onset and progressive neurological conditions, respiratory conditions and other presenting multifactorial medical conditions.
• Independently supporting complex decision making (e.g. supported communication in capacity assessments, involvement in decisions regarding feeding at risk)
• Discharge and transfer of care planning
• Training others
• Working autonomously and independently but also demonstrating awareness of when and how to access support from the Clinical Lead/s.
• Autonomous representation of Speech and Language Therapy in relevant clinical settings e.g. patient case conferences, board rounds and MDTs, discharge planning meetings, best interest meetings
• Prioritisation and delegation of day to day workload.
• To apply evidence based knowledge within the specialist clinical area acquired through experience and academic study to a specialist post graduate level.
• To act, within the Trust, as a resource and provide advice for Speech & Language Therapists and other professionals and colleagues within the MDT about the assessment, treatment, management and care of adults with communication and/or swallowing disorders.
• To work collaboratively with health and social care community and acute colleagues.
• To work with other members of the MDT to ensure effective care pathways and transfer of care / discharges.
• To proactively and appropriately facilitate a seamless transfer of care and continuing therapeutic management of adults with communication and/or swallowing disorders between care settings.
• To work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary manner within the MDT, being able to debate the blurring of boundaries across professions and where competent take on aspects of blurred boundary working, where appropriate.
• To develop specialist programmes of assessment, treatment and intervention for adults with communication and/or swallowing disorders, particularly following stroke
• To manage and prioritise the clinical workload as appropriate, working efficiently to manage professional time and delegate according to the training and competency levels of other team members to ensure the effective delivery of the service.
• To participate in the supervision process with staff on a daily basis and for students on placement within the team.
• To ensure a high standard of patient care is provided including implementing and reviewing clinical standards relevant to the work undertaken.
• To provide specialist assessment and advice for the multidisciplinary team and if appropriate actively participate in MDT clinical meetings.

Person Specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential

• NING Relevant Degree/Diploma
• Registered with HCPC & RCSLT
• Successful completion of post-basic dysphagia course or completed & documented competencies from in-house dysphagia training.
• Clinical Educator Training

Desirable

• Studied at Masters level or equivalent
• Training in instrumental assessment (e.g. FEES/Videofluoroscopy/ nasendoscopy)

Knowledge, Experience & Expertise

Essential

• Recent significant band 5 experience demonstrating ability to assess, treat and evaluate therapy intervention in adults with communication and swallowing disorders.
• Recent experience of caseload management, including autonomous management of complex cases
• Independent working in a hospital setting - including caseload management, prioritisation and problem solving without immediate direct access to senior support
• Representation of SALT in specific MDT clinical settings.
• Evidence of CPD, self directed learning and Reflective Practice.
• Experience in contributing to service improvements e.g. Audit, patient information etc
• Support of, and delegation to, less experienced /non qualified staff.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, NSF's and local/National initiatives

Desirable

• Experience in dealing with complaints (e.g. diffusing complaint or investigating complaint)
• Experience in community settings.
• Experience of instrumental assessment (e.g. FEES/Videofluoroscopy/ nasendoscopy)
• Post graduate training in specialist area, e.g. attendance at CENs in dysphagia, motor speech disorders, aphasia.
• Previous experience working at Band 6 level

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

Essential

• Demonstrates positive attitude and behaviours
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex difficulties and in difficult situations
• Recognises own limitations and has willingness to share and learn from others
• Ability to identify and articulate own training needs
• Proven ability to work well in a team
• Ability to make decisions and problem solve when dealing with complex situations
• Ability to organise own work and caseload and work independently

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 .

Employer details

Employer name

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Calderdale Royal Hospital

Halifax

HX3 0PW