Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Annex 21)inSt HelensinSt HelensPUBLISHED THU 31 OCT 2024

We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist who is looking to develop specialist skills in the rehabilitation of complex communication and swallowing disorders, within a close interdisciplinary team at Seddon Specialist Rehabilitation Unit. We would also consider a development opportunity for an experienced band 5 therapist looking for an opportunity to progress to a band 6 post within complex rehabilitation.

We are looking for a speech and language therapist that is committed to delivering quality, person-centered rehabilitation that maximises independence and helps people to rebuild their lives following complex illness or injury. As part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network (CMRN), we provide individually tailored intervention programmes to suit the need of patients who have suffered traumatic and life-changing diagnoses. We are a motivated, forward thinking interdisciplinary team that is led by a Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine.

This post may be offered under Annex 21 AfC Terms & Conditions, subject to experience, competency and suitability.

The role involves working with adults with acquired and progressive neurological conditions, and requires knowledge and understanding of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. The role also involves a complex dysphagia caseload and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop skills in swallowing rehabilitation and dysphagia management alongside a band 7 speech and language therapist. Opportunities to develop skills in videofluoscopy will also be provided.

The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and listener with a compassionate nature and commitment to delivering outstanding patient care, be willing to go the extra mile and think outside of the box. A flexible approach to day to day tasks is essential in order to meet the demands of the service. You will be keen to develop your assessment and intervention skills for patients with complex communication and swallowing disorders and be able to work as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team.

About us

KEY DUTIES

• To be professional and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients/clients in your care.
• To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients/clients under your care and support more junior staff to do likewise.
• To undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients/clients including those with diverse or complex presentations/multi pathologies; use specialist clinical reasoning skills and appropriate assessment techniques to provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition.
• Formulate and deliver an individual treatment programme using assessment, reasoning skills and treatment skills based on a sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and treatment options. Formulate an initial diagnosis and prognoses in order to recommend best course of intervention and develop comprehensive discharge plans.
• To take delegated responsibility from the Band 7 clinician for managing patients/clients with particular conditions and be responsible for providing specialist assessment and treatment plans for patients with these conditions.
• Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes as required.
• To have the ability to undertake self-directed/lone working in a variety of locations.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• To maintain Professional Registration
• To work within Trust clinical guidelines, HPC and RCSLT guidelines and to have a working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own and others quality of practise against these.
• To be responsible for a designated area of work, as delegated by a senior clinician. Plan and organise efficiently and effectively patient/client caseload, and use of time for self and more junior staff.
• To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out clinical duties, and to adhere to policy, including competence to use equipment and to ensure the safe use of equipment by others through teaching, training and supervision of practice.
• To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionals to promote understanding of the aims of treatment and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.
• To provide specialist clinical advice to colleagues working within other clinical areas
• To provide specialist clinical advice, teaching and training to other members of the MDT regarding the management of patients
• To train, supervise and performance manage more junior staff and students. This will include the use of formal appraisal documentation.
• To communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise potential and to ensure understanding of their condition.
• To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients/clients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
• To communicate highly sensitive information effectively with all patient groups/clients/carers where there may be difficulties in accepting or understanding information.
• To maintain tact and diplomacy and use highly developed communication skills when working in situations which may become hostile/antagonistic including potential complaints as per Trust Policy

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up to date documentation, in line with legal and local requirements, and communicate assessment and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines in the form of reports and letters.
• To undertake as directed the collection of appropriate data and statistics for the use of the department
• To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service. This will include participating in a variety of MDT, internal and external agency meetings and forums plus other forms of verbal/written communication as necessary including report writing and referrals to other agencies.

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

• To maintain own clinical professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments and incorporate them as appropriate into your work. To support junior staff to do likewise.
• To be an active member of relevant training programmes attending and delivering presentations and training sessions at staff meetings, tutorials, and by attending external courses and being a reflective practitioner
• To participate in the supervision scheme as supervisor and supervisee.

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To demonstrate leadership by means of:
  • Delivering change within sphere of practice, when and where indicated, to improve service delivery.
  • Influencing, motivating, supporting and enabling others to contribute towards the effectiveness and success of the Therapy Team
• To provide specialist advice and guidance in working with colleagues locally to ensure best practice across all disciplines in the assessment, treatment and long-term management of patients/ clients within sphere of practice.
• To deputise for the band 7 in terms of operational issues
• To take responsibility for their own specialist and complex decision making and the decisions of their team which effect service delivery
• To undertake any other duties that might be considered appropriate by senior staff.
• To participate in working parties developing policy changes within speciality which will impact on all service users.

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE, RESEARCH & AUDIT

• To adhere to the RCSLT code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and facilitate compliance of staff with local and national standards of practice.
• Implement policy and service development changes as directed.
• To demonstrate a sound understanding of clinical governance and risk management and apply to work situation.
• To undertake the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices through the use of evidence-based practice projects, audit and outcome measures under the guidance of senior staff. Make recommendations for change and to implement change.
• To comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures and to be involved in the reviewing and updating as appropriate.
• To support research activity within the Service
• To engage actively in practice development, evaluation, audit and research activities relevant to service to promote evidence-based practice.