Dev Specialist Speech & Language Therapist, dypshagia & complex needs

Job overview

This is a wonderful opportunity to progress in complex needs and dysphagia.  The post holder will be part of our rich peer supported network in the Haringey Early Years SLT team and will have an interest in developing a specialism with a caseload of children with dysphagia, SLCN and autism. You will provide assessment and treatment on an individual and group basis.  Your caseload will consist of neonates to 5 yrs. You will advise and give training on AAC and autism to parents and EY Practitioners.   You will work alongside the specialists in this area and be part of a skilled MDT including PTs, OTs, dietitians, HVs, paediatricians, portage visitors and infant feeding specialists, with opportunities for joint working and interdisciplinary learning.  You will also work with and support more junior staff including therapists, assistants and students.

Your caseload of children will have SLCN and/or dysphagia and will include clinic, home and/or nursery visits.  You will advise/train carers and multi-agency staff on issues related to both individual cases and effective communication strategies/good communication environments. The postholder will demonstrate a high level of clinical expertise and participate in CPD to maintain and further develop specialist knowledge and clinical practice.  This is an opportunity for development in dysphagia competencies.

Main duties of the job

• To provide specialist input into assessment and therapy for children with SLCN (including autism) and dysphagia and their families (age under 5 years).
• The postholder will demonstrate a high level of clinical expertise and participate in continuing professional development to maintain and further develop specialist knowledge and clinical practice.
• To be involved in clinical governance issues by keeping up to date with developments in paediatrics, undertaking audits to evaluate practice and participating in research projects.
• To have a support role with junior colleagues, therapy assistants and students.
• To advise and train carers and multi-agency staff on issues related to both individual cases and effective communication and language strategies.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To take a specialist role in developing the SLT service to children with complex needs & dysphagia, including contributing to developing care pathways and packages, assessment, therapy and training materials specific to this client group.
• To assess, differentially diagnose, plan and implement therapy for children with speech, language and/or communication difficulties on own caseload.
• To carry out home, school and nursery observations as part of the assessment where necessary.
• To be able to gather information that may be sensitive or complex and analyse it as part of a full assessment of a client’s strengths and difficulties.
• To work closely with clients/carers and MDT using empathy, tact, reassurance and active listening to complete assessments, discuss results, and involve them in forward plans and any onward referrals.
• To reflect on clinical practice; adequately identifying strengths & needs of clients, reviewing their response to therapy and providing evidence of sound clinical judgement.
• To routinely overcome barriers to communication during assessment. This includes the use of sign, symbols or other AAC strategies with communication disordered clients/carers, as well as the use of interpreters for clients and carers who do not have English as a first language. Making sure to take into account cultural and linguistic backgrounds and disabilities.
• To seek second opinions from senior colleagues in complex cases.
• To produce accurate and detailed notes, reports, therapy programmes, advice and information as necessary in a timely manner.
• To provide advice/supervision to junior staff and students on a range of issues related to neurodiversity and assessment.
• To demonstrate highly effective personal coordination of day-to-day activities including prioritising caseloads, decision-making and problem so lving.
• Liaise with other agencies involved in the child’s care, including relatives/carers and education staff, as appropriate to the individual child’s needs.
• To adhere to and apply the Health and Care Professions Council’s (HCPC) standards of proficiency and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) code of ethics and professional conduct and all other relevant guidance from Whittington Health NHS Trust.