Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Community Stroke

Job overview

We are offering an exciting  opportunity for an experienced speech and language therapist to join our multi-disciplinary Stroke Rehabilitation Team for a 12 months maternity cover post.

We are a specialist multidisciplinary team which provides stroke Rehabilitation to adults within Bromley. The team consists of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Specialist Nurse, Clinical Psychologist, Care manager and rehabilitation support workers all providing a goal focused rehabilitation service to patient’s in their own homes.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an innovative and enthusiastic team player to fill this specialist clinical position. We can offer a varied experience where you will be able to develop both clinical and managerial skills in a community setting.

You will receive peer support from another experienced Band 7 Speech and Language therapist in the team. Further supervision and support will be provided by the Lewisham and Greenwich community SLT Lead and the BSRT Team Lead.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Purpose • To provide specialist speech and language therapy input into a multidisciplinary, client focused therapy service for adults with who have a stroke diagnosis within their own homes or other community settings. The post holder will have specialist knowledge of adult neurology and sound knowledge of community environments. • To undertake advanced assessment, differential diagnosis and treatment of clients with a wide range of speech and language impairments and swallowing disorders arising from neurological conditions. These clients may have a complex or multiple pathologies. • To determine the speech and language therapy treatment indicated and to maintain records, as an autonomous practitioner. • To participate and advise in the management and development of the multidisciplinary BSRT team, so that it continues to meet the needs of the client group and responds to Government initiatives This post may be asked to be part of a rota for weekend working

Job function and responsibilities:

Clinical 1. To provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and therapy for clients with neurological deficits affecting speech, language or swallowing. 2. To develop a specialist knowledge within a specific clinical area. 3. To take individual responsibility for maintaining and developing clinical skills to ensure evidence based practise is offered at all time 4. To work autonomously and independently on a daily basis in a range of community settings, without immediate access to professional support. To be aware of when support is needed and professional boundaries. 5. To write reports reflecting specialist knowledge in neurology as well as being meaningful to the recipient. 6. To have knowledge and /or experience of using Low and High tech AAC with clients. 7. To provide advice to others regarding the management and care of clients with communication and/or feeding and swallowing difficulties. 8. To plan, set up and monitor treatment programmes carried out by BSRT rehabilitation assistants for clients on own caseload. 9. To demonstrate good negotiation skills across a range of issues. 10. To demonstrate skills in dealing with complex issues of the community environment; to generate appropriate strategies for caseload management without access to immediate supervision. 11. To ensure that clients are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their care plans wherever possible, using a bridges approach. 13. To adapt practice to meet individual clients’ circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences. This may include environments that are difficult or challenging. 14. To have current knowledge and skills in dysphagia caseload management. To liaise closely with the SLTs in acute settings and other colleagues to provide a seamless management of clients swallowing needs. 15. To demonstrate clinical expertise and knowledge on the latest research and evidence based practice for neurological rehabilitation.

Liaison, Teamwork and Leadership 16. To participate in the development of team objectives or projects in liaison with peers and seniors. 17. To work jointly with MDT leads to ensure a collaborated approach. 18. To participate in referral screening and to liaise with acute and community referrers. 19. To assume delegated tasks as requested by line manager, including participation in working groups and policy development groups. 20. To deputise as MDT team lead, in the absence of team lead such as during periods of annual leave. 21. To contribute to interagency/multi-disciplinary team building and policy development. 22. To be aware of, adhere to and contribute to the implementation of service and team plans and policies. 23. To use specialist knowledge to inform seniors for service/policy developments as appropriate. 24. To assist in ordering and maintaining stock of equipment for SALT team. 25. To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained – including equipment loaned to clients. Training and Liaison 26. To provide training on a range of topics to community staff and agencies. To co-ordinate and plan the delivery of the training programmes for team rehabilitation assistants. 27. To participate in the organisation and delivery of training to carers, nursing home staff, people in voluntary organisations, members of the MDT and other professionals as appropriate and to evaluate the effectiveness of the training. 28. To explain the role of Speech and Language Therapists to visitors, students and volunteers. 29. To provide support to students from other professional groups as appropriate.

Administration 30. To maintain up to date and accurate progress notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local trust policies. 31. To return monthly mileage figures, as required. 32. To keep monthly statistics in accordance with team and trust policies. Research and development 33. To participate in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness 34. To participate in departmental research and clinical governance/audit projects 35. To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate. 36. To work within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct

• To contribute to clinical teams both multi-disciplinary and uni-disciplinary by discussing own and others input around clients needs ensuring a well co-ordinated care plan