Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job overview

We are seeking an experienced Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist to join our Learning Disability services in Peterborough. The role is primarily based within the Intensive Support Team (IST), providing specialist Speech and Language Therapy to adults with learning disabilities who present with complex communication needs and dysphagia, often during periods of crisis. The post also provides sessional support as required to the Hollies Learning Disability Assessment and Treatment ward, supporting continuity of care across services. This is an opportunity to work autonomously within a supportive multi-disciplinary team, contribute to service development, and influence best practice across community and ward pathways

Main duties of the job

To assume 100% clinical responsibility for the Hollies Speech and Language Therapy Service. The individual in this role will autonomously assess and manage a caseload of adults with a learning disability, which is highly specialised and complex. To oversee the delivery of a specialist learning disability Speech and Language Therapy intervention. Additionally, the post holder will manage all referrals related to communication and/or swallowing difficulties (Dysphagia) within the Adult Learning Disability Inpatient Services.

To provide professional leadership to Speech and Language Therapy staff (and students), including recruitment, clinical supervision, and collaboration with ward manager within appraisal, and professional development.

To offer highly specialist Speech and Language Therapy input into planning, development, and evaluation of learning disability intervention, holding responsibility for defined projects as delegated by the Hollies management team.

As an autonomous practitioner, to be responsible for and manage a highly complex caseload of adults with learning disabilities (including those with challenging behaviour, mental health, and forensic needs).

Managing such a caseload will involve planning and implementing appropriate clinical interventions based on the referral, evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of individuals' identified needs.

To take the lead in multidisciplinary/multi-agency working within the Hollies and with key partners.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please note for this role you will be required to travel independently around the county meeting strict time deadlines.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities.

• The incumbent will exhibit highly specialised knowledge and clinical skills and will have undergone appropriate post-registration training, including in the field of dysphagia management.
• To possess an extensive understanding of Health and Social Care policies and legislation applicable to the service user group, within the context of professional practice.
• To independently prioritize, maintain, and manage a complex specialist caseload within the multidisciplinary framework of the Adult Learning Disability Inpatient Service.
• To be highly proficient in assessing, identifying, treating, and managing the specialist health and communication needs of adults with a learning disability. This includes risk assessment, and addressing complex conditions such as dysphagia, challenging behaviour, forensic issues, palliative care, mental health, and epilepsy.
• To be highly proficient in identifying and implementing appropriate communication support, including manual signing, symbol use, accessible information, and approaches such as Intensive Interaction.
• To enable the implementation, adaptation, and use of alternative and augmentative communication across various communication environments, collaborating with service users and their support networks.
• To identify the need for and participate in the development and delivery of training packages aimed at enhancing the communication and other skills of support workers and others within the area working with adults with a learning disability.
• To utilize highly specialist observation skills to assess service users and care/staff interactions (including verbal and non-verbal communication), encouraging adaptive strategies to maximize effective communication while being aware of cultural or linguistic differences.
• To liaise and communicate effectively and sensitively with other professionals within the MDT and external agencies (e.g., Older People's Teams, Mental Health Teams, Drug and Alcohol, Palliative and Children’s Services, Local Authority), providing highly specialist advice as necessary.
• To develop close working relationships, where appropriate, with other agencies involved in current cases, maintaining confidentiality requirements to promote complementary working relationships and ensure quality service in relation to service user care.