Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job overview

To provide an effective and evidenced-based Speech & Language service to adult in-patients with communication and / or swallowing difficulties within the critical care, medical and surgical settings. This will include patients on ventilators and with tracheostomy tubes in-situ.  The post-holder will be expected to co-ordinate seamlessly with other SLT teams within the Trust to provide prompt and timely management of acute patients, according to the demand of services.  The post holder will work as a highly specialist, autonomous practitioner, independently prioritising and managing an in-patient caseload.  The role will also have responsibility for overseeing the management of caseloads of more junior members of staff within the SLT department.  Participation in the development and monitoring of the SLT service to medicine, surgery will be required.  The post-holder will also be expected to continue to develop their specialist skills and to deputise for the Principal SLT as requested.  Supervision / management of other SLT teams during periods of sickness / annual leave will also be required.

Main duties of the job

To provide a highly specialist evidence-based Speech & Language Therapy service to critical care, medical and surgical wards for patients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties, including patients who are ventilated and have tracheostomy tubes in-situ.  Close collaboration with other members of the department and the MDT is essential.

To demonstrate specialist knowledge in the clinical area of dysphagia and acquired conditions underpinned by current evidence-based practice and outcome measures.

To demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge and skill in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with complex, acquired communication and swallowing disorders, seeking advice and in discussion with the Principal SLT as required.

To provide specialist training and supervision to less experienced SLTs on the management of ventilator and tracheostomy patients.

To demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge of the management of patients on ventilation and with tracheostomies, seeking advice from other clinical specialists, including the Principal SLT as required.

To provide training to the MDT on the management of communication and swallowing difficulties.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

***Please see the attached supporting document/s which contains more information about the role in the job description and person specification***

Please ensure your supporting statement aligns with the job description and person specification, as your application will be assessed against these criteria.