Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Annex 21)

Job overview

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist – Complex Rehabilitation

Seddon Suite Specialist Rehab Unit – St Helens Hospital

Band 6 (Annex 21 will be considered)

• hours per week

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, person-centered speech and language therapist with a passion for rehabilitation. We have an exciting opportunity for a band 6 speech and language therapist 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 to maximise independence and help 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 needs 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.

The JD & PS are currently under AfC review and are subject to change.

Main duties of the job

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 is essential 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.

We offer an excellent staff supervision system enabling our team to develop both the service and themselves. Support from a Band 7 Speech and language therapist will be provided as well as opportunities for CPD within MWL and across CMRN.

All posts are subjected to medicals and enhanced CRB checks. Please note that if you are successful you will be expected to pay for the cost of the enhanced CRB disclosure which is £44 and will be deducted from your first salary.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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