Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Development Role

Job overview

Band 5/6 Development Post

We will accept applications from current band 5 therapists who are working towards dysphagia competencies . The successful candidate would then work towards band 6 competencies within the team and move into a band 6 role subject to the successful completion of these competencies .

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Speech and Language Therapist to work in the community CPFT Speech and Language Therapy Team. The post holder will need to be qualified to work independently with patients with dysphagia or have completed a post graduate theory dysphagia course and be working towards completing the relative competencies.

The post holder will work alongside colleagues, providing input to patients with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties. The postholder will be based in the  Cambridge/ Ely area of the County but travel across other areas may be required at times.    The successful applicant will join a friendly, innovative team of therapists and clinical assistants. The team meet regularly for meetings and the post holder will receive regular line management and clinical supervision.

There may be an opportunity to develop skills in the area of stroke or brain injury  or another area of interest to the candidate. We will also aim to secure funding to train the candidate in LSVT.

Main duties of the job

Please note for this role you will be required to travel independently around the county meeting strict time deadlines. You will need to hold a full UK driving licence* and have use of a vehicle. You cannot use public transport for this role as this is not a reliable form of transport and will not allow you to meet service needs. Please confirm in your application that you meet the specified criteria.

The post holder will work independently, providing speech and language therapy input to patients on an outpatient and domiciliary basis and input to the community hospital wards, providing a high standard of quality clinical care.

The post will involve working with patients with communication impairment, dysphagia and could also include some voice work, there will also be an opportunity to deliver LSVT to suitable patients. The team are currently redesigning the pathway for patients with Parkinsons disease and the post holder may be able to participate in this work.

*DVLA have a number of reciprocal arrangements with overseas countries, for further information please visit the DVLA website

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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

• To independently assess, differentially diagnose and develop and implement programmes of care for patients with speech, language and/or swallowing needs
• To make onward referral as appropriate
• To undertake a clinical caseload providing care to patients with both communication and swallowing difficulties.
• To liaise and work closely with patients, carer and families to establish agreed goals for therapy /management
• To liaise and work in partnership with other professionals and as part of the multidisciplinary team to ensure a well-co-ordinated care plan
• To participate in the department’s clinical governance initiatives, including computerised data collection
• The post holder must adhere to infection control procedures and policies
• To provide patients, families, carers and other professionals with information about the patient’s condition, taking account of information governance policies