Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist to join our experienced and dynamic Community Neuro Rehabilitation Team (CNRT) which includes the Stroke Early Supported Discharge (ESD) service. This post is based in the heart of Richmond. You will be part of a dedicated multi-disciplinary team providing a rehabilitation service to neurologically impaired adults living in Richmond, covering communication and dysphagia.  You will also assess and manage patients with a non-neurological diagnosis for dysphagia. You will be involved with training and education for patients, carers and care home staff.

The team is based in a modern and well-resourced rehabilitation facility. You will see patients in their homes and the outpatient clinic. You will work independently and as part of a team of experienced Speech and Language Therapists. The wider team also includes neuro specialist Nursing, Psychology, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Rehab Assistants.

The successful applicant will have previously worked in the NHS and will bring to this post experience of working in neuro rehabilitation with post graduate training in the management of dysphagia. With the support of senior clinicians you will have the opportunity to further develop your communication and dysphagia skills within this specialist team. The Trust actively facilitates continuing professional development opportunities in pursuing clinical excellence.

Main duties of the job

You will provide effective, evidenced-based speech and language therapy to adults with a long term or newly acquired neurological condition and presenting with communication difficulties.  This will include aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia and cognitive communication difficulties.

You will provide assessment and management for adults, with or without a neurological condition, presenting with oro-pharyngeal dysphagia.  You will refer patients for instrumental assessment as needed.

You will be seeing patients in the community, in their own homes or as outpatients.  You will hold responsibility for a caseload and work without direct supervision.  This will include the assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment and management of acquired adult swallowing and communication disorders.

There is a robust supervision framework and opportunities to access training and development.  You will work  closely with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to agree and support working on patient-centred goals, and make internal referrals.  You will be encouraged to participate in quality improvement projects for the wider team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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