Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job overview

We are looking for an experienced Speech and Language to join our dynamic AHP team working in the Inpatient Mental Health Service. The post is to provide intervention for adults who have communication needs or EDS difficulties related to their mental health condition, acquired neurological impairment or autism.

The role requires post graduate qualification and competence in dysphagia. It would suit someone with the patience, compassion and creativity to engage this client group in the assessment and intervention process, supporting people to participate as best they can in their recovery. The job can be challenging but fun and the ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, resilient and have a good sense of humour.

The post is hospital-based and involves close MDT working, providing opportunity for development of knowledge and skills around this complex and varied client group.

Opportunities exist for supervisions and CPD, with training and development available to enhance knowledge, skills and confidence in working with this client group.

Clinical supervision is provided by the Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in line with Trust governance policies.

Although the post is based at The Caludon Center in Coventry, absence cover across sites (Warwick and Nuneaton) is a requirement of the post, so a car driver with own means of transport is required.

Main duties of the job

Assessing the EDS and/or communication needs of patients referred to the service. Formulating care plans from assessment findings, providing information, advice and guidance to patients, professionals and carers or relatives. Support the patient and all involved in their care to implement SLT care plans.

To work with patients and staff to optimise the patient’s participation in the process of treatment and recovery planning. Including leading the deliver of communication groups with other members of the team. Contributing to MDT discussions and case formulations; supporting colleagues and students in delivering the Trust’s contracted services.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work, including caseload management and direct clinical care. To work within the professional body’s code of conduct and scope of practice.
• Obtain and record informed consent from patients at each contact in accordance with Trust policy.
• Triage referrals and carry out comprehensive assessments. Interpret clinical and non-clinical information and use clinical reasoning skills to develop appropriate and realistic EDS and communication treatment plans. This will be within the hospital environment and in preparation for life post discharge.
• Provide advice and signpost, as appropriate, to other professionals to meet patients’ holistic care needs.
• Formulate and deliver individual treatment programmes based on specialist knowledge, differential diagnosis, evidence-based practise, national and local guidelines using profession-specific clinical skills and techniques. (e.g. standardised assessments, AAC, group and individual work)
• Work with patients and carers to identify and formulate client-centred goals. Demonstrate ongoing evaluation of client progress using agreed outcome measures.
• To contribute to multi-agency working meeting to share information and plan patient/client care
• Prioritise urgent or unexpected referrals, adjusting caseloads and allocations to meet revised needs.
• Assess and record competency of colleagues from other professions, non-registered staff and students in carrying out any delegated tasks.
• Identify and manage clinical and other risks. Record near misses and actual events through the incident reporting process.
• Develop own skills, knowledge and expertise through continuous professional development eg- attending and providing in-service training, shadowing, attending external events when relevant and appropriate to the needs of the service.
• Identify, plan, deliver and evaluate specialist training
• Actively contribute to the staff appraisal process as an appraisee
• Undertake measurement, evaluation and audit of the service to improve quality and standards, contributing to the evidence base. Promptly act on feedback from clients to improve their experience.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic and paper records of activity and contacts to support contractual requirements
• Undertake other duties when requested by professional or operational managers.
• To promote a positive and beneficial relationship with the patient, their relatives/carers and other professionals involved, respecting individual needs and promoting user participation in decision-making.

please refer to the job description for further details.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.