Speech and Language Therapist - Band 5

Job overview

Would you like to be part of a large team of SLTs in an innovative and forward-thinking trust? If so, we would love to hear from you. The GSTT SLT adults with learning disabilities team covers the diverse boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham, making this an exciting opportunity to hold a varied caseload within an established and supportive team. You will be supported to complete your NQP competencies and to enhance and develop dysphagia competencies. You will be a key part of the SLT and wider MDT, and are encouraged to take part in service development projects and supervisions both peer and for other team members, therefore ensuring that no two days in this post will be the same.

We are currently looking to recruit to 1 WTE (37.5 hours full time) band 5 post. This post will be largely based in Southwark.

The post holder will be responsible for the provision of a cohesive and effective speech and language therapy service to adults with learning disabilities resident within the boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham.

They will act as a full member of the multidisciplinary team and work in accordance with the 4 key principles as stated in the White Paper – Valuing People Now.

They will also be a member of a larger community Adults with Learning Disabilities Speech and Language Therapy team which covers the boroughs of Southwark, Lewisham and Lambeth.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for the provision of a cohesive and effective speech and language therapy service to adults with learning disabilities resident within the borough of Southwark, Lambeth or Lewisham and are registered with a local GP.

The post holder will provide assessment, advice and intervention to clients receiving services from a number of appropriate agencies, such as Social Services, not for profit organisations, private and voluntary sectors.

The post holder will provide eating and drinking assessments and programmes to clients within competency.

The post holder will be expected to deliver training to staff and significant others in the areas of communication and eating and drinking

The post holder will be required to work across borough boundaries, accessing and recording information using mobile devices.

The post holder will be expected to develop and sustain professional relationships with the following key individuals and groups:

• Allied Health Professionals both within the Adults with Learning Disabilities team, the wider community and hospital setting
• Nursing and medical staff within Hospital settings
• Community Nurses
• Specialist Nurses such as Learning Disability Nurses
• Specialist Dental Services
• Specialist health services such as HEN team
• General Practitioners.
• Administrative and Clerical staff
• Mental Health and Learning Disabilities
• Direct service providers e.g. Non-For-Profit organisations, nursing homes etc

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To have responsibility for the assessment of, provide appropriate intervention for, and the management of client’s communication abilities and deficits
• To have responsibility for the assessment of, provide appropriate intervention for, and the management of client’s eating and drinking skills within clinical competence
• Responsibility for independently organising and prioritising caseloads within Southwark, advising line management of shortfalls and difficulties as they arise
• To develop and maintain close working relationships with colleagues in health, social services, education and not for profit
• To liaise with staff, support workers, tutors, professional team members and all significant others on all aspects of client services
• To act as a source of reference and advice for this client group within the borough teams
• To co-ordinate the interface with other service providers for the implementation of home programmes and appropriate input into person centred planning
• The maintenance of client case notes in keeping with professional standards, as per guidance from RCSLT and HCPC and local department policies
• To develop training packages for the implementation of communication approaches within a range of environments
• To assess client’s eating and drinking skills using a risk assessment model, taking into consideration complex pre-existing conditions, living situation and with due regard to cultural and legal issues, within clinical competence
• To write reports and guidelines using formats that are accessible to the person, carers/family ensuring that existing barriers to communication are accommodated
• To be able to use a variety of software packages including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Boardmaker, GRID 3, Inprint
• To be aware of the use and application of multimedia packages and equipment such as digital stills cameras, digital movie cameras and audio recording devices
• Any other duties designated by the Speech Language Therapy Manager, Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities compatible with the grading structure and sphere of competence.

Please see job description document for full information on description and main responsibilities.