Speech and Language Therapist

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Speech and Language Therapist with good clinical and interpersonal skills to join our friendly and supportive team and to contribute to the provision of a high quality service to a mixed adult in-patient caseload at University Hospitals Plymouth.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

You will play a key role in delivering high-quality care to adult inpatients presenting with communication and swallowing disorders, the key dimensions of this post include:

• To independently assess, diagnose and manage a caseload of speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Supporting safe and effective dysphagia management
• Working closely within a multidisciplinary team to support patient recovery
• Training and advising patients, carers, professionals, and non-professionals how to support speech, language and communication difficulties.
• Providing evidence-based interventions tailored to individual patient need

For further details please see attached job description.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Undertake a range of formal and informal assessments for communication and swallowing needs, analysing linguistic, cognitive, social and non‑verbal factors.
• Assess and manage inpatients with non‑complex dysphagia, identifying risk factors and adapting management plans as required.
• Gather, analyse and interpret information from medical notes, patients, carers and other professionals to support differential diagnosis.
• Develop and deliver evidence-based treatment plans using SMART goals, ensuring patients and carers are fully involved in decision-making.
• Monitor clinical progress, recognise subtle changes in presentation and adjust intervention accordingly, seeking senior advice when appropriate.
• Provide individual, group and generalisation therapy, and produce therapy programmes for assistants, carers and other professionals to implement safely.
• Ensure accurate, timely documentation in SLT case notes and medical records, including reports for clinical and legal purposes.
• Identify when onward referral, videofluoroscopy, FEES or multidisciplinary input is required.
• Adhere to infection control and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and activity data in line with organisational standards.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and share information appropriately, following data protection and information governance requirements.
• Participate in a 7day working rota, including weekends and bank holidays once relevant competencies achieve

Professional Practice & Governance

• Maintain HCPC registration and meet RCSLT professional standards.
• Recognise personal scope of practice and seek supervision or guidance when needed.
• Participate in clinical supervision, peer reflection and the annual appraisal process.
• Undertake regular clinical supervision with more experienced colleagues and to reflect on practice with peers to raise clinical competence.

• Engage in continuing professional development and maintain an up-to-date CPD portfolio.
• Adhere to local and national policies, clinical governance requirements and data protection legislation.
• Contribute to service evaluation, audit, research and quality improvement activities.
• Report and manage risks appropriately, following organisational procedures.

Training, Education & Support of Others

• Support the induction of new staff and contribute to the training and supervision of assistants, associate practitioners, students and volunteers.
• Provide clear guidance, demonstrations and written materials to ensure safe delegation of communication and swallowing programmes.
• Deliver presentations and training sessions, preparing resources where required.

Clinical Leadership & Service Development

• Support senior colleagues in maintaining high standards of care, including documentation review and monitoring staff–patient interactions.
• Contribute to service development, policy implementation and participation in clinical specialist groups.