Band 6 Bank Speech and Language Therapist

As a Band 6 Bank Speech and Language Therapist, you will provide specialist assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for adults with communication and swallowing disorders arising from stroke, neurological conditions, neurosurgery, complex medical conditions and long‑term health needs. Shifts may be in inpatient or outpatient settings where you will independently manage a specialist caseload while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred care. Support and supervision is available from senior staff in all clinical pathways. You will use advanced clinical reasoning skills to assess and manage complex communication and dysphagia presentations. You may be involved in supporting videofluoroscopy and FEES assessments, and work with patients with tracheostomies and ventilator dependence depending on your experience and competency development but this is not essential to the role.,

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge in stroke, neurology, neurosurgery, elderly care and dysphagia management.
• Work autonomously within professional scope of practice
• Assess, diagnose and manage complex communication and swallowing disorders.
• Analyse assessment findings and determine appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Use clinical reasoning to provide differential diagnoses.
• Make decisions regarding referral, discharge and onward specialist investigations
• Manage complex clinical situations with support from senior colleagues where appropriate
• Attend and contribute to multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Negotiate care plans and therapy goals with patients, carers and members of the MDT
• Communicate complex, sensitive and potentially distressing information to patients, carers and professionals.
• Adapt communication methods to overcome barriers associated with aphasia, dysarthria, cognitive impairment, hearing impairment and altered consciousness
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic and paper clinical records.
• Collect and record activity and outcome data.
  Degree qualification recognised by RCSLT in Speech and Language Therapy
• HCPC Registration / Licence to Practise
• Post-basic dysphagia training or equivalent specialist training, Specialist knowledge of adult acquired communication and swallowing disorders
• Ability to undertake independent caseload management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practice and outcome measurement, Postgraduate experience managing adults with communication and swallowing disorders

Experience working within MDT settings

• Experience of dysphagia assessment and management, Experience working in acute inpatient settings, Ability to work independently and use initiative appropriately
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload effectively
• Reflective practitioner who seeks feedback and learning opportunities
  Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations,operatingfrom three main sites at Southmead, Bristol citycentreand Weston.