Speech & Language Therapist - Part-time (Band 6/7; Neurorehab)

Overview

Speech & Language Therapist – Part-time (Band 6/7; Neurorehab). We are looking for a committed, compassionate, energetic and skilled individual who will work with a dedicated clinical team, patients, and patients\’ families. Reporting to the Director of Therapy Services, you will be part of a Multidisciplinary Team at the Hospital and provide a high standard speech and language therapy service to patients with neurological problems; performing assessments, diagnosis, planning and delivering individualised treatment programmes.

You will be responsible for the management of a highly complex and demanding caseload of patients with physical disabilities, neurological conditions, severe or profound learning difficulties and complex needs. You will be actively involved in the implementation of specific changes to practice and contribute to service protocols. You will also be involved in the provision of education and training to other members of the clinical team, patients, carers and relatives as appropriate.

Responsibilities

Provide specialist intervention demonstrating clinical effectiveness by the use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures while being able to adapt practices to meet individual patients needs.

Provide specialist therapy services utilising a variety of service delivery models including individual, joint, multidisciplinary and group sessions.

Develop and implement speech and language programmes for individuals and groups using expertise to create innovative and effective ways of working where appropriate to maximise individual patients potential.

Undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner, working with minimal supervision.

Demonstrate ability to undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients including those with diverse and complex presentations using advanced clinical reasoning skills and assessment techniques to record baseline measures.

Develop comprehensive discharge plans in negotiation with patients and carers where appropriate.

Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have ability to work within a legal framework with patients lacking capacity to consent to treatment.

Maintain accurate and comprehensive clinical records in line with Holy Cross documentation standards. Provide appropriate and timely reports and other patient correspondence.

Manage clinical risks within own caseload. Ensure equipment is appropriate, in good condition and replenished as necessary.

Work with the Director of Therapy to plan and deliver service developments for the therapy service and speech and language service ensuring it is in keeping with evidence-based practice and national guidance.

Requirements

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Valid HCPC registration
• Membership of relevant special interest group
• Evidence of post graduate training and experience in relevant area

About us

Holy Cross Hospital is a registered Charity and owned by the Daughters of the Cross. Our expertise is in the provision of neurorehabilitation for our patients. We presently have 42 inpatient beds, and we also provide OP Physiotherapy for the local community.

Our MDT includes a Neurorehabilitation Consultant, Nursing team, Inpatients Physiotherapy Team, Dietician, Occupational Therapy team.

We offer an attractive package as follows: Access to Blue Light scheme; Access to a pension scheme; Free staff car parking; Subsidised meals; Uniforms provided; Access to on-site gym facilities; Discount on musculoskeletal physio provided by Holy Cross Physiotherapy Centre.

Job responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Speech and Language Therapist

Responsible to: Director of Therapy

Accountable to: Director of Therapy

Key working relationships: Medical and clinical staff, all caregivers

The post holder will be expected to comply with the standards and codes of conduct as laid down by the Health Professions Council and be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of work, including management of patients. The post holder must provide evidence of current professional registration.

1. Job Summary

The post holder will be part of a Multidisciplinary Team at the Hospital and provide a high standard speech and language therapy service to patients with neurological conditions, performing assessments, diagnosis, planning and delivering individualised treatment programmes. The post holder will be actively involved in implementation of specific changes to practice and contribute to service protocols. The post holder will be involved in provision of education and training to other members of the clinical team, patients, carers and relatives as appropriate.

2. Main Duties and Responsibilities

2.1. Clinical: Management of a highly complex and demanding caseload of patients with physical disabilities, neurological conditions, severe or profound learning difficulties and complex needs. Provide specialist intervention demonstrating clinical effectiveness by the use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures while adapting practices to meet individual patient needs. Provide specialist therapy services using a variety of service delivery models including individual, joint, multidisciplinary and group sessions. Develop and implement speech and language programmes for individuals and groups to maximise potential. Undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner, working with minimal supervision. Demonstrate ability to undertake comprehensive assessments of patients with diverse and complex presentations using advanced clinical reasoning and assessment techniques to record baseline measures. Develop discharge plans in negotiation with patients and carers where appropriate. Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and work within a legal framework with patients lacking capacity to consent. Maintain accurate clinical records and provide timely reports. Manage clinical risks within own caseload. Ensure equipment is appropriate and in good condition. Plan and deliver service developments for the therapy service and speech and language service following evidence-based practice and national guidance.

2.2. Interpersonal and communications: Communicate clearly with patients, caregivers and family members. Motivate patients to engage in therapy using a range of activities and techniques. Attend and participate in relevant clinical, care and organisational meetings. Promote positive relationships with patients, families and staff. Involve patients in planning their programmes where possible. Contribute to planning, setting and reviewing objectives and projects in line with hospital business plan. Advise Director of Therapies on resources required. Contribute to induction of new caregivers and provide ongoing training for caregivers to maintain knowledge in swallowing and communication.

3. Professional Development: Maintain professional status and competence, engage in continuing professional development, and maintain a portfolio of CPD. Identify professional development evidence within annual appraisal. Contribute to education and assessment of performance of students. Participate in in-service training and undertake evidence-based audit and evaluation of literature. Work within safeguarding and related procedures.

4. Health and Safety: Work within the Health and Safety at Work Act and hospital policy for reporting accidents, hazards and risk. Maintain safety, confidentiality and dignity of patients. Ensure clean, safe environments and proper maintenance of equipment. Participate in infection prevention and control. Follow guidelines for patient safety, medicines and regulatory agency requirements.

5. General: Adhere to Data Protection Act and hospital policies. Monitor stock usage. Observe Equal Opportunities and diversity principles in line with relevant acts.

6. Miscellaneous: This job description outlines main components and may be updated with consultation. Additional duties may be required as reasonably directed.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of clinical governance and risk management
• Knowledge of relevant NICE guidelines
• Record of CPD
• Awareness of neurological conditions and tracheostomy related respiratory management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to share knowledge and develop staff in line with evidence-based practice
• Basic IT skills
• Ability to work flexibly
• Ability to prioritise and organise work
• Ability to delegate appropriately

Experience

• Evidence-based practice in assessment, differential diagnosis and management of neurological conditions
• Experience in prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) and tracheostomy

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• HCPC registered
• Membership of relevant special interest group
• Evidence of postgraduate training and experience in relevant area

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.