Speech and Language Therapist, B5 (Rotational)

The post offers a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive acute inpatient team with high quality rotations in Acute Medicine, Stroke, and Neuro‑rehabilitation. The successful applicant will provide Speech and Language Therapy within each clinical specialty, remaining in each area for 9 months to develop a broad skill base.

Main duties of the job:

• Provide detailed assessment, treatment and management for an autonomous caseload of patients with acquired communication and swallowing disorders following KCH guidelines and standards.
• Provide cover across other parts of the SLT service and sites when appropriate.
• Deliver training and support to relatives and carers.
• Attend and contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, goal setting meetings and ward meetings, and assist with minute taking when required.
• Coordinate with community speech and language therapists and other professional organisations when patients are discharged.
• Provide timely and accurate discharge reports and include SLT information in medical notes.
• Take on the key worker role if required and maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Provide a 7‑day, extended‑hours flexible service as appropriate.

Governance / Quality Control:

• Maintain an active programme of continuing professional development and feed back to colleagues on completed courses or conferences.
• Recommend service development and governance improvements.
• Actively participate in relevant special interest groups and in the evaluation of intervention effectiveness.
• Contribute to departmental audit projects and research where appropriate.

Education and Training:

• Provide clinical training for speech and language therapy students (post‑qualification >1 year).
• Contribute to education and training of other disciplines in acute and rehabilitation settings.
• Engage in continuing professional development in communication and swallowing disorders.
• Use management support to drive personal development and support colleagues.
• Complete mandatory King's College Hospital training.

Research and Service Development:

• Participate in audit activity within the Trust.
• Engage in research initiatives in relevant areas.
• Publish and disseminate information from research and audit activities.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate and contemporary records in EPIC.
• Prepare and deliver timely transfer and discharge reports.
• Participate in annual job appraisal with a 6‑monthly review.
• Maintain clinical equipment and conduct inventory checks as requested.
• Support infection control and cleanliness of the hospital.
• Provide timely statistical data and attend team meetings.

General:

• Obey rules, policies, procedures and standards of King's College Hospital NHS Trust, and statutory and professional obligations.
• Live and role‑model the King's Values – kindness and respect.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient and staff information.
• Take responsibility for personal development and support colleagues.
• Be aware that the job description may change over time and is subject to review with the post holder.
• All employees must hold an 'nhs.net' email account.

Safe Guarding:

• Attend mandatory training on safeguarding children and adults.
• Familiarise with the Trust’s processes for reporting concerns.
• Report safeguarding concerns appropriately.

Infection Control Statement:

• Familiarise with infection control and hygiene procedures in clinical areas.
• Strictly comply with national and local infection control policies at all times.

Person specification:

• Education and Qualification: BSc or recognised postgraduate MSc or diploma in Speech & Language Therapy. Registration with the HCPC. Member of RCSLT.
• Knowledge and Experience: Experience working with acutely unwell patients in Speech & Language Therapy training/clinical experience. Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a patient‑centred manner.
• Skills and Competencies: Assess, diagnose and manage communication problems in an acute inpatient setting. Assess, diagnose and manage swallowing problems in an acute inpatient setting. Good auditory and perceptual skills. Willing to work in all areas on rotation. Communicate complex and emotive information. Basic IT skills. Work as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Professional and patient‑focused approach. Reflect on clinical and personal experiences and demonstrate learning. Professional presentation. Demonstrate King's Values. Manage own caseload and work autonomously. Make therapeutic decisions and recognise limits of knowledge. Organisational and time‑management skills. Self‑motivation and initiative. Flexible working patterns, including 7‑day service. Prepare teaching materials and participate in training. Remain calm and professional in challenging situations. Supervise students or assistants.