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- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities in communication and swallowing needs.
- Company: Join Sirona care & health, the largest provider of community services in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy NHS benefits, 27+ days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your skills in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Ideal for Band 6 SLTs or Band 5 SLTs with over a year of experience.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage all applicants to apply.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The opportunity has arisen for a motivated Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with an interest in working with people with a learning disability to take a Band 6 specialist role in the Sirona Adult Learning Disability Health Service (SALDHS). This is a full-time permanent position based across North Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire. The service hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
This post can be ideal for either a current Band 6 Specialist SLT looking to extend skills and experience, or to a current Band 5 SLT who has worked for more than a year and has already gained NQP and dysphagia competencies. Secondment opportunity within the organisation may be considered.
You will work within a locality multi-disciplinary team, with the opportunity to work with specialist SLTs across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire delivering person-centred care and training to care and support staff.
The post offers excellent support with opportunities to develop skills in:
- Assessment and management of communication, including lining with AAC
- Developing resources and accessible information
- Developing skills in Signing, using Talking Mats, and AAC
- Delivering training to carers and family members
- Opportunity to develop skills in managing eating, drinking, and swallowing issues
- Excellent supervision and peer support available as well as regular Journal Club and opportunities to develop care pathways
- Regular team meetings and MDT working
You will hold a clinical caseload of people with learning disabilities who have communication and/or eating and drinking needs. Our service users have a broad range of communication needs including supporting the implementation of AAC, the use of signing, Talking mats, Social Stories, and Visual support strategies. Management of complex dysphagia, including triage, prioritisation, assessment, risk assessment, and the development of individualised care plans as well as care and support staff education to support understanding and implementation of guidance given.
Your work will be in the community seeing people in their homes or other familiar and appropriate environments. You will also be working collaboratively within our multi-disciplinary team which provides a holistic approach to meet the service users' health needs. You will receive support from clinical specialist SLTs and the SLT Clinical lead to develop in this role. We actively encourage skill development and case discussion to ensure the team deliver a high-quality service that is innovative, safe, and continuously improving for a positive and meaningful service user experience.
Alongside your clinical caseload, there will be opportunities to provide advice, education, and training to health staff, social care workers, and family carers and information in a range of formats to meet service user needs.
We are Sirona care & health – England's largest provider of Adult's and Children's Community Services and we’d love for you to join us in Bristol, North Somerset, or South Gloucestershire.
Agenda for Change Salary, full NHS benefits, 27+ days’ annual leave, and participation in the NHS Pension Scheme – just a glimpse of the benefits you’ll receive.
We welcome and encourage all applicants. We are committed to having a workforce that reflects the communities we support and are proactively seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce. We know diversity fosters creativity and innovation.
We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We aim to draw upon the widest possible range of views and experiences to meet the changing needs of our colleagues, partners, and communities we serve.
Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare, looking for a fresh challenge within the NHS, or contemplating a career change, don’t be daunted by the prospect of something different – we create development opportunities for all our colleagues and apprentices.
Interested? View our benefits leaflet which you can find attached to this vacancy.
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Sue D'Alberti Job title: Clinical Lead SLT ALDHS Email address: sue.dalberti@nhs.net Telephone number: 07920703673
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist employer: Sirona care & health
Contact Detail:
Sirona care & health Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of individuals with learning disabilities. Understanding their communication challenges and the tools used, such as AAC and Signing, will show your commitment to the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current Speech and Language Therapists in the field. Engaging with professionals who work in similar roles can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-disciplinary teams. Highlighting your ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals will demonstrate that you can contribute positively to the team dynamic at Sirona care & health.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for continuous professional development. Mention any relevant training or workshops you've attended, especially those related to dysphagia management or communication strategies, to illustrate your dedication to improving your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills related to speech and language therapy, particularly with learning disabilities. Use specific examples that demonstrate your competencies in assessment, management, and training.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for working with individuals with learning disabilities. Mention how your background aligns with the role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the Sirona Adult Learning Disability Health Service.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly outline your qualifications, including any NQP and dysphagia competencies. If you have experience with AAC, signing, or other communication strategies, make sure to include these details as they are crucial for this role.
Showcase Team Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively with other professionals. Provide examples of past experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes for service users.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sirona care & health
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of individuals with learning disabilities and how your skills can contribute to their care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience, especially if you have worked with AAC, dysphagia, or in multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight any relevant training or certifications that demonstrate your capability in these areas.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As a Speech and Language Therapist, effective communication is key. Be clear and articulate during your interview, and consider using examples that showcase your ability to communicate complex information simply and effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, support structures, and opportunities for professional development within Sirona care & health. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
