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- Tasks: Join us as a Speech and Language Therapist, supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
- Company: Sirona care & health is the largest provider of community services in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, NHS benefits, 27+ days annual leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: You need a recognised qualification in speech and language therapy and relevant experience.
- Other info: This is a part-time, fixed-term role covering maternity leave, ideal for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 31300 - 37500 £ per year.
Main area: Speech & Language Therapy
Grade: Band 6
Contract: Fixed term: 9 months (Until end of December 2025)
Hours: 26.25 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm)
Part time Flexible working
Job ref: 083-6910191-MC-A
Employer: Sirona care & health CIC
Employer type: NHS
Site: Castlewood Town, Clevedon
Salary: £37,338 - £44,962 Per Annum, Pro Rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 17/02/2025 23:59
Job overview
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 part-time and fixed term post position to cover a maternity leave and is based in North Somerset and Bristol. 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 for 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 liaising with AACWEST
- 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
Main duties of the job
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 delivers 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.
Working for our organisation
Ever dreamt about a career that sparks excitement and fosters your professional growth? Picture yourself waking up eager to make a real difference in our community, surrounded by teams who value your unique ideas. It's time to turn your dream into reality! 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 we offer. 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Job Description for a full list of duties and responsibilities before applying for this position. Sirona care & health currently recruit overseas nursing and therapy staff through an NHS Trust Supplier and we adhere to the NHSE Code of Practice in relation to applicants from Red List countries. We are therefore, unable to accept any direct applications to this advert from candidates who are not already based in the UK.
Person specification
Experience
- Experience working with adults with Learning Disability.
- Knowledge of Speech and language therapy assessments and interventions relevant to Learning Disability needs including AAC, Signing, Visual Strategies and Intensive Interaction
- Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary and multiagency teams
- Computer skills including use of electronic patient records
- Experience of developing and providing training
- Experience working in the community with adults with Learning Disability with associated mental health needs and challenging behaviour
- Completion of audits and or research
- Experience of managing dysphagia in the community
- Experience of using Talking Mats
- Experience of using Social Stories
Qualifications
- Recognised qualification in speech and language therapy
- RCSLT approved Licence to Practice
- HCPC Registration
- Evidence of CPD
You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name: Alison Crawley
Email address: [emailprotected]
Telephone number: 0300 124 5888
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - ALDHS 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 - ALDHS
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of adults with learning disabilities. Understanding their communication challenges and the tools used, such as AAC and Signing, will help you stand out during interviews.
✨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 job and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multidisciplinary teams. Highlighting your collaborative skills and how you've contributed to team success will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest practices in speech and language therapy, especially those related to learning disabilities. Showing that you're proactive about professional development can impress potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - ALDHS
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 adults with learning disabilities. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your competencies in AAC, dysphagia management, and working within multidisciplinary teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for working with individuals with learning disabilities. Mention how your values align with those of Sirona care & health and why you are excited about this specific role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any direct experience you have had in community settings, particularly with adults who have communication and eating/drinking needs. Discuss any training or education you've provided to staff or family members, as this is a key aspect of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in healthcare roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sirona care & health
✨Showcase Your Experience with Learning Disabilities
Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with adults who have learning disabilities. Discuss specific cases or situations where you successfully implemented speech and language therapy techniques, especially those involving AAC, signing, or visual strategies.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, be prepared to discuss your experience collaborating with other professionals. Share examples of how you've contributed to team goals and supported colleagues in delivering person-centred care.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about how you would handle complex dysphagia cases or develop individualised care plans, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Inquire about the support available for professional development or how the team approaches training for carers and family members, showing your genuine interest in the position.
