Specialist Speech and Language Therapist – Acute Neurosciences

This 12-month specialist speech and language therapist post sits within acute neurosciences at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The work centres on assessing, treating and managing adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders, with a complex caseload. Supervision supports development of specialist skills, with scope to build instrumental swallow assessment and tracheostomy competencies, and the post joins a 7-day working rota. An HCPC licence to practise is required.

What the job involves

• Assess, treat and manage a caseload of adults with acquired communication and/or swallowing disorders
• Make differential diagnoses based on assessment evidence
• Devise, implement and evaluate individualised treatment programmes
• Refer patients for instrumental swallowing assessments
• Counsel and advise others on managing communication and feeding or swallowing difficulties
• Manage and prioritise own caseload and workload independently
• Liaise with colleagues and professional groups, and refer for further investigation or second opinions
• Keep adequate records of assessment, management and treatment

What’s required

Qualifications

• Recognised speech and language therapy degree
• Evidence of specialist short courses and self-directed study

Registration & licences

• HCPC licence to practise

Experience

• Relevant experience as a speech and language therapist
• Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, including being a good team member

Skills & knowledge

• Well-established knowledge of assessment tools, therapy and management approaches for the client group, including dysphagia
• Established knowledge of neuroanatomy and physiology, and awareness of relevant national policies
• Understanding of clinical governance, its implications for SLT, and the roles of other professionals
• Good written and spoken English
• Good written and verbal presentation skills, plus negotiation and problem solving
• Good auditory discrimination and ability to transcribe speech phonetically

Other

• Excellent concentration, analytical and reflection skills
• Good interpersonal skills, including observation, listening and empathy
• Good organisational and prioritisation skills, and competent IT skills
• Knowledge of record-keeping standards
• Physically fit to meet the requirements of the post

Nice to have

• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

What’s offered

• Supervision and support to develop specialist clinical skills
• Opportunities to develop instrumental assessment and tracheostomy competencies
• Learning and development opportunities and career support

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