Senior Speech and Language Therapist

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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities:
• To manage an autonomous caseload on the acute wards, which will include assessment, contribution to differential diagnosis, and specialist SLT management for patients with acute, acquired communication and swallowing disorders, following King's College Hospital (KCH) Speech and Language Therapy evidence based guidelines and abiding by KCH Speech and Language Therapy service standards.
• To assess, diagnose, treat and manage patients with tracheostomies in a critical care setting and on the general wards in accordance with KCH multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Trust Guidelines and provide feedback for the tracheostomy ward round weekly as required.
• To identify barriers to effective communication within the environment and suggest and implement solutions where feasible.
• To introduce low and high tech communication aids as appropriate and train the patient, their family and friends and the staff on using alternative and augmentative communication aid systems or to refer on to the communication aid therapist at Bowley Close.
• To co-ordinate and promote communication developments under the guidance of a senior therapist e.g. mental capacity act issues, developing and delivering training on supporting communication, advising on environmental changes that support those with communication difficulties.
• To co-ordinate with the Therapy Training and development co-ordinator and present, on the annual "SLT as a career" course and liaise with local acute and community services providing a contributory role
• To maintain and develop the use of AAC techniques and equipment across the team.
• To discuss, advise and plan appropriate patient goals with clients, carers and the multidisciplinary teams.
• To act as a key worker where appropriate.
• To write SLT information in EPIC where appropriate, including assessment conclusions and management plans/recommendations
• To provide clinical support and advise to junior therapists within the team.
• To provide complex and sensitive clinical information to patients and carers in clear, accessible and empathetic format, both in written and verbal form
• To work as part of the multidisciplinary team negotiating appropriate therapy packages, length of stay and discharge arrangements
• To attend ward rounds and MDT meetings as appropriate
• To liaise on a regular basis with relevant hospital and community therapy teams.
• To liaise with other agencies to ensure appropriate follow up and care arrangements for patients
• To contribute to the Videofluoroscopy Clinic at King's College Hospital, providing general organisational cover where necessary
• To develop and deliver training regarding communication and swallowing to carers, relatives and staff.
• To participate in a rolling nurse dysphagia screen training programme run by the SLT department.
• To take part in the clinical training for SLT students as agreed and appropriate including preparation for and participation in practical exams.
• To participate in the SLT Department in service training programme.
• To pursue an active programme of continuing professional development including feedback to the team on any courses or conferences attended.

Education and Training:
• To maintain and record an active programme of continuing professional development, including feeding back to colleagues on any courses or conferences attended.
• To make recommendations on service development and governance.
• To be an active member of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks.
• To participate regularly in the evaluation of the effectiveness of intervention and models of service delivery, maintaining up to date knowledge of relevant clinical practice and research
• To undertake specific departmental audit projects and contribute to departmental research where appropriate

Governance / Quality Control:
• To maintain full, accurate and contemporaneous records within EPIC
• To provide timely and accurate reports including transfer and discharge reports.
• To prepare for and participate in an annual job appraisal which includes a 6 monthly review with the SLT acute clinical lead.
• To maintain clinical equipment in good order and carry out inventory checks as requested.
• To undertake mandatory King's College Hospital training
• To contribute to the infection control and cleanliness of the hospital by ensuring cleanliness of own equipment, undertaking mandatory training, abiding by the hand washing policy and other policies related to barrier nursing.
• To provide full, accurate and timely statistical data.
• To attend King's College Hospital Speech and Language Therapy team meetings.

Research and Service Development:
• To participate in relevant audit activity within King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• To participate in research initiatives in the relevant area
• To publish and disseminate information which results from research and audit activity.
• To make recommendations on service development and governance.

Person specification

Qualification

Essential criteria

• HCPC registered
• Postgraduate Dysphagia training
• Postgraduate training in communication disorders and aphasia therapy
• Relevant degree qualification

Desirable criteria

• RCSLT registered
• Supervision Course

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria

• Established experience with adult acquired and neurological disorders in an acute setting including managing your own caseload and using a range of assessment and therapy techniques
• Experience of working successfully as part of a multidisciplinary team

Desirable criteria

• Previous involvement with audit / research
• Previous experience of videofluoroscopy
• Experience of working in a rehab setting
• Active membership of relevant CENs
• Up to date knowledge of the mental capacity act
• A specialist interest in AAC
• Experience of student supervision and training
• Experience of supervising junior staff

Skills & Competencies

Essential criteria

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills and ability to communicate sensitive and complex information
• Collaborative and consultative skills within multidisciplinary working
• Good presentation and teaching skills and ability to devise appropriate training and information packages
• Good observational and analytical skills in assessment
• Ability to plan and implement appropriate treatment plans
• Demonstrate ability to manage and prioritise a caseload autonomously, and liaise across teams and services as required
• Demonstrate ability to carry out relevant projects
• Demonstrates motivation and flexibility
• A flexible approach to working patterns which may include participating in providing a 7 day week service
• Good auditory and perceptual skills

Desirable criteria

• Competent in tracheostomy management

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

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.

Documents to download

• Job Description/Person Specification B6 Rotations (PDF, 767.6KB)
• Denmark Hill Site Map (PDF, 1.2MB)
• Visa and Sponsorship Information (PDF, 352.6KB)