Acute Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

East Cheshire NHS Trust’s Adult Speech and Language Therapy Team in Macclesfield is seeking a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist to cover maternity leave on acute inpatient wards. You will assess and manage dysphagia and communication disorders, triage referrals, and provide safe eating and drinking advice for patients and carers.

The role requires DBS in place, HCPC registration, and experience with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Analyses referrals and triages to support safe swallowing and communication care.
• Uses a range of assessment tools for speech, language and swallowing disorders.
• Leads and mentors junior staff, participates in audits and CPD.
• Works with the MDT to plan and deliver patient-centred management in acute settings.

Responsibilities

• Analyse referral information and triage appropriately.
• Provide safe eating and drinking advice to patients and carers.
• Assess and manage dysphagia and communication disorders in adults.
• Liaise with ward MDT and healthcare professionals.
• Lead and supervise junior colleagues and contribute to audits.

Skills

Dysphagia management

Holistic assessment

MDT collaboration

Clinical leadership

Audit participation

Autonomous working

Prioritised workload

Communication skills

ICT proficiency

Decision making under pressure

Education

Professional degree/diploma

Postgraduate dysphagia qualifications

HCPC registration

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and driven Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist to join the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Team at Macclesfield District General Hospital, covering maternity leave on our acute inpatient wards. This is a chance to make a real, immediate difference to patients at some of the most critical points in their care, supporting safe swallowing and communication when it matters most. The successful applicant will have experience of analysing referral information, triaging, taking a holistic view of the patient, and providing safe eating and drinking advice to patients and carers. Enthusiastic and motivated, you will be confident liaising with a range of healthcare professionals as part of the ward multidisciplinary team. No two days are the same, acute work offers real variety and the opportunity to develop strong, fast-paced clinical decision-making skills. Dysphagia experience is essential.

You will join our forward thinking team to deliver high quality care to patients with communication and swallowing disorders within the acute hospital setting. You will have experience of working with adults with a range of complex long term conditions and be competent in the assessment and management of dysphagia and communication disorders. We welcome applications from Graduate visa holders; it is important to note that you must have a minimum of 12 months before this expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons. Please be aware that this post requires an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check with barred lists, the cost of which is payable by the successful candidate. If you have lived or worked abroad for 6 months or more in the last 5 years you will need to obtain an overseas police clearance. Further information can be found on the additional information links at the bottom of the advert.

• Well established knowledge of a range of assessment tools relevant to specific client group with speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties
• Well established knowledge of a range of therapeutic and management approaches to relevant to client group
• Ability to lead and supervise junior colleagues
• Advanced communication/ interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
• Participation in clinical audit
• Ability to prioritise workload, achieving a balance between clinical and other aspects of role
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of team
• Ability to work under pressure
• Proactive, takes own initiative
• Competent IT skills, HCPC registration
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Relevant professional degree / diploma
• Attendance at degree level post graduate courses relevant to the specialist area or working towards this or be prepared to study at this level, Post registration knowledge which is relevant to the specialist area and evidenced by CPD
• Awareness of national policies and procedures (relevant to the specialist client group)
• Knowledge of standards of record keeping, Proven post registration experience, some of which is in a adult setting / associated area.
• Experience of completing and contributing to audit / research
• Experience of contributing to the teaching and mentoring of staff & members of the MDT., Proven post registration experience of working with patients with a range of neurological and long term conditions.
• Knowledge and experience of administering and interpreting a range of standardised and nonstandardised assessments and individualised interventions relevant to the client group
• Post basic qualifications in dysphagia or equivalent knowledge and experience
• Proven ability to manage complex rehabilitation issues and ensure safe and timely discharge of patients
• We are committed to providing the best quality integrated care to our patients. To achieve this aim we need highly motivated staff who are united by common values and behaviours.

We believe our workforce is our greatest asset and we actively support our staff to develop their capabilities to the full, with a variety of learning and development opportunities. Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to use your skills and experience in a new role, East Cheshire NHS Trust is the right employer for you. We look forward to you joining us so that we can bring out your best.