Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Neurodisability AAC

Great Ormond Street Hospital; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's hospital in Greater London seeks a Speech and Language Therapist specializing in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This role involves assessing and managing communication needs for children with complex conditions, providing training, and advising community therapists. The candidate must hold a recognized degree, be a registered member of the Royal College, and possess essential experience in AAC systems. The position promotes professional development and inclusivity in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Experience in assessment and management of complex communication difficulties.
• Knowledge in using diagnostic assessment tools for specialist clients.
• Ability in the implementation of AAC Systems.

Responsibilities

• Assessment and management of children with communication difficulties.
• Providing training and advice on AAC systems.
• Acting as an advisor to community professionals.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Skills in communicating outcomes

Excellent interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of AAC Systems

Education

Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent

Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Health Professions Council license to practice

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Job description

Job overview

An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen to work within the Speech and Language Therapy Service and Neurodisability Team at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The pan-Trust Speech and Language Therapy Service delivers specialist level services to children and young people with complex medical conditions, working in partnership with local providers and families. This post offers the opportunity to be part of the Augmentative Communication Service (ACS) This will involve assessment, advice, training and provision of Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) powered systems to children and young people.

You will join a dynamic Multi-Disciplinary Team with a broad range of specialist skills that delivers tertiary level care to children with complex medical conditions. A high level of experience in Augmentative and Alternative Communication is essential for this post.

Main duties of the job

You will have broad experience of assessment and management of AAC (both paper based and powered communication aids). You will have an established knowledge of the communication difficulties of children with a range of complex disabilities. You will act as an advisor to community Speech and Language Therapists and other health and education professionals in areas related to the clinical specialties of the post.

We place a strong emphasis on personal and professional development and ensure we provide opportunities for you to extend your skills and participate in high quality training and development programs.

The Speech and Language Therapy Service has a Professional Lead. We work jointly with our AHP colleagues to support Research, Education, Quality Assurance, Outcomes and Workforce agendas and are embedding Leadership and Clinical Academic pathways and Apprenticeships. We are strongly committed to engaging with others to improve diversity and inclusivity for the benefit of our staff, patients and families.

Working for our organisation

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and / or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment /s below.

Person specification

GOSH Culture and Values

Essential criteria

• Our Always values

Academic / Professional qualification / Training

Essential criteria

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent
• Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Training in clinical and student supervision
• Health Professions Council license to practice
• Short courses in Specialist Area ( AAC

Desirable criteria

• SLT Clinical Master’s Degree

Experience / Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Assessment, treatment and management of children presenting with complex communication difficulties (including Autism, Intellectual Disability)
• Knowledge and experience in using a broad range of diagnostic assessment tools relevant to specialist client group (both qualitative and standardised)
• Knowledge and experience in assessment, selection and implementation of AAC Systems (paper based and powered)
• Experience in student clinical supervision Experience in clinical and peer supervision procedures
• Experience of interdisciplinary team working
• Knowledge of the impact of cultural issues for SLTs working with this caseload

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of teaching and training: SLT’s, families and other professionals

Skills / Abilities

Essential criteria

• Excellent communication skills balanced with an ability to recognize when to seek support
• Skills in communicating outcomes of assessment and management plans to families and relevant internal and external professionals paediatricians, schools, speech and language therapists
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including listening, sustained concentration and empathy with patients and relatives who themselves may have a range of complex communication impairments and other needs.
• Demonstrable specialist skills in the management of communication problems related to children with complex special needs.
• Principles of assessment and management of language and communication in paediatrics.
• Able to manage the emotional consequences of working with patients with a range of communication disorders
• Highly developed negotiation, analytic and problem-solving skills
• Sound knowledge of IT packages and audio / video, including use of Microsoft Office software ( Excel)

Research and development

Essential criteria

• Experience in service audit, outcome measures and service development processes

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of research design and methodology, with particular reference to own specialist field