Highly Specialist Speech Language Therapist. Neonatal Services

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Luton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A job board is seeking a Highly Specialist Speech Language Therapist to provide neonatal services in Luton. Responsibilities include developing therapy programmes, coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams, and effectively communicating with families. The ideal candidate will have significant knowledge of neonatal needs and must maintain high professional standards. This role is crucial in ensuring comprehensive care for infants and their families.

Responsibilities

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of neonatal clinical needs and presentations.
• Communicate effectively with clinical colleagues and families.
• Deliver therapy programmes based on current evidence.
• Participate in Developmental Care and Family Integrated Care.
• Manage clinical risks effectively at all times.
• Coordinate with the MDT for discharge planning.
• Seek and utilize supervision for professional development.

Job description

Highly Specialist Speech Language Therapist. Neonatal Services

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain an in-depth, comprehensive knowledge of neonatal clinical needs and presentations resulting from a range of acquired conditions.
• Communicate effectively and clearly with clinical colleagues regarding assessments and interventions, both in spoken and written reports, as well as in day-to-day liaison.
• Deliver therapy programmes based on current evidence and clinical knowledge to meet the needs of the infant and family profiles.
• Participate in, practice, and support Developmental Care practices and a Family Integrated Care approach as highlighted as good practice for neonates.
• Be aware of the boundaries of own practice, and manage the associated clinical risk effectively at all times.
• Work closely with members of the MDT to holistically identify the needs of the infant and family and how best to support these.
• Communicate effectively, empathetically, and clearly with families and carers regarding sometimes complicated or emotionally charged issues.
• Coordinate with the MDT to ensure timely community referrals, discharge planning, liaison with other medical specialties, and healthcare professionals.
• Identify the need for further specialist swallowing assessments (e.g., instrumental assessment) and liaise with appropriate teams to arrange this.
• Identify personal training needs and maintain up-to-date skills.
• Meet clinical competency requirements according to RCSLT and HCPC standards.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and case conferences as appropriate, liaising with and advising other disciplines to ensure comprehensive patient management through to discharge.
• Behave professionally at all times.
• Seek and utilize supervision to review complex cases, develop skills, plan professional development, and address relevant issues.
• Engage actively with neonatal clinical networks via meetings and Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs).

COMMUNICATION

• Communicate and liaise effectively with professionals, patients, families, carers, and other agencies to ensure integrated service delivery.
• Use effective interpersonal skills when engaging with families and other professionals.
• Work effectively with families requiring language interpreters, ensuring accessible services for all service users.
• Adapt verbal and non-verbal communication techniques as needed.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ORGANISATIONAL

• Participate in service and departmental policy development and implementation.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, including clinical notes, reports, goals, and outcome measures, in a timely manner.
• Manage own time effectively within the demands of the service.
• Demonstrate good organisational skills in caseload management.
• Input data into databases, including outcome measures and audit/service projects.
• Monitor and evaluate clinical effectiveness and evidence-based practice using appropriate outcome measures.
• Adhere to Professional Body, National, and Local Clinical Guidelines.
• Ensure mandatory training is up-to-date annually.

TEACHING AND TRAINING

• Support training needs of staff on the neonatal unit related to infant feeding, swallowing, and communication.