Senior Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Horsham

NHS Jobs; Horsham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Horsham is seeking a Senior Specialist Speech & Language Therapist. In this role, you will apply advanced therapeutic techniques to support individuals with complex needs. Responsibilities include managing therapy caseloads, conducting assessments, and leading service improvements. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in evidence-based practice and effective communication within a healthcare setting, along with a commitment to personal and professional development.

Benefits

£3000 golden hello bonus

Qualifications

• Apply neurobehavioural approach to brain injury.
• Manage complex mental/physical health needs.
• Use evidence-based practice for assessment and intervention.
• Complete comprehensive assessments and rehabilitation goals.

Responsibilities

• Engage People We Support in assessments and rehabilitation.
• Ensure compliance with legal frameworks for consent.
• Manage time and caseload effectively in a pressurized environment.
• Maintain accurate documentation and risk assessments.

Job description

Senior Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Horsham

***£3000 GOLDEN HELLO BONUS T & C'S APPLY***

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Clinical / Professional Practice

• Apply the neurobehavioural approach to brain injury, demonstrating knowledge of current research findings and best practices.
• Manage and prioritise a caseload of People We Support with complex mental/physical health needs and/or challenging behaviour.
• Use evidence-based practice, service user-centred principles, and clinical reasoning to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate interventions.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments considering environment, context, and future plans to formulate appropriate rehabilitation goals, care plans, communication and dysphagia therapy programmes, and referrals.
• Overcome communication barriers to actively engage People We Support in assessment, rehabilitation, and discharge planning, ensuring valid informed consent.
• Work within a legal framework with People We Support who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
• Seek consent from People We Support or advocate to include and share information with family, carers, and other stakeholders, respecting confidentiality.
• Provide information about service users' communication abilities and support needs.
• Complete swallowing assessments, providing recommendations, care plans, referrals, and staff training for dysphagia management.
• Manage time and caseload effectively within a pressurised environment.
• Write and present reports, care and rehab plans reflecting People We Support needs, including findings, recommendations, and referrals.
• Maintain accurate, professional documentation in line with legal and organisational standards.
• Ensure responsibilities regarding risk management and safeguarding are met, seeking improvements as needed.
• Complete risk assessments and promote health and safety within the work area.
• Exercise duty of care in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain equipment and inventory, informing the manager of replacements.
• Maintain registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, fulfilling portfolio requirements.

Leadership

• Work flexibly and creatively as an autonomous clinical professional.
• Exhibit confidence and integrity, standing up for your viewpoint.
• Promote quality, continuous improvement, and change management.
• Develop strong collaborative relationships respecting professional boundaries.
• Lead in planning, developing, and evaluating speech and language therapy services.
• Gather and analyse information to solve clinical and professional problems.
• Build networks with local services for referrals and support.
• Participate in clinical governance and quality assurance activities.
• Act as a role model, accepting professional accountability.

Evidence, Research, and Development

• Undertake relevant research and audit projects.
• Participate in service sustainability initiatives.
• Make recommendations on therapy-related issues.
• Participate in clinical and developmental meetings for effective communication and decision-making.
• Maintain liaison with relevant clinical teams and support networks.

Facilitation of Learning

• Create a culture of learning from mistakes with constructive feedback.
• Support recruitment, training, and development of staff, People We Support, and families.
• Promote awareness of speech and language therapy roles and negotiate priorities.
• Demonstrate leadership through professional behaviour and service development.
• Participate in supervision and reflect on own performance.

Personal Development, Supervision, and Training

• Maintain accountability for own practice, seeking opportunities for learning and development.
• Use reflective practice and participate in supervision and performance reviews.
• Work within own competence, seeking advice when needed.
• Attend relevant training sessions and mandatory training as provided.