Specialised Speech and Language Therapist

Avon And Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Nhs Trust; Royal Wootton Bassett; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional mental health organization is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) to join its Specialized Learning Disability Therapy Team. The role involves providing comprehensive assessments and interventions for young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, working collaboratively within an inter-disciplinary team, and promoting a Total Communication Environment. The position emphasizes effective communication, staff training, and the development of individualized therapy programs. This is an excellent opportunity to support a diverse client group within a committed and innovative organization.

Benefits

Supportive work culture

Diverse work environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified SaLT with registration to practice.
• Experience working with individuals with learning disabilities or autism.
• Ability to adapt communication strategies effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive SaLT assessments in the classroom.
• Work with learners and staff to implement AAC solutions.
• Integrate communication strategies into the curriculum.

Skills

Communication skills

Therapeutic skills

Collaborative working

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated SaLT to join our Specialised Learning Disability Therapy Team at Horizons College.

We provide therapy within the specialist college for young adults aged 16‑25 with learning disabilities, autism, and/or profound multiple physical needs.

Responsibilities

• Providing comprehensive SaLT assessment and interventions within the classroom setting.
• Working with learners and staff to integrate the use of AAC and communication devices.
• Embedding communication strategies and delivering staff training.
• Providing SaLT assessment, working collaboratively with the learner and the MDT towards shared goals.
• Communicating effectively within a multidisciplinary setting.
• Integrating into the college curriculum to support the removal of barriers to learning.
• Promoting a Total Communication Environment.
• Providing training and development to staff.
• Offering advice and support to service users, families, carers, and the MDT.
• Communicating findings from assessments effectively.
• Setting and evaluating joint targets with college staff in accordance with individual EHCP requirements.
• Creating and implementing therapy programmes and resources.
• Implementing low-tech and high-tech augmentative and alternative communication solutions.
• Participating in MDT meetings and Annual Reviews.
• Interfacing with a range of health and other statutory and voluntary agencies for the benefit of the learner.
• Communicating the role and values of the SaLT service effectively in a variety of situations.
• Adapting communication skills and using developed strategies to meet the needs of individuals who may have alternative communication needs and who present with physical, cognitive, speech, language, or sensory impairments.
• Using therapeutic skills to negotiate and motivate learners to engage with intervention and ensure their informed consent and involvement.
• Managing a caseload of clients with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties, as allocated by the multidisciplinary team.
• Assessing and diagnosing swallowing and communication difficulties.
• Implementing programmes of treatment, as agreed with service users and carers.
• Evaluating treatment programmes according to SLT-specific outcome measures and other measures used within the service.
• Providing advice and ongoing support for the management of swallowing and communication difficulties in a variety of settings, including care homes and the person's home.
• Acting in a consultative capacity within the team and on behalf of the wider service, contributing to the management of people with complex needs.
• Actively contributing to the strategic development of the service within the wider development strategies of the LDU and AWP.
• Providing statistics and other information for use in research projects and quality reporting.
• Developing and promoting the use of assistive technology in adults with LD/ASD.

Most Challenging Part of this role

The post holder is expected to provide an SLT service to people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum condition within the strategic objectives of the service and in accordance with national guidelines, while working with limited resources. This involves a high level of responsibility for prioritising tasks and managing time effectively.

Working for our organisation

We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care. We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire, and in parts of Dorset. Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person‑centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees provide better care. AWP is committed to supporting and creating a positive research and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and the care we provide to those who use our services. At AWP, we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.