Speech and Language Therapist

EAST LONDON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a specialist speech and language therapist to provide support to adults with learning disabilities within a multidisciplinary team. The role involves assessing communication needs and providing tailored therapeutic interventions. Candidates should have experience in this area and be enthusiastic about improving patient outcomes. Opportunities for professional development and support for relocation are available.

Benefits

Support for relocation expenses

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic therapist with experience in learning disabilities.
• Experience in AAC and challenging behaviour.
• Ability to participate in CPD and service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist service for communication difficulties.
• Identify and assess communication impairments.
• Supervise students and less experienced therapists.

Skills

Experience with complex communication needs

Knowledge of dysphagia

Ability to supervise junior staff

Passion for working with adults with learning disabilities

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

Overview

The post holder will be an integral part of the multidisciplinary team within the Intensive Support Team (IST). IST is a specialist crisis service for adults with a learning disability who have behaviours that challenge or changes to mental or physical health. IST is part of the wider Specialist health care team. The post holder will be expected to carry a caseload, providing intensive community support to adults with learning disabilities with additional complex mental health and/or challenging behaviour issues that may pose risk to themselves or others. The role involves completing complex assessments and interventions, including assessment and management of communication needs, Dysphagia/eating and drinking difficulties, and advising the team on inclusive communication strategies. They will manage and prioritise a defined caseload with a degree of autonomy in work with adults with learning disabilities.

Specialist Service To provide a Specialist Service to people who have a Learning Disability with communication and/or swallowing difficulties within the Bedfordshire and Luton area and their staff/carers.

Responsibilities

• Provide a Specialist Service to people with learning disabilities who have communication and/or swallowing difficulties, within the Bedfordshire and Luton area.
• Demonstrate awareness of the impact of communication on mental health and behaviour that challenges.
• Identify, assess and diagnose a range of communication impairments and select appropriate clients and types of therapy for effective treatment.
• Develop clinical skills and professional knowledge through experience, training and supervision.
• Supervise students and, when required, supervise SLT Assistants and volunteers.
• Participate in the development and delivery of training to others.
• Carry out other duties as part of the MDT and contribute to service improvement initiatives, including Quality Improvement where appropriate.

Role Context and Team

Based in Bedfordshire with coverage across Luton, Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. The post is within a supportive and dynamic multidisciplinary team in the Intensive Support Team.

Qualifications and Skills

• Enthusiastic specialist speech and language therapist with experience and a passion for working with adults who have a learning disability.
• Experience of working with complex communication needs, challenging behaviour, AAC, dysphagia, support for Mental Capacity Assessments and use of an Inclusive Communication approach.
• Experience supervising less experienced therapists/assistants and delivering specific training.
• Ability to participate in regular supervision, reflective practice, multidisciplinary working, team meetings, and continuous professional development (CPD) through internal and external training, quality improvement activities, and attendance at Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs).

Environment and Benefits

ELFT has a track record as a centre of excellence for mental and health care, innovation and improvement. We offer a supportive environment with opportunities for supervision, professional development, and flexible working arrangements where possible. As part of relocation, the Trust can support up to £10,000 for removal and associated expenses (subject to terms and conditions).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ELFT is committed to being a diverse organisation and values staff with varied backgrounds and experiences. We support fair and inclusive practices and value service user involvement in our processes.