Speech and Language Therapist Specialist in Adult Community

NHS; Bowers Gifford; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Bowers Gifford seeks a Band 7 Community Adult Speech and Language Therapist to assess and treat adults with communication and swallowing disorders. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of experience, be fully dysphagia trained, and possess a valid HCPC registration. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and supportive environment.

Benefits

Season Ticket Loans

NHS discounts for staff

Excellent Training facilities and opportunities

Buying and Selling annual leave scheme

Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work

Day One Flexible Employer

Qualifications

• At least 4 years experience as a qualified Speech and Language Therapist.
• Broad range of clinical skills including supervisory and management experience.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Assess and plan management for adults with communication and swallowing disorders.
• Make differential diagnoses based on clinical assessments.
• Support and supervise less experienced therapists.

Skills

Specialist knowledge of assessment tools

Excellent interpersonal skills

Good time management

Teamwork skills

Negotiation and problem-solving skills

Education

Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree

HCPC registration number

Completion of RCSLT dysphagia competencies

Job description

Overview

Band 7 Community Adult Speech and Language Therapist. We are a small, friendly and supportive team providing speech and language therapy to adults in the community based at Hadleigh Clinic (near Southend on Sea) in South East Essex. We are looking for a confident and motivated Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist to assess and treat people with a range of acquired and progressive neurological conditions, non-neurological conditions and voice disorders. Our work is varied and rewarding, making a real difference to our patients' quality of life.

Applicants will need to be fully dysphagia trained, with at least 4 years experience as a qualified Speech and Language Therapist. The successful candidate will hold current HCPC Registration and have a broad range of clinical skills including supervisory and management experience. The post is full time (1.0 WTE, 37.5 hours a week), and service operates Monday to Friday, with no weekend working required. Having access to a vehicle is essential to this role, along with a full valid UK driving licence and existing business insurance cover.

Responsibilities

• Assess and plan management for adults with a range of acquired and progressive communication and swallowing disorders within the Adult Community Speech and Language Therapy Service across South East Essex.
• Make differential diagnoses of communication and swallowing difficulties based on formal and informal clinical assessments; ensure interventions are based on accurate, appropriate assessment.
• Provide programmes of therapy activities and demonstrations to patients, families, staff and visitors to enable carry over and generalisation of skills.
• Support and supervise less experienced therapists and assistant practitioners treating people on these caseloads.
• Be responsible and accountable for the independent prioritisation and management of your own clinical caseload.
• Ensure smooth handover of care between agencies; provide reports reflecting specialist knowledge and interpretation of assessments to other health professionals as requested; make onward referrals as appropriate.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate case notes in line with professional standards and local guidelines; submit activity data using SystmOne as required.
• Maintain equipment and adhere to infection control and safety standards; ensure essential supplies are requested in a timely manner.
• Participate in the development of risk management, quality standards, clinical governance and audits; supervise undergraduate placements and contribute to service policy.
• Work within the SLT Operational Policy and Clinical Guidelines.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

• Essential: Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
• Essential: HCPC registration number
• Essential: Completion of RCSLT dysphagia competencies
• Desirable: Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Desirable: Post-basic dysphagia course recognised by the RCSLT

Knowledge

• Essential: Specialist knowledge of assessment tools and interventions for adult acquired and progressive neurological speech and language disorders
• Essential: Specialist knowledge of assessment tools and interventions for adult acquired and progressive neurological swallowing disorders
• Essential: Knowledge of national policies, procedures and current research; awareness of clinical governance / audit; record keeping and confidentiality
• Desirable: Knowledge of cultural and linguistic issues with a multicultural caseload

Skills / Experience

• Essential: At least 3 years’ experience with a specialist adult caseload, including swallowing disorders and communication issues
• Essential: Experience working in a multidisciplinary team; strong teamwork skills
• Essential: Excellent interpersonal skills (sensitivity, observation, listening, empathy)
• Essential: Negotiation, problem-solving, analytical and reflection skills
• Essential: Good written and verbal presentation skills; ability to work independently and take initiative
• Essential: Ability to prioritise workloads and support others; experience supervising less experienced staff
• Essential: Good time management and ability to respond to emergencies

Additional Requirements

• Essential: Ability to move, sit and stand in order to deliver treatment
• Essential: Full UK driving licence and access to a car to travel across Trust sites

Details

Band: Band 7

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Location: Hadleigh Clinic, 49 London Rd, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2QL

Job reference: 364-A-9388

Benefits

• Season Ticket Loans
• NHS discounts for staff
• Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
• Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
• The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
• Day One Flexible Employer