Speech Language Therapist

PURPOSE The SLT is responsible for the delivery of effective Speech and Language Therapy services for vulnerable adults residing in community rehabilitation units, who present with learning disabilities and complex needs. To contribute to the high standards of person centred care provided. Utilising Speech and Language Therapy skills to effectively assess, treat and provide on-going evaluation and support of clients. To assist Clinical Lead SLT in delivering training programmes to MDT in order to ensure competency in working with patients who have communication and or swallowing difficulties. The SLT (Band 5) will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, as an autonomous professional according to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy ‘Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct’ and the ‘ Health Professions Council Regulations’. Sequence Care is ambitious about what the individuals in our care can achieve and therefore focus on the Care Pathway, positive goals and the person’s journey onto the least restrictive services. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Clinical · To undertake clinical SLT work with adults with a diverse range of communication and swallowing difficulties. The clinical work will include: § Ensuring the client understands and agrees to the treatment plan giving consent to it, in accordance with the current relevant legislation. § Independently managing and prioritising the SLT case load. § Utilising clinical reasoning to select appropriate assessment techniques which lead you to identify the client’s communication strengths and needs. § To agree appropriate and realistic goals for treatment with the client and so produce a comprehensive treatment plan in order to achieve these goals. § Planning, implementing and evaluating appropriate therapy intervention to meet needs of clients on personal caseload. § Recommending and introducing high and low tech communication systems and resources to advance the communication of clients on unit. § Delivering group and individual therapy sessions as required. § Identifying changes in client’s needs and suggest reasons for this to relevant professionals. § Liaising effectively with other health care professionals and external agencies to support the client’s treatment plan. § Supervising students on placement after completing competencies and following completion of practice educator training. § Supervising B3/B4 staff such as Speech Therapy Assistants (SLTa’s) § Supporting the transfer and discharge of clients on SLT caseload. § Maintain up to date clinical records, and to write timely reports and correspondence reflecting specialist knowledge in line with RCSLT professional standards. Multi-Disciplinary Working · To work in close collaboration with MDT in order to facilitate the delivery of integrated therapy programmes ensuring that effective communication and liaison takes place at all times. § To ensure that individual clients are involved in planning and prioritisation of care plans wherever possible and to facilitate their meaningful involvement in planning their support with other members of MDT. This will involve communicating complex information with skill and sensitivity, employing total communication strategies when required. § Attending MDT ward rounds and participating in integrated team decisions around joint goal setting, intervention and complex client management. § Representing SLT at CPA and other meetings to reflect the intervention provided. § To have the ability to work without direct supervision in Sequence Care community rehabilitation units, delivering client programmes adhering to local and national professional standards, whilst keeping the Clinical Lead SLT informed. Training · To provide evidence-based training and support to all individuals involved in supporting clients. § Creating and delivering training modules. This training will include:Communication, specific client focussed reflective sessions, use of Social Stories, AAC, verbal de-escalation, to enhance the understanding of client’s communication and the potential impact on behaviour. § Improving the overall communicative environment to ensure Total Communication strategies are understood by both staff and clients in order to facilitate effective communication. § To ensure all mandatory personal training is up to date at all times. Personal/Professional Development · To continue to develop and maintain clinical competence within the field of adult learning difficulties and mental health, in order to meet the needs of clients on caseload. § Reflecting on own practise and keeping abreast of significant advances in clinical care through attendance on courses, conferences, SIGs and critical appraisal of journal articles. § Working autonomously and independently to improve communication, with access to clinical supervision from Clinical Lead SLT. § To be proactive with preparations towards regular supervision and appraisal with Clinical Lead SLT. § Maintain personal professional status by ensuring that the requirements laid down by relevant professional body for periodic registration to maintain professional license are complied with. § Highlighting any training needs of SLTA’s or post holder in timely manner to Clinical Lead SLT. § To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate. § Further develop knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and policy e.g. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Vulnerable Adult Policy, Valuing People and implications of these to patients/clients and their care. § Undertake any other activities within professional areas of knowledge and professional remit as may be deemed appropriate by the Clinical Lead SLT, the directors of Sequence Care Ltd and the changing needs may require from time to time. § Contributing to research projects/audits/surveys within the clinical speciality. § To maintain an up to date CPD file. This job was originally posted as www.totaljobs.com/job/89886879