Adult Speech and Language Therapist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The SLT service offers the following:
*Regular whole service and local team meetings
*Multidisciplinary team working
*Regular clinical supervision and annual appraisal
*Access to clinical leads for advice/support - ENT/Head and Neck Cancer, Fluency, Dysphagia, Progressive Neurological disorders, Stroke, Dementia.
*In-service training, CPD support and opportunities for development
*Encouragement to participate in service development projects
*Excellent AAC provision and links to regional Hubs
*Use of SystmOne as electronic patient record and mobile working
*27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service) plus bank holidays (pro rata where applicable)
*One of the UK's best pension schemes
* Special Leave for family and personal reasons
*NHS Car Lease Scheme
*Eye Care Vouchers
*Employee Assistance Programme
*NHS Discounts
*Hertfordshire has good transport links to London and the surrounding areas
We value our staff and see clinical supervision as a priority both through senior supervision and peer support models. Annual appraisal and personal objective setting is a Trust priority.
The post-holders will work closely with the Speech and Language Therapy team and the wider Multi-Disciplinary Team to provide assessment, diagnosis and management of adults with acquired communication and swallowing needs and demonstrating effective clinical practice through continued learning, reflective practice and supervision. The post-holders will also be involved in providing support for more junior members of the team including newly qualified SLTs and SLTAs.
Full details in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
A full valid driving licence and access to a car to use regularly for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
Whilst it is not a legal requirement, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust encourages and supports all staff to be vaccinated as this remains the best line of defence against COVID-19.
Word versions of documents are available if needed to allow for any adaptations to be made i.e. font , colour, background, convert to read aloud.

Person specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential criteria

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree
• Health Professions Council licence to practise
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Achievement of Dysphagia competencies
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist post graduate short courses relevant to the adult caseload
• Membership/attendance Special Interest Groups relevant to the post

Skills

Essential criteria

• Good presentation skills in both verbal and written form
• Good organisational skills including prioritisation
• Ability to independently integrate complex information to manage individual clients
• Highly developed hearing, concentration and perceptual skills
• Ability to transcribe/analyse speech phonetically
• Ability to negotiate with and influence people

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience relevant to an adult caseload
• Management of dysphagia in acute, rehabilitation, community, OP settings
• Able to demonstrate the application of in depth, new and ongoing learning and experience to clinical practice
• Well-established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to an adult client group including: Dysphagia/Dysphasia/Dysarthria/ Dyspraxia/Dysphonia/Dysfluency/Dysgra phia/ Dyslexia/Dementia
• Well-established knowledge of a range of relevant therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group (as above)
• Knowledge of professional standards including record keeping
• Well-established knowledge of the management of people with progressive neurological conditions
• Knowledge of the range and applications of communication aids
• Knowledge of the application and protocol for use of videofluoroscopy
• A good understanding of the roles of other professionals in acute, rehabilitation and community settings
• Well-established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to adults

Desirable criteria

• Attainment of Videofluoroscopy competencies

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria

• Demonstrates an ability to be an effective team member
• High level of interpersonal communication skills including observation, listening, empathy and sensitivity
• Ability to manage the emotional consequences of working with patients with distressing conditions
• Ability to reflect on, analyse and develop own performance
• Ability to self-monitor and