Speech & Language Therapist

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To assess the client's needs (communication and or swallowing) and develop, implement, monitor and review programme of care
• To provide advice/information to others regarding the management of adults with communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
• To advise on the promotion of positive communication environments to meet the needs of clients.
• To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures.
• To produce reports regarding client's needs and summarising proposed care plans and recommendations.
• To adapt practice to meet the individual client's circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences.
• To refer on to other services as appropriate.
• To seek a second opinion where appropriate.
• To ensure that clients are involved in the planning of programmes of care whenever possible.
• To contribute to multidisciplinary, multi-agency and uni-disciplinary teams as appropriate.
• To communicate complex condition related information from assessment/therapy plan to clients, carers, families and members of MDT.
• To work closely with clients, carers and families, agreeing decision making relevant to the needs of the client.
• To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers families and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist.
• To use appropriate listening and basic counselling skills with clients and carers.
• To develop skills in motivating clients and/or carers to engage in the therapy process.
• To develop negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations.
• To deal with initial enquiries/complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible.
• To form positive relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have challenging communication difficulties.
• To employ effective and appropriate communication skills.

Full job description and person specification is available in the attached documents.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree qualifications or equivalent. If this has not yet been obtained, final results must be due within 1 month of the closing date for this post and this must be stated on the application form.
• HCPC Licence to practise.
• Registered member of RCSLT.

Experience

Essential criteria

• Relevant clinical experience at undergraduate level.

Desirable criteria

• Relevant postgraduate experience.

Others

Essential criteria

• Assessment tools relevant to client group.
• Appropriate therapeutic intervention relevant to client group.
• Awareness of principles of clinical governance/audit.
• Organisational/time management skills.
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills.
• Analytical & reflection skills.
• Positive team working skills.
• Ability to work flexibly to meets needs of job.
• Understanding of Confidentiality & Data Protection.
• Mobility - Own transport or suitable alternative.

Desirable criteria

• Completion of dysphagia competency programme.

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.

Employer certification / accreditation badges