Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Head and Neck Cancer)

• Undertake specialist assessment of patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties. Analyse assessment findings and develop individualised, evidence-based management plans and therapy programmes
• Use advanced clinical reasoning skills to interpret & analyse clinical & non-clinical information, formulate differential diagnoses, establish prognosis and determine the most appropriate course of intervention. Evaluate outcomes, reassess patients as required and develop comprehensive discharge plans
• Undertake instrumental assessment of dysphagia, depending upon experience and competence.
• To treat and manage patients who have undergone surgical voice restoration and require management and change of their laryngectomy speaking valve depending on experience and competence
• Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required
• Support service development, audit, research, quality improvement initiatives, and the education of students, staff, patients, and carers.

Essential

• Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or Equivalent
• Member of RCSLT
• HCPC registration - license to practice
• Postgraduate dysphagia training
• Experience of working in the NHS

Desirable

• Evidence of relevant postgraduate training in relevant clinical area
• Tracheostomy competencies
• FEES and/or Videofluoroscopy competencies
• SVR competencies
• Membership of a relevant CEN

Essential

• Advanced clinical skills and knowledge in the assessment, differential diagnosis and management of complex adult swallowing and communication disorders
• Signficant highly specialised postgraduate experience in the assessment and management of head and neck cancer
• Experience of supporting and teaching junior SLT's, volunteers, assistants and students.
• Experience of training staff groups at all levels
• Experience of contributing to service development relating to this client group
• Leadership experience
• Experience of Health and Safety/ Risk Management.
• Experience of participating in audit

Desirable

• Experience of developing head and neck cancer services in line with national policy
• Experience of leading an audit
• Experience of being involved in research in the specialist area

Essential

• Knowledge of assessment tools and a range of therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group
• Knowledge of trends and best practice in the clinical specialism
• Good working knowledge of national policies and procedures relating to the client group
• Understanding of the impact of local cultural, linguistic and demographic factors influencing service delivery.
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group)

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to organise/manage time effectively
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise a caseload according to urgency
• Excellent presentation skills
• Able to adapt communication style to varied listeners
• Ability to work through interpreters to gain and impart information
• Demonstrates ability to be a good team member and function effectively in the multidisciplinary team
• Able to judge limits of skills/competence and recognise professional boundaries where appropriate
• Supportive to other staff
• Ability to negotiate and manage difficult conversations
• Keyboard and IT skills to support clinical practice
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates excellent clinical reasoning, risk assessment and leadership skills
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Extensive line management/supervision experience

Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values. (As detailed in UHCW's Values in Action document below)
• Applicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience