Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

• To apply a high level of knowledge and understanding of stroke.
• To plan, organise and deliver an effective and efficient SLT service to clients on own caseload.
• To independently assess, diagnose, and manage therapy provision for the swallowing and/or communication needs of a stroke specific caseload of patients with complex needs, prioritising efficiently to help prevent readmissions.
• To monitor and review progress of clients, ensuring the continuance of sound clinical practice. To modify management/care as needed, ensuring any changes in recommendations are communicated effectively.
• To document client interventions promptly and in a clear manner in client notes. To provide timely written reports which are clear and relevant to the audience, and which are based on sound and up to date clinical knowledge.
• To plan, set up and monitor treatment programmes carried out by Enablement Officers and rehabilitation assistants for clients on own caseload.

• To undertake individual initial screens to identify patient need including areas affecting functional ability, followed by agreed assessment plans.

• To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and monitor on going risk.
• To develop and evaluate the links between the local HASUs, acute hospital stroke unit and Lewisham Community Therapies
• To monitor and evaluate treatment, including using outcome measures in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention.
• To undertake discharge planning and coordination of complex patients both into the service and out of it.
• To take a role in the decisions regarding placement after discharge.
• To refer onto appropriate agencies for :- the continuation of treatment

• To carry out joint working with others from the Trust and across other

• To use the electronic note keeping systems within the service.
• To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate.

• Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
• Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
• Improving the experience of staff with disability
• Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
• Making equalities mainstream

Essential

• Degree or Diploma recognised by Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and HCPC
• HCPC Registration
• Postgraduate qualification in Dysphagia or extensive clinical experience
• Evidence of post qualification experience in a range of neurological settings, i.e. acute and rehabilitation
• Good experience of Stroke specific treatment approaches.
• Audit experience.
• Good knowledge of clinical governance issues
• Experience of supervising staff and students

Essential

• Excellent verbal communication skills in the English language
• Ability to keep clear precise records which meet legal requirements in the English language
• Computer Literacy
• Ability to plan, prioritise and manage a caseload
• Knowledge and skill with assessment and therapeutic tools
• Knowledge and skill with clinical governance and outcome measures
• Knowledge of current legislation and development within NHS
• Knowledge and adherence to client confidentiality legislation and procedures