Highly Specialist Speech Language Therapist

The successful candidate will be part of a highly specialised paediatric service, with the majority of the caseload in dysphagia. We have outlined some main responsibilities below. These are further detailed in the job description and personal specifications.

Please see full job description document for more details

Clinical

To accept high level of clinical responsibility for a paediatric caseload with feeding, swallowing and communication needs across the age range (i.e., infants, children and young people).

To assess, differentially diagnose, interpret results, treat, manage and measure outcomes in children in the context of a variety of settings e.g. ward rounds and case meetings.

To provide high-level specialist knowledge in the selection, application and interpretation of formal and objective investigations and assessments.

To participate in videofluoroscopy swallow study clinics.

To independently use appropriate assessments relevant to managing the feeding/swallowing difficulties associated with complex ENT conditions including tracheostomy.

To independently use assessments relevant to the acquired communication disorders and communication difficulties associated with complex needs, including tracheostomy.

To identify the need for further assessment, opinion and ongoing care e.g. refer to other hospital disciplines, tertiary clinics, and community speech and language therapy services.

To provide high level specialist advice by devising and demonstrating therapy programmes.

To provide advice on Alternative and Augmentative (AAC) options (low and high tech).

To ensure that children and parents/ carers are able to express their views and opinions and are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their childs care plans wherever possible.

To manage any conflict or distress arising from unwelcome news, discussing these within the clinical supervision systems or with the Clinical Specialist/ Team Lead.

To organise the caseload effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.

To counsel and advise children, parents/ caregivers regarding the emotive and ethical impact of their childs diagnosis and feeding, swallowing and communication difficulties e.g. palliative care, quality of life, poor long term outcomes.

To give specialist clinical advice both within the Trust and to external agencies e.g. community speech and language therapy services, school nurses, health visitors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, play specialists, clinical nurse specialists, psychologists.

To contribute to team working practices.

To provide second onions in specialist field to other speech and language therapists with regard to feeding and communication difficulties.

To develop and maintain links with non statutory organisations and professional bodies relevant to the clinical specialties of the post. (E.g. Paediatric Dysphagia CEN, Communication Matters, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists).

To collaborate with other professionals and specialist centres.

To take due regard for cultural and linguistic differences in the delivery of care.

To write comprehensive discharge reports to be shared with families and professionals.

Evelina London Children's Hospital is part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The hospital provides an extensive range of specialist services for children with rare and complex conditions across south London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and further afield. The Acute Speech and Language Therapy service supports patients across the age range from newborns to adolescents, on the wards and in specialist tertiary outpatient clinics. Our aim is to assess and manage the dysphagia and communication needs of the patients we work with. We are a large, diverse and supportive team, passionate about what we do. We promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, everyone is welcomed.

We can offer you

Knowledge and Skills

Previous Experience

Qualifications/ Education