Principal Speech and Language Therapist - Neurorehab

• To independently manage highly complex clients within the WOCRS caseload, making differential diagnosis & clinical management decisions on the basis of evidence from assessment, frequently weighing up complex clinical management decisions in the context of conflicting clinical indicators.
• To develop and maintain expert clinical competence.
• To develop and implement expert level Speech and Language Therapy treatment programmes within the service, including working towards interdisciplinary goals and group therapy,providing thorough services and evaluation through clinical outcomes.
• To be responsible for the clinical supervision, appraisal and line management of the WOCRS Speech and Language Therapy team.
• To assume lead responsibility for delivering clinical governance and service development including setting priorities for the services, in consultation with the WOCRS leadership team, SLT professional lead and Therapies Management Team.
• To will lead team meetings, conduct audit and research projects and audit service provision.
• To plan, deliver and evaluate specialist training to other professionals and patients/clients and carers on all aspects of swallowing, speech, language and communication.
• To provide clinical education and training to Speech and Language Therapy students, developing links with Higher Education Institutions, teach MDT colleagues and other appropriate healthcare staff

Essential

• Recognised speech and language therapy degree qualification or equivilent
• Health and Care Professions Council - License to Practice
• Evidence of successful completion of Masters degree or specialist development and training such as aphasiology, CCD, advanced dysphagia
• Experiential and advanced training as evidenced by highly structured self-directed study using regular appraisal of research & evidence base for specialist clinical area.
• Attendance at regular CEN group

Essential

• Significant post-qualification experience of working in the field of Neurology/ Neurosciences/ Neurorehabilitation
• Assessment, treatment and management of highly complex clients with acquired neurological communication disorders; apraxia, aphasia, cognitive communication disorder, dysarthria
• Working with clients with highly complex dysphagia
• Coaching / developing reflective clinical practice in less experienced staff.
• Counselling in a supervisory role with staff, and rehabilitative/ supportive role with clients and carers
• Developing and delivering education and training packages.
• Advising/ providing second opinions.
• Clinical audit, applying the principles of research methodology
• Undertaking appraisal and planning CPD for less experienced staff
• Undertaking recruitment & selection
• Facilitating evidence-based groups for specialist treatment

Essential

• Excellent written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
• Highly developed negotiation and problem solving skills
• Excellent concentration, analytical and reflection skills
• Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in an unpredictable environment and to prioritise own workload
• Excellent organisational skills
• Demonstrates ability to be a good team member and assume leadership responsibilities

Essential

• Well established knowledge of assessment tools and treatment rationales relevant to this client group with speech, language and communication and swallowing difficulties
• Well established knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group
• Sound knowledge of the roles of other professionals in health, social care and voluntary sector involved with this client group
• Established knowledge of relevant National policies and procedures
• In depth knowledge of the principles of clinical governance/ audit/ quality improvement
• Good knowledge of standards of record keeping