Specialist Speech and Language Therapist: Acute, Surgery and Trauma

• To provide comprehensive and specialist assessment and diagnosis for patients with a range of complex presentations, by utilising advanced clinical reasoning, evidence-based knowledge, analytical skills and specialist assessment techniques.
• To work both independently and within a team structure, demonstrating leadership to manage own and team caseload. To efficiently manage a caseload and organise this effectively with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.
• To formulate and deliver an individualised and specialist care plan / therapy management programme based on evidence-based practice, advanced clinical reasoning skills and a range of specialist treatment options. As a specialist clinician to provide a second opinion where required.
• To support the provision of instrumental assessments on site as clinically appropriate and as required by the service, triaging appropriate patients, under-taking joint assessments, analysis, reporting and feedback.
• To work in collaboration with the MDT to provide an integrated service for patients, participating in joint clinics, ward rounds, multi-disciplinary assessment/treatment, family/ carer support and education, attending regular meetings and case conferences as appropriate.
• To help lead and participate in quality improvement, clinical governance projects, audit and research as required by the Clinical Service Lead.

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent) in Speech and Language Therapy
• State registration with the Health Professions Council
• Evidence of CPD through maintenance of a portfolio, especially in the relevant clinical area

Desirable

• Membership of the Professional Organisation
• Membership of Professional special interest groups relevant to speciality
• Relevant Postgraduate clinical qualification
• Management skills or leadership training
• Clinical Educators course or equivalent

Essential

• Significant recent clinical experience in relevant clinical area
• Evidence of a broad base of clinical experience at Band 6 level or equivalent
• Significant experience of working as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team and inter-agency working
• Experience of multidisciplinary goal planning, development of care pathways and using outcome measures
• Experience of organising and implementing training programmes for therapists, MDT members, support workers, students and apprentices
• Experience of service development/change management
• Experience in implementing evidence-based practice in speciality

Desirable

• Previous Band 7 or equivalent experience in relevant post
• Recent, relevant work in an NHS environment
• Experience of using clinical governance framework to monitor and improve quality of patient care
• Experience of planning and managing service improvement activities

Essential

• Advanced knowledge of assessment and treatment approaches for the effective management of relevant conditions
• Competency in managing tracheostomised patients
• Level 2A or above FEES competency
• Advanced skills in the appropriate application of a range of techniques and approaches to the management of relevant conditions
• Advanced clinical reasoning and problem solving skills
• Ability to remain updated with professional practice and research and integrate this into daily patient management
• Understanding of clinical governance and the implications for therapy services including experience of quality issues and audit
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships
• Ability to pass on knowledge and skills to others in both formal and informal environments
• Skills in supervision, mentoring and coaching
• Ability to cope with work pressures and manage time effectively

Desirable

• Videofluoroscopy competency
• Knowledge of recent NHS developments and their impact on service provision
• Advanced computer skills for presentation and data analysis
• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills