Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

• Provide a specialist speech and language therapy clinical role within the neuro team.
• Co-develop and provide appropriate specialist speech and language therapy assessments and interventions.
• Facilitate group work and peer mentoring for people affected by a neurological condition, alongside the MDT.
• Carry out specialist physical examination of the orofacial process including the mechanism of eating, drinking and swallowing.
• Monitor all aspects of the interaction of significant others with clients.
• Make appropriate clinical decisions following assessment, using evidence-based practice and outcome measurement to provide the most effective treatment to clients and their families within clearly defined care plans.
• Use clinical judgement and specialist skills to evaluate deterioration in clients' health status and report same as appropriate to other health services (in particular, regarding dysphagia).
• To adapt practice to meet individual client's and families' circumstances, including due regard for specific clinical conditions affecting their speech and language and / or cognitive, cultural, religious and linguistic differences.
• Please see full Job Description for additional duties.

Essential

• Degree in Speech-Language Therapy
• Health & Care Professions Council Registration

Desirable

• Membership of the Royal College of Speech-Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• Membership of Special Interest Group e.g. SALT neurological practice
• Educated to Masters level in specialist SALT field relevant to the role or equivalent combination of post graduate education, courses and experience in neuro SALT
• Experience in neuro rehab and community working

Essential

• Appraisals using KSF
• Clinical Teaching
• Use of reflective practice and supervising others
• Experience of service development
• Experience of provision of work for patients presenting with dysphagia and communication impairments
• Experience of working in a range of community and / or acute NHS settings

Desirable

• Undertaken clinical audit
• Research experience
• Experience of working in the NHS
• Experience of working with adults with a variety of long-term conditions and neurological conditions

Essential

• Specialist knowledge and understanding of complex neurological conditions including clients with multiple pathologies
• Specialist skills in the assessment and treatment of adults with communication and swallowing difficulties in the context of complex long-term conditions
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice and outcome measures associated with neurological conditions and older people
• Knowledge and experience of working with a wider multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical guidelines across a variety of long-term conditions e.g. stroke, Parkinson's
• Advanced clinical note writing and report writing skills, in both verbal and written format

Desirable

• EMIS clinical system experience