Speech and Language Therapist

• Assess, diagnose and provide intervention for adults with learning disabilities who have complex communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
• Develop, implement and evaluate person-centred treatment plans to support communication and safe eating and drinking.
• Manage and prioritise a specialist caseload within community and clinic settings.
• Provide specialist advice and support to families, carers, support providers and partner agencies.
• Contribute to integrated multidisciplinary assessment, care planning and intervention.
• Support the use of alternative and augmentative communication approaches where appropriate.
• Deliver training and education to carers, support staff and other professionals.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and reports in line with professional and Trust standards.
• Participate in quality improvement, audit, clinical governance and continuing professional development activities.

Essential

• Professional specific degree i.e. BSc Speech and Language Therapy.
• State registration via Healthcare Professions Council
• Registered member of the RCSLT

Desirable

• Relevant courses/attendance at SIG's
• Post graduate dysphagia training

Essential

• Good theoretical knowledge of adult acquired communication impairments Knowledge of speech & language therapy assessment and how such can be used in differential diagnosis.
• Experience of working with adults with acquired speech and language impairments
• Able to assess language disorders resulting from neurological impairment and use this to plan patient and goal led therapy.
• Evidence of Continual Professional Development
• Experience of and commitment to interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary team working.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Flexible attitude
• Able to handle sensitive situations Well-developed concentration, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective written communication skills e.g. clinical records, reports to other health care professionals and external agencies.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the community setting

Essential

• Aware of the principles of audit, research, clinical governance and evidence-based practice.
• Knowledge of local and national policies and procedures e.g. RCSLT/Healthcare Professionals Council Code of Conduct/Ethics, Health and Safety, Infection Control, CPR, Equality and Diversity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Good organisational / planning / prioritisation skills
• Ability to motivate and encourage reluctant and challenging patients
• Excellent time management skills.
• Word processing and IT skills