Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time position working 37.5 hours in our Adult Learning Disabilities Service in Kent as a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist. You will be working as part of a dynamic and enthusiastic Multi-Disciplinary Team, managing a caseload of adults aged 18+ with Learning Disabilities. We are looking for a Speech and Language Therapist who has experience working with Adults with Learning Disabilities, assessing and managing complex communication needs. Some dysphagia management experience would also be beneficial. You will be providing support and advice to individuals with a Learning Disability, their family and/or carers, including delivering training where appropriate. Excellent presentation and communication skills are needed, along with a good understanding of the relevant legislation and practices relating to Learning Disabilities.

Main duties of the job

We use both face-to-face visits as well as virtual assessments where clinically appropriate. We work in a number of settings, including clients' own homes, residential/supported living, day centres, or in the community. We also work with multiple agencies and service providers across Kent, embedding joint working practices to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. Our locality covers the Dartford, Gravesend, Swanley, Swale, and Medway area, which may include travelling into rural areas and occasionally across other areas of Kent. We are interested in meeting clinicians who have the right values and passion, and who are keen to undertake training and development in clinical areas that they may be less experienced in, i.e., dysphagia. We enjoy supporting clinicians to grow and would be happy to support a developmental post from a 5 to a 6 where appropriate. If you think you have transferable skills that would support our Adults with Learning Disabilities, we would value the opportunity to have a chat with you.

About us

Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we've got a passion for delivering high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. To do this, we need outstanding people who share our values: compassionate, aspirational, responsive, and excellent.

We know a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion leads to better patient care and a happier workforce. We pride ourselves on being diverse and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

As a flexible working-friendly organisation, we want you to be able to work in a way that is best for us, for our patients, and for you. Talk to us about a flexible working arrangement that won't involve sacrificing time for personal interests or family commitments. We'll support you to work flexibly in a way that suits us both.

Job responsibilities

The job description and person specification give you all the information you need about this role. Please look carefully at the criteria in the person specification and tell us what you have done that shows you meet this in your application.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Registered health care professional (Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree) and HCPC registration. Health-related degree and evidence of relevant postgraduate development at Level 6. Evidence of Specialist qualifications relevant to the area of practice (e.g., Completed RCSLT/ Dysphagia Competencies up to Foundation level).
• Management or supervisory qualification or experience of study. Working towards Master level study.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in the area of practice. Practical experience in managing health-related projects/complex caseloads. Supporting others (mentor/educator/supervisor) experience.
• Experience of leading and managing teams. Experience with the use of Microsoft Office and a variety of IT packages (Rio, E-Pay/E-roster).

Knowledge

• Understanding of National Service Frameworks and NICE guidance relevant to care settings and its application across health care services. Evidence of continued relevant professional development and implementation in practice within the last 12 months.

Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of training needs in relation to the post. Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize, and work under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to work effectively with a variety of people at all organizational levels across different sectors, including areas of social deprivation. Ability to communicate complex, sensitive information to individuals and groups. Strong influencing and negotiating skills.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to motivate and organize others to ensure best practice. Ability to manage and lead change. Ability to work under pressure. Flexible and adaptable.

Ability to Manage

• Able to support the implementation of local and national agendas for health under the guidance of the senior practitioner. Ability to prioritize care delivery in a professional manner, taking into account Trust policies and procedures. Ability to manage own time effectively.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist