Acute Lead Speech & Language Therapist

Job summary

The Adult SLT team at Darent Valley Hospital have an exciting opportunity for a part-time [0.8wte] permanent Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist to join our team at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. We are also happy to consider part-time working or a job-share arrangement for the right candidate.

This is a key leadership role within a dynamic, forward-thinking team serving a diverse caseload, including the hospital's 15-bedded Intensive Care Unit.

About

the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated clinician with highly specialist expertise in acute care. You will work alongside established Band 7 Acute Lead colleagues, providing clinical leadership and supporting therapists and therapy assistants in managing a varied and fast-paced caseload.

Experience in critical care and tracheostomy management would be a significant advantage. We also welcome applicants who are keen to develop these skills, as the team is committed to providing structured support to help build confidence in these areas.

The service benefits from weekly videofluoroscopy and FEES clinics, and prior competency in these assessments is highly desirable - we would support the development of these competencies further.

You will work closely with the Band 8 Inpatient Lead SLT, collaborate with the Stroke SLT team, and be supported by a well-established Outpatient service and excellent administrative staff. Main duties of the job Leadership & Professional Development Strong leadership skills are essential.

You will play an active role in shaping the service through: Clinical governance, service evaluation and ongoing development Line management and supervision of SLT colleagues Leading and contributing to audits, quality improvement projects and training initiatives Delivering teaching across wards and multidisciplinary teams Supporting junior SLTs, SLTAs and students

What We Offer

We are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment where staff feel valued and encouraged to grow.

You will have access to: Regular clinical and managerial supervision Peer support within a highly collaborative team A wide range of CPD opportunities, both formal and informal Opportunities to contribute to service innovation and cross-disciplinary working A team passionate about raising the profile of Speech and Language Therapy across the Trust Please watch our recruitment video to hear more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZCMlSDW0o We would be delighted to welcome another enthusiastic and committed SLT to our team.

If you would like further information or wish to discuss the role, please contact dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net or call 01322 428593. Visits to the department are warmly encouraged.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential.

Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere.

We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community. We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients.

Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Job description

Job

responsibilities

Clinical

responsibilities:

Provide specialist differential diagnosis, clinical advice and care plans/therapy to clients with communication and/or swallowing implementing specialist programmes as a highly specialist member of the SLT Team Liaise with the SLT inpatient lead and the SLT acute lead at DVH regarding the acute caseload of patients and day to day associated team management Manage and prioritise own highly specialist caseload independently Contribute to specialist clinical teams by discussing own and others input around clients needs ensuring a well co-ordinated care plan Make appropriate clinical decisions following highly specialist assessment, including recognising potential breakdown Make a differential diagnosis on the basis of evidence from highly specialist assessment Reflect on auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of the clients communication and identify appropriate strategies to facilitate and enhance communicative effectiveness Determine the clinical need for videofluoroscopy or FEES assessment for clients and assist in the assessment and analysis to devise an appropriate management plan Responsible for devising and delivering a specialist package of care which is appropriate to the client group and the individual client circumstances.

Work closely with clients, carers and families, agreeing decision making relevant to the client management including situations involving end of life issues Ensure that clients and carers are involved in the planning and implementation of their specialist care plans Please see attached job description for further details

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills Essential oHighly specialist knowledge of assessment tools relevant to client group oKnowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group oExcellent verbal and written communication skills oGood auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically oExcellent interpersonal skills oExcellent organisational and prioritisation skills oIT Literate Education and Training Essential oRecognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent oHealth and Care Professions Council - Licence to Practise oEvidence of successful completion of specialist short courses oEvidence of CPD relevant to role Desirable oLeadership training or qualification Experience Essential oSignificant postgraduate experience in associated specialties oExperience of management of a wide range of complex pathologies oExperience in supervision and clinical education of more junior staff, students and assistants Desirable oExperience of tracheostomy assessment and management oExperience carrying out videofluoroscopy and/or FEES assessment including analysis and report writing oExperience in line management 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.