Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job responsibilities

The principal purpose of this job is to improve clinical outcomes for adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults. This will be achieved through provision of Speech & Language assessments, and evidenced-based interventions, as well as consultation, guidance and advice as part of the clinical input into the delivery of care and treatment through the Learning Disability and Autism Unit (LDAU). The role is provided as part of the in-patient and countywide service, and requires working closely with local health and social providers.

The post holder will receive professional and clinical supervision in accordance with Trust policy and Professional Practice Guidelines set out by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communication and Working Relationship Skills

Patients, families and carers:

• To communicate in a highly skilled and sensitive manner with patients who may have specific difficulties in understanding and/or communicating and who may be hostile, antagonistic or highly emotionally disturbed.
• Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, complex, technical and/or clinically sensitive information.

SLT and wider multidisciplinary team colleagues:

• To work closely with colleagues in the SLT service and in the wider multi-disciplinary within the in-patient and outreach elements of the LDAU, on a day to day basis.

Health & Social Care Staff:

• To communicate with a wide range of health & social care staff in a highly skilled and sensitive manner, including complex and sensitive information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of patients under the services care.

Senior managers, professional and academic staff:

• To support the Lead Speech and Language Therapist and wider leadership team within LDAU / LD Services.
• To maintain and build good working relationships with senior professional staff and managers across the specialist directorate and the organisation as a whole.
• To establish and maintain relationships with SLTs within the directorate and wider organisation to facilitate partnership working and improved access to service.To liaise with RCSLT colleagues regarding professional development issues, competence, training, CEN business, and the RCSLT advisory service.
• To participate in and contribute to the provision of clinical placements within the SLT service.

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

• To be knowledgeable about the SLT communication assessments which might be used with adults and differing treatment methods and be able to select appropriately in consultation with the client where possible. Knowledge of dysphagia / choking risk assessment and management is also important yet less likely to be encountered as frequently within this role. The post holder may work into community services to maintain competencies within this area.
• To develop expert knowledge & skills in line with the RCSLT Competency framework guidelines and the patient perspective and culture.
• To use clinical judgement in managing (with supervision) own caseload of clients in line with current protocols, service specifications and national drivers.
• To deliver a comprehensive, specialist service in assessment and intervention for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults who have complex communication needs, who may have comorbid conditions and/or behaviour that challenges.
• To provide oversight on the progression of clients through the care pathway, balancing efficiency with patient-focussed and personalised care.
• To be accountable for professional judgment and to recognise boundaries of knowledge, seeking support and advice as appropriate.
• To support the Lead SLT in ensuring effective clinical governance of the SLT service including contributing to the development of specialist outcome measures and tools.
• To develop, deliver and co-ordinate training for a range of trainees and qualified staff in developing skills and knowledge regarding a range of person centred communication strategies for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults.

Planning and Organizational Skills

• To attend management and professional meetings as directed by the Lead SLT.
• Responsible for planning and coordinating own day to day workload in collaboration with the needs of the service users and the wider needs of the service.
• Ensure that interventions are planned in an integrated and coordinated manner and communicated to MDT and external colleagues where appropriate.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy

• To provide comprehensive, specialist assessment and interventions for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults who have complex communication needs and/or eating, drinking or swallowing (dysphagia) needs, who may have comorbid conditions, and/or behaviour that challenges.
• To provide specialist advice and second opinions to developing SLTs as required and as appropriate for level of specialist knowledge and skills.
• To work within the parameters and protocols of the service as an autonomous professional practitioner with responsibility for the assessment, treatment and discharge of patients.
• To provide specialist advice and guidance on communication and swallowing needs to professionals contributing directly to clients formulation, diagnosis and treatment plan.

Responsibility ...