Specialist Speech & Language Therapist- Complex Needs & Dysphagia

Job summary

Would you like to work in a dynamic, progressive and culturally diverse, paediatric Speech and Language Therapy team?

An exciting position has arisen for a Band 6 therapist with experience in dysphagia and complex needs to join an innovative and supportive team in the London Borough of Havering. As part of NELFT (North East London Foundation Trust), you will work in a flexible and agile service where staff wellbeing is actively promoted. There is opportunity for training and development and there may be scope to progress to a Band 7 position in the future.

Due to promotion of the current post-holder, we are looking for a therapist with a passion and interest to support babies, children, young people and their families with feeding, swallowing and communication will also be sessions in one of our Special Schools and the chance to work with colleagues in other services such as dietitians.

As part of the team, you will provide a service for children and young people aged 0-19 presenting with a range of speech, language, communication and feeding needs within our dedicated children's services clinic or within community settings and patient homes. You will be well supported with 1:1 supervision, safeguarding supervision and cross-border working with neighbouring boroughs.

Based in Romford, we are 17 minutes by train from London Liverpool Street and 20 minutes from Stratford on the new Elizabeth Line, we also have good transport links to Essex and Kent.

Main duties of the job

As a successful candidate you will have a recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree and HCPC registration. You will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills (including observation, listening and empathy skills) to support the individual needs of clients, carers, families and professionals.

The post holder will achieve this by working as an integrated member of the Children's Services team as a Speech and Language Therapist in various settings.

You will independently manage a caseload of clients with moderate /complex /profound communication needs, and/ or with feeding and swallowing difficulties in the community, at home or in special schools.

The post holder will provide high quality speech and language therapy in close conjunction with families (with a specific focus on those that are considered to have complex needs) and other professionals working with the same client group.

About us

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

High-Cost Area Supplement

This post also attracts payment for High-Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum payment of £4,313 and a maximum payment of £5,436) pro rata for part time staff.

Certificates of Sponsorship

Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points based system

Job description

Job responsibilities

Use of AI

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

For more details, please refer to the Job description and Person specification attached.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification HCPC Licence to Practice Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy

Desirable

Shows active interest in CPD in line with RCSLT guidelines Self-motivated and remain updated with professional practice and new research

Knowledge

Essential

Awareness of NHS priorities Knowledge of paediatric therapy and management of feeding difficulties Knowledge of government policy and how this may affect service delivery Knowledge of child development and its application to speech and language therapy. Knowledge of acquired communication and swallowing disorders Knowledge of assessment tools, treatment techniques and therapeutic interventions Awareness of the roles of other professionals Awareness of standards of record keeping Understanding of safeguarding

Desirable

Knowledge and experience of assessing and supporting children and young people who use or may require AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Awareness of the principles of clinical governance/audit

Experience

Essential

Relevant experience at undergraduate/post graduate level Experience working with clients with feeding and swallowing difficulties Experience developing and managing treatment plans for clients with feeding and swallowing difficulties Experience of working collaboratively with parents/carers and other professionals Experience working with clients who have a range of speech, language and communication needs

Desirable

Experience of working in a multi-agency and/or multi-disciplinary team Planning and delivery of training to other professionals Experience supporting junior therapists, assistants and students

Skills

Essential

Basic awareness of IT and IT skills Demonstrate clear clinical reasoning based on evidence based practice Able to use own initiative Able to organise and manage own caseload Good auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically Formulate care programmes, identify goals by organising and prioritising Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy Negotiation, problem solving concentration, analytical and reflection skills Present information in clear and logical manner Ability to be a good team member

Trust Values

Essential

Putting people first, Prioritising quality, Being progressive, innovative and continually improve, Being professional and honest Promoting what is possible, independence, opportunity and choice