Speech and Language Therapist

Speech and Language Therapist - Band 5

North East of England

Salary: £30,529 - £36,071

Job Purpose : 

• To assess and provide therapy interventions for a caseload of service users or students with complex needs under the regular supervision of a clinical supervisor. Supervision initially to be weekly, moving to monthly as determined by supervising clinician.
• To develop an ability to work within an integrated way within a trans-disciplinary team to ensure that therapy targets are embedded within the curriculum.
• To maintain accurate and contemporaneous records.
• To work closely with families, carers and external agencies as required.
• To provide training and advice to families, carers, school/college staff and other professionals as required with support from more experienced SLT staff.
• To use Evidence Based Practice from professional literature and CPD to inform clinical decision making.

Main Duties

• To implement safe and effective speech and language therapy interventions in collaboration with students, families, carers, school/college staff and external agencies as required
• To contribute to the initial assessment and formulation of speech, language and communication needs under the direct supervision of a more experienced clinical supervisor
• To manage all aspects of a caseload of students and service users following a comprehensive speech and language therapy assessment
• To develop assessment skills and demonstrate the ability to contribute to trans- disciplinary discussion in order to determine ongoing needs and therapy planning
• To produce detailed, comprehensive reports
• To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures following departmental guidelines
• To develop skills in working with students with complex disabilities, including physical disabilities, challenging behaviour and ASC
• To develop an understanding of the management of dysphagia where required, working under close supervision from a dysphagia trained therapist, in preparation for undertaking further training if relevant.
• To develop skills in working with all forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as needed and specific approaches such as phonological awareness, literacy development, social communication etc.
• To assist students with personal care where required. This may involve assisting in the bathroom, helping with eating and drinking or delivering gastrostomy feeds, medication etc. Training will be given.
• To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation and seeking support immediately from the clinical supervisor

Essential Criteria

Skills and Knowledge

• • Knowledge of current SLT interventions for young people with complex communication needs, ASD, physical difficulties, sensory needs and additional difficulties.
• • Excellent interpersonal skills • Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written
• • Excellent recording and reporting skills
• • Proven ability to plan effectively and differentiate to meet individual needs.
• • Well-developed organisational and self-management skills.
• • Excellent ICT skills
• • Ability to prioritise and manage a varied caseload
• • Able to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team.
• • Good group management skills Qualifications and Training
• • Qualified SLT status
• • HCPC Registered. Experience
• • Evidence of experience in relevant areas during training.
• • Experience of working with children and young people with complex needs and their families