Highly specialist speech & language therapist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist within Bedfordshire Community Health Services Speech and Language Therapy Service.

The post is permanent, 1.0 WTE. (part time/job share will be considered)

The successful candidate will carry out domiciliary visits across north, mid and south Bedfordshire to patients in their own homes and nursing and care homes. The post will also include outpatient clinics. These are currently based at Bedford Hospital and Grove View, Dunstable; however these locations may change in the future.

The post will require good experience and knowledge within the field of acquired dysphagia and communication difficulties. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated clinician to join the service and work closely with the wider MDT.

The adult speech and language therapy service comprises a small, friendly and supportive team. There are regular team meetings, supervision and opportunities for further training and CPD.

You will require relevant professional qualifications. Applicants must hold current HCPC registration.

You will be responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients with dysphagia and communication difficulties, including complex cases.

You will be required to participate in post graduate dysphagia training for junior staff, supervise students and the support practitioner.

You will also be required to carry out training sessions on communication and dysphagia to other professionals and attend MDTs where required.

You will be encouraged to take an active role in service improvement and continuing professional development.

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for further details and description of role.

• Speech and Language Therapy Degree
• Dysphagia qualified at least 5 years including working with complex cases
• HCPC registered
• Member of Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists

• Has right to work in the UK

• Must have UK driving license
• Must have own transport to travel throughout Bedfordshire independently

• Demonstrate highly specialist clinical skills & knowledge in dysphagia
• Demonstrate highly specialist clinical skills & knowledge in communication
• Effective Multi disciplinary working
• Provide second opinions for junior staff
• Supervise junior staff and students
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to deal with conflicting demands & able to re-prioritise day accordingly

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.

Adult Speech & Language Therapy Clinical Manager

Dependent on experience.