Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

We are delighted to offer an opportunity to join our supportive and friendly team, based at the QEH in Gateshead.

Working within the stroke/in-patient part of the service, the successful candidate will work as part of this small but dynamic team to further develop a high quality service. As part of a 7 day service, some weekend working will be required.

There will be opportunity to work with adults with a range of neurological conditions who have dysphagia and/or communication difficulties, across in-patient and out-patient settings including the Jubilee Acute Stroke Rehabilitation Unit (JASRU) and the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Team.

There are opportunities to work in a number of acute settings including care of the elderly, general medicine, mental health, critical care and emergency care. The post holder will work closely within the stroke MDT and with other professionals within and outside of the Speech and Language team.

There are also opportunities to be involved in VFSS and FEES and to develop your skills in these areas.

The successful candidate will work with other SLT colleagues in the team to provide a service to adults with dysphagia and communication disorders, resulting from a range of neurological conditions e.g. Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Dementia. You will be involved in the clinical supervision and development of speech and language therapists as well as other members of the MDT e.g. ward staff in terms of dysphagia competency training. Attendance at clinical excellence networks and regional support groups are encouraged. We offer full professional support including an appraisal system, regular team meetings, and close liaison with experienced therapists. There are regular opportunities for informal supervision and case discussion. Involvement in professional development is actively encouraged.

Primarily this post will provide a specialist Speech and Language service to people who have had a stroke, including dysphagia and communication assessments and therapy.

To provide input to adults who present with a range of swallowing disorders including those who have complex and/or severe difficulties in an acute, in-patient setting.

To provide a flexible and timely service to the stroke ward and people with dysphagia across the hospital.

To act as an autonomous practitioner providing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, opinion and evaluation of a range of eating, drinking and swallowing disorders.

To work in close collaboration with the rest of the acute and stroke team and the wider Multidisciplinary Team in order to provide an integrated approach to care.

To participate in research in specialist area as required.

To provide excellence in clinical care and working to achieve the highest level of patient safety.

To continuously develop the service and constantly strive to improve.

To provide appropriate clinical supervision and in-service training for speech and language therapists, assistants and students.

• Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent
• HCPC registration
• Enhanced level of dysphagia competency
• RCSLT Membership

• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
• Experience of managing a caseload in a community setting
• Experience of carrying out triage
• Experience in service development or quality improvement
• Involvement in instrumental assessment
• Involvement in SSNAP

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.