Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Adult

We would like to offer this opportunity to join our supportive and friendly team, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual.

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. This will be predominantly in out patient settings with a focus on rapid response.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is currently in a Band 5/6 role to further develop their knowledge and skills with the support of experienced colleagues. There are opportunities to be involved in videofluoroscopy and FEES.

The team base is in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital although overall sits within the Clinical Support and Screening Services arm of the organisation. The Adult Speech and Language Team work very closely together and with other services. There are great opportunities to learn from each other. Support is offered through formal group and individual supervision alongside informal discussion within the team. The team consists of an ASLT clinical lead, clinicians of varying bands and assistants. Whilst this post is part of an acute and community team, care will be primarily in an out patient setting. Weekend working may be occasionally required.

The post holder will work primarily as part of the out patient team, assessing, diagnosing and providing treatment to people with communication and swallowing disorders.

Attendance at clinical excellence networks and regional support groups are encouraged. There is opportunity to be involved in training other members of the wider MDT, including care home staff.

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.

• To provide a specialist Speech and Language Service to adults who present with a range of swallowing disorders including those who have complex and/or severe difficulties, predominantly in out patient settings.
• To provide a flexible and timely service to people with dysphagia.
• To provide dysphagia and communication assessments and therapy.
• 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 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, 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 assistants and students.
• To contribute towards service evaluation and demonstration of efficacy and efficiency.
• To be a source of specialist advice for other professions.
• To demonstrate effective communication with colleagues, take part in supervision and appraisal as required.
• To liaise with MDT including GPs, Consultants and other healthcare professionals/other agencies where appropriate.
• See job description document for full details.

• Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent
• HCPC registration
• Proficient level of dysphagia competency

• RCSLT membership

• Experience of working with adults with neurological disorders
• Experience of managing a caseload in a community setting
• Experience of working in an MDT
• Demonstrable CPD/training

• Experience in service development or quality improvement
• Involvement in instrumental assessment
• Experience working with AAC

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, NE9 6SX

Website: