Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Main area Speech and Language Therapy
Grade NHS AfC: Band 7
Contract Permanent
Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref 309-UCLH-7923

Site University College London Hospitals Town London
Salary £58,133 - £65,261 per annum inclusive of HCAS
Salary period Yearly
Closing 07/06/:59

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University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to fair and transparent recruitment and requires accurate information from applicants.

We are looking for a highly motivated Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our dynamic, friendly, supportive, and hardworking team.

The post holder will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive and specialist service to patients presenting with complex speech, language and swallow disorders in the adult acute setting. Primary duties include:

• Assessment and management of patients with complex dysphagia, including tracheostomy management
• Assessment and management of patients with complex communication impairments
• Delivery of comprehensive rehabilitation for speech, language and swallow disorders
• Use of instrumental assessment to guide dysphagia management, including videofluoroscopy (competencies required) and/or FEES (competencies desired)
• Supervising junior staff and student SLTs, as designated by the Clinical Team Lead
• Demonstrating strong leadership skills, including initiative, organisational skills, and assisting with management of the team
• Developing and carrying out service development projects specific to the AMU as agreed with the line manager

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent)
• HCPC Licence to Practice in Speech and Language Therapy
• Successful completion of highly specialist postgraduate training relevant to communication (e.g., aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria) and swallowing disorders at MSc level or equivalent
• Successful completion of highly specialist training or expert short courses in tracheostomy assessment and management (including ventilator dependent management)
• Interpretation of videofluoroscopy swallow studies to RCSLT Level 3 (Lead)
• Basic counselling skills or relevant courses
• Training in SLT student clinical supervision
• Evidence of working within the NHS
• Member of relevant CENs
• MBSImp certification
• Training and clinical exposure to Fibre optical Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

• Extensive clinical experience working in adult acute care
• Delivering and evaluating training to a range of audiences
• Evidence of supervising junior staff
• Proven experience of a highly specialist range of assessment tools and procedures to evaluate swallowing disorders, communication, voice and cognitive communication, speech & language skills in an adult acute population
• Evidence of clinical dysphagia management at RCSLT Level C, or equivalent
• Proven experience of the key characteristics leading to a highly specialist differential diagnosis of swallowing disorders including use of videofluoroscopy
• Proven experience of key characteristics leading to a highly specialist differential diagnosis and management in tracheostomy care
• Proven experience of selecting, setting & evaluating highly specialist treatment goals
• Proven experience of a highly specialist range of therapeutic interventions relevant to adults with acute acquired neurology, especially dysphagia demonstrating the evidence based base for these approaches
• Detailed knowledge of multi disciplinary team approaches
• Good understanding of clinical governance principles (e.g. audit, clinical effectiveness, risk management, patient and public involvement)
• Carrying out evidence based research projects
• Evidence of working with ventilator dependent patients
• Basic knowledge of qualitative & quantitative research approaches, the key elements of writing a research protocol

• Demonstrates knowledge of RCSLT and HCPC's code of ethics and professional conduct
• Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate legislation affecting working practice (e.g. Working with Vulnerable Adults, Mental Capacity Act, Safeguarding Children)
• Demonstration of effective management of change skills including flexibility in approach to changes in patient and service needs
• The ability to develop & implement short term clinically based projects

• Demonstrate ability to meet Trust Values of safety, kindness, teamwork and improvement

• Excellent verbal and written skills
• The ability to communicate complex, sensitive information
• Skills in delivering presentations and training including basic adaptations to presentation/training style for a range of audiences
• Competent IT skills including use of Microsoft 365 programmes

• Experience of approaches to mentoring, advising, supporting and clinically supervising less experienced SLTs, SLT students and support staff
• The ability to reflect on practice

• Demonstrable understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Evidence of knowledge and experience in advocating for patients, staff and/or members of the public in relation to EDI principles

At UCLH we have a real "One Team" ethos, and our values - safety, kindness, teamwork and improvement - are central to the way we work. We are committed to equality of opportunity and inclusivity.

Benefits include an interest free season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, staff discount platform, and onsite accommodation.

You must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom or meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Applicants who require visa sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications.

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) and the 2020 Order.

Name: Lizzy Marks
Job title: Clinical Service Manager
Email:

Contact: Libby Bell
Job title: Clinical Team Lead for Adult Acute Speech and Language Therapy at UCH
Email: