Speech and Language Therapist - Acute General Medicine Speciality

Band 6, Permanent, part time 22.5 hours per week (0.6 WTE). Job ref 321-MRC B6. Site: John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. Salary £39,959 - £48,117 per annum (pro rata). Closing date 12/06/:59.

We are seeking a part time Speech and Language Therapist to work within the Acute General Medicine inpatient workstream at John Radcliffe Hospital. The role will involve assessing, diagnosing, managing and providing therapy for adults with swallowing and communication disorders across a complex medical caseload, including elderly care, respiratory, cardiac surgery, emergency medicine, trauma and surgery. In addition to clinical work, you will support multidisciplinary delivery, contribute to audit and service development, and provide supervision and cover for other SLTs.

• Use specialist clinical skills to identify, assess, diagnose and manage adult patients with swallowing and communication disorders across a complex general medical caseload.
• Select the evidence based intervention for effective, evidence based therapy.
• Contribute to audit and service development projects in this clinical area and the wider department.
• Independently receive and provide supervision for students on placement.
• Provide necessary cover for the caseloads of other Speech and Language Therapists within the Trust during periods of annual or sick leave.

• Assess, develop and implement specialist evidence based Speech and Language Therapy interventions.
• Generate written reports reflecting specialist knowledge and make appropriate clinical decisions following assessments.
• Provide appropriate specialist intervention and evaluate outcomes, generating strategies for caseload management for complex clinical issues.
• Advise others regarding the management and care of patients with communication and swallowing disorders.
• Work collaboratively within a multi disciplinary team to achieve patient centred care.
• Liaise with a wide range of professionals across a variety of locations and agencies.
• Maintain intense concentration in all aspects of patient management for prolonged periods, monitoring auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of patients' communication, and adapting facilitation according to perceived needs.
• Represent Speech and Language Therapy at multi disciplinary team meetings, ensuring coordinated care.
• Adhere to and implement Service and team plans, including provision of statistical data, maintaining high quality clinical records, and complying with health and safety and infection control guidelines.
• Participate in Trust incident reporting and risk management procedures, and apply specialist knowledge to inform Service or policy development.
• Monitor stock levels, request new equipment, and maintain equipment security and safety.
• Supervise and mentor junior Speech and Language Therapists, support workers and therapy assistants.
• Participate in student clinical placements and assist other professional groups.
• Maintain up to date case notes in line with RCSLT standards and local policies, adhering to data protection guidelines and gathering activity data accurately.
• Engage in research and development, including clinical governance, audit projects, and innovative studies, collecting and providing research data as required.

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent.
• Registered with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC).
• Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

• Evidence of high level of specialist knowledge and skills achieved through experience and CPD.
• Experience working within acute general medicine speciality.
• Experience working in a multi disciplinary team.
• Knowledge and application of Clinical Governance principles.
• Experience supervising students or junior staff.
• Experience with service review, quality improvement and audit.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including active listening.
• Negotiation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent reflective practice and analytical skills, with ability to identify strengths and learning needs and proactively seek development.
• Independent workload and caseload prioritisation and management skills in an unpredictable environment.
• Teamwork and leadership ability when required.
• Evidence of participation in clinical audit or research.

We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the core principles outlined in the Sexual Safety Charter as part of our commitment to a safe, respectful hiring environment.

COVID 19 vaccination is encouraged for staff but is not a condition of employment.

This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period unless you already hold a contract with the Trust.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.