Community Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

We are looking for a dynamic, passionate and caring Speech and Language Therapist to join our dedicated friendly team, providing assessment and treatment for service users with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties within the community. The successful applicant will have completed dysphagia assessment and management competencies and will manage an independent dysphagia caseload.

The Speech and Language Therapy team works closely as part of the wider community multidisciplinary team, which includes dietitians, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. The clinical role involves determining diagnosis, developing and delivering individualised treatment programmes, and providing advice to patients, colleagues and the MDT. The role also includes maintaining accurate electronic records, liaising with other agencies, and supporting the clinical leads and the wider MDT.

• Manage own specialist caseload.
• Work autonomously within Trust policies and professional practice, maintaining accurate and comprehensive electronic records.
• Carry out specialist assessment and treatment of patients in the community.
• Determine clinical diagnosis and develop, deliver, implement, evaluate and modify treatment programmes.
• Liaise and refer to other agencies to ensure service users receive an appropriate pathway of care; communicate effectively with the team to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide specialist advice to patients, colleagues and the MDT.
• Take part in the education and training of Speech and Language Therapists and contribute to the education of qualified and non-qualified healthcare, social services staff and medical staff.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Leads for Speech and Language Therapy to embed best practice.
• Support the Clinical Leads in the day to day running of services.
• Support and advise the wider MDT on delivery of the service.

• Registered with HCPC.
• Evidence of postgraduate training.
• Successful completion of a post basic dysphagia course or documented dysphagia competencies.
• Experience at postgraduate or undergraduate level within the NHS.
• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Member of a relevant clinical excellence network, attendance at events.
• Studied at Masters level or equivalent.

• Significant experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist with adults with neurological conditions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of suitable Speech and Language Therapy assessments and approaches.
• Competent as a specialist dysphagia practitioner.
• Knowledge of instrumental dysphagia assessments.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, national guidelines and best practice.
• Good clinical reasoning skills.
• Evidence of CPD, self-directed learning and reflective practice.
• IT literate with ability to maintain accurate records.
• Access to insured transport for business use.
• Willingness to undertake additional and mandatory training as required.
• Experience of case management.
• Experience developing, supervising and training others.
• Previous experience working at Band 6 level.

• Demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviours.
• Effective communication with people with complex difficulties and in difficult situations.
• Recognises own limitations and demonstrates willingness to learn from others.
• Self motivated and able to work independently, influencing others.
• Proven ability to work well in a team.
• Ability to organise own work and caseload.
• Problem solving and decision making skills based on patient/client needs.

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants.