Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and highly motivated Speech and Language Therapist to join our friendly Speech and Language Therapy Team for one year to cover maternity leave.

The post holder will provide an effective, evidenced-based Speech and Language Therapy Service to their own caseload of acute adult in-patients with acquired swallowing and communication difficulties. The post-holder will work across all Specialities and work as part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team.

Main duties of the job

• To demonstrate the ability to manage an autonomous caseload on the acute wards. This will include the assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment and management of acquired adult swallowing and communication disorders.
• To demonstrate development of specialist knowledge in this clinical area, underpinned by current evidence based practice and outcome measures.
• To demonstrate the ability to work independently, or as part of a team, in the management of patients with communication and swallowing difficulties.
• To demonstrate highly developed auditory and perceptual skills in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients.
• To apply knowledge to inform sound clinical judgements / decision making for case management, developing clear care plans based on best practice.
• To communicate complex condition related information from assessment to patients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team / other professions, demonstrating empathy and ensuring that effective communication is achieved.

About us

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is committed to staff development and wellbeing. We offer an extensive range of resources including on-site staff nursery, wellbeing practitioners, regular wellbeing classes, dedicated staff physiotherapist, comprehensive occupational health services, 24/7 employee assistance programme, and a range of other support and activities. At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements.

Person Specification

Qualification and Experience

• Recognised degree or equivalent in Speech & Language Therapy
• Registered with the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health Professions Council (HcPC); HcPC licence to practice and eligible for full RCSLT register
• Post-graduate qualification in Dysphagia
• Relevant post-graduate Speech & Language Therapy practice with adults with acquired neurological disorders, including Dysphagia and Dysphasia
• Experience of Speech & Language Therapy practice with adult patients in an acute hospital
• Experience of team-working
• Ability to work in a busy, high pressured environment and to prioritise own workload

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
• Good presentation skills, both written and verbal
• The meaning and practice of Clinical Governance, audit and standards
• Standards in acute Speech & Language Therapy care of patients with acquired communication and swallowing problems

Additional Information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer details

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Address: Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, Norbiton, KT2 7QB

Website: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Contact for questions

Principle SLT Sarah Thompson

Email: [contact hidden]

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