About this role
Job summary
Due to promotion within the service, we are looking for a dynamic, innovative and enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapist to join our team. This post is dedicated to the Complex Rehabilitation Unit with some support to the acute service within the Walton Centre.
Supporting the Lead Speech and Language therapist the successful candidate will play an important role in delivering complex specialist care for patients experiencing a range of Neurological and neurosurgical conditions including those experiencing prolonged disorders of consciousness. You will play a key role in supporting and developing the SLT service which is an integral part of the Walton Centre Therapy service and will carry your own clinical case load. Appraisals and supervision will be provided by the Lead Speech and Language Therapist.
In order to fulfill the role of Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, you will have a high level of experience working with neurological / neurosurgical disorders and will ideally have established skills in videofluoroscopy. However training may be provided for the right candidate.
Due to expected high interest, this vacancy may close early and without notice once a sufficient number of applications are received. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible; late or offline submissions may not be accepted once the limit has been reached.
Main duties of the job
1. To provide assessment, diagnosis, advice and treatment of patients with complex acquired communication and swallowing disorders.
2. To support videofluoroscopy to a level of independent clinical practice.
3. To train and advise carers and staff involved in the patient's care as appropriate.
4. To liaise with other members of the Multi-disciplinary team, such as doctors, nurses etc., and inform them of assessment results.
5. To make decisions regarding timing of discharge from the service based on outcome of clinical interventions.
6. To liaise with other teams, agencies, and Speech and Language Therapists in referring for outpatient follow-up on discharge from the service.
7. To record assessment results in medical case notes.
8. To attend meetings where possible.
9. To maintain appropriate and regular case records.
10. To keep accurate statistical information in accordance with departmental policy.
11. To support the Principal Speech and Language Therapist in the day-to-day administration of services.
12. To keep Principal Speech and Language Therapist informed of any changes in the service or variation in demand.
13. To support the Principal Speech and Language Therapist in areas of service development and project work which impact on the service
14. To complete FEES assessments at a level 2 standard.
About us
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only NHS trust to hold dual accreditation for the Investors in People. We invest in people and we invest in wellbeing standards and have been awarded Gold status for both. The Walton Centre is a leader in the treatment and care of neurology and neurosurgery, placing the patient and their family at the heart of everything we do. As the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services we are proud to be rated as an Outstanding Trust by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and champion change throughout the field of neuroscience. Originally formed in 1992, the Trust received Foundation Trust status in 2009.
With around 1,450 staff, The Walton Centre treats more than 127,000 outpatients and 18,000 inpatients each year. We have leading specialists and incredibly dedicated staff delivering excellent clinical outcomes for brain, spinal and neurological care nationally and internationally. Teams across our site in Fazakerley, Liverpool, offer a world-class service in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves and muscles, and in supporting people suffering from a wide range of long-term neurological conditions.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see the job description and person specification document for detailed information about the job description for this vacancy
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and Health Professions Council (HPC)
Knowledge & Experience Essential
Postgraduate training in acquired complex dysphagia Knowledge and application of different assessments and therapy approaches for speech, language and communication impairments Experience of delivering Speech and Language Therapy interventions to adults. Knowledge and application of different forms of dysphagia therapy Able to work at a highly specialist level with a complex communication and swallowing caseload across neurological disorders including progressive diseases
Desirable
Postgraduate training in Videofluoroscopy Postgraduate training in FEES
Skills & Attributes Essential
Ability to work as part of a team, including good communication skills required to be able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Good understanding of issues involved in service provision Good understanding of Clinical Governance issues. Good understanding of issues involved in supervision of staff Good written and verbal communication skills Ability to recognize own training needs. Able to maintain sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of the client and their carers, in particular when imparting potentially distressing information regarding the nature of the clients difficulties and implications of the same. Good insight into professional boundaries and when to refer on/ seek further advice. To demonstrate adherence to Trust Values at all times.
Desirable
Able to carry out FEES Skills in use and interpretation of Videofluoroscopy studies Able to work independently with patients with a tracheostomy Able to work independently with patients with a tracheostomy Experience of supporting service development projects. Experience of delivering Speech and Language Therapy within an outpatient setting
Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Address The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Lower Lane
Liverpool
L9 7LJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)