Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) to join the Neuro and Major Trauma Team at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHTR). We are looking for someone who is caring and compassionate in their work, enjoys a complex and varied caseload and embraces change to support the Clinical Leads with service development.
This role requires delivery of high-quality SLT services in acute in-patient, rehab and out-patient provision, therefore excellent interpersonal skills are essential to build working relationships with multiple MDTs. The caseload includes neurosurgical, major trauma, neurorehabilitation and long-term neurological conditions. Clinically this includes complex dysphagia and acquired disorders of communication and cognition, as well as joint working, goal setting and weekly MDT meetings to ensure optimal patient-centred care. Experience in AAC and instrumental assessment would be beneficial, however we are able to provide in-house training for the right candidate.
The service embraces evidence-based practice, CPD is actively supported, and you will have the opportunity to continue to develop your clinical portfolio. Part time and flexible working will be considered.
Main duties of the job
1. To provide a specialist speech and language therapy clinical service to adults with acquired disorders of communication, cognition and dysphagia.
2. To work across acute in-patient, rehab and out-patient pathways and proactively engage in multidisciplinary team working.
3. Support the clinical lead in the day to day running of the clinical area (Major trauma, Neurosurgery, Neurology & Neuro Rehab) through implementation of their clinical knowledge, operational accountability, monitoring of service provision and supporting staff as required.
4. To provide input to the teaching, research, audit and service development functions of the department.
5. To actively participate in CPD to maintain and expand clinical knowledge.
6. To provide a service across both RPH and CDH sites and to support Trust initiatives in line with 7 day working and further service changes.
Working for our organisation
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust is a large acute organisation, delivering specialist services both locally and regionally. We are a regional specialist centre for Major Trauma, Neurosurgery and Neurology. The Speech Therapy Department is situated at the Royal Preston Hospital site; however, we also deliver services to Chorley District Hospital and our new Community Healthcare Hub (intermediate care / step down facility).
We are a dedicated SLT service with excellent patient care at the core of our values, and our varied caseload provides complex presentations across dysphagia, communication and voice respectively. We have established VFS and FEES clinics, with in-service training to provide sustainability. We strive to continuously improve our SLT services through service development and innovation and are keen that audit / research are part of our clinical roles. We have strong clinical leadership within the department and structured clinical supervision and CPD is promoted.
You will join a large friendly team of speech and language therapists covering a range of specialist services. The department is rated 'GOLD' on the STAR quality assurance framework, with a strong commitment to evidence-based practice. CPD and training are well supported.
To find out more about us, look at our Twitter / X page @SLT_LTHTR
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the separate job description and person specification for full details:
7. Actively promote high-quality service delivery at all times and promote SLT presence in multidisciplinary team working.
8. Build excellent relationships with the MDT and liaise effectively to ensure seamless care.
9. Undertake specialist assessment, differential diagnosis, clinical reasoning / analysis and record clearly in the electronic patient record.
10. Deliver a wide range of specialist SLT treatment and management options to meet patients' needs, ensuring a holistic approach and person-centred care.
11. To contribute to the management of complex disorders with support from a senior specialist SLT.
12. To participate in instrumental assessment.
13. To communicate effectively in a variety of settings
14. To advise on AAC methods where appropriate
15. To support personal and staff CPD
16. To support equality of opportunity for both staff and patients
17. To support clinical governance and quality agenda
Person specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential criteria
18. Recognised Degree / Masters in Speech and Language Pathology
19. HCPC & RCSLT Registration
20. Evidence of CPD in relevant areas
21. RCSLT specialist dysphagia competencies
Desirable criteria
22. Post graduate courses in relevant clinical area of Speech and Language Therapy
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
23. Specialist knowledge of acquired disorders of communication/voice and dysphagia
24. Experience of managing dysphagia and communication disorders in specialist clinical area, both in the inpatient and outpatient setting
25. Understanding of the roles of other health care professionals and working as a multidisciplinary team
26. Experience in audit and research
27. Clinical educator
Desirable criteria
28. Training and clinical supervision of others
29. Videoflouroscopy training or experience.
30. FEES exposure
31. Projects / audit
32. Involvement in service development
33. Working with other relevant agencies
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
34. Ability to manage patients independently
35. Analytical, problem solving abilities
36. Highly developed auditory and perceptual skills
37. Excellent communication skills
38. Good prioritisation skills
39. Works well in a team environment
40. Ability to multitask and work flexibly
Desirable criteria
41. Ability to perform cervical auscultation
42. Able to develop delegated project tasks
43. Data collection and analysis
Values & Behaviours
Essential criteria
44. Alignment to Trust Values and Core Behaviours
45. Self-motivated and able to motivate others
46. Enthusiastic, positive attitude to change
47. Take responsibility for obtaining the highest standards of care achievable which is empathetic in nature
48. Good self-insight
49. Commitment to CPD