Senior Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Milton Keynes
Clinical / Professional Practice: Apply the neurobehavioural approach to brain injury, demonstrating knowledge of current research findings and best practices in the field. Manage and prioritize a caseload of People We Support with complex mental/physical health needs and/or challenging behaviour. Use evidence-based practice, service user-centred principles, and clinical reasoning to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate interventions. Conduct comprehensive assessments considering environment, context, and future plans to formulate appropriate rehabilitation goals, care plans, communication and dysphagia therapy programmes, and referrals.
Overcome barriers in communication to actively engage People We Support in assessment, rehabilitation, and discharge planning, ensuring valid informed consent. Work within a legal framework for People We Support who lack capacity to consent. Seek consent from People We Support or advocate for sharing information with family, carers, and other stakeholders, respecting confidentiality.
Provide information about service users’ communication abilities and support needs. Complete swallowing assessments, providing recommendations, care plans, onward referrals, and staff training for safe management and rehabilitation of dysphagia. Manage time and caseload effectively within a potentially pressurised environment. Write and verbally present reports, care, and rehab plans reflecting People We Support needs, impact on functioning, and summarizing findings with recommendations and referrals when appropriate.
Maintain accurate, professional, and up-to-date documentation in line with legal and organisational standards. Be aware of and comply with responsibilities regarding risk management and safeguarding; seek continuous improvement and take necessary actions. Complete risk assessments and identify ways to improve health and safety within the work area. Exercise duty of care in all aspects of the role.
Maintain equipment and inventory, informing the service manager of replacements. Keep registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, complying with their requirements.
Leadership
Work flexibly and creatively as an autonomous clinical professional, potentially as a sole clinician. Exhibit confidence and integrity, facing challenges and standing up for your viewpoints. Promote quality, effective working, continuous improvement, and change management through your behaviour. Develop excellent working relationships through a collaborative, multidisciplinary model while respecting professional boundaries. Lead in planning, developing, and evaluating speech and language therapy services within your area/team.
Gather, collate, and analyse information to solve clinical and professional problems. Develop networks with local services to support referrals and act as a resource for signposting. Participate in clinical governance and quality assurance, evaluating your work and that of others, and taking necessary actions. Act as a role model, accepting professional accountability and responsibility.
Evidence, Research, and Development
Undertake research and/or audit projects relevant to speech and language therapy, the service, and organisation. Participate in the ongoing sustainability of the service and organisation. Make recommendations on speech and language therapy issues. Attend clinical and developmental meetings to ensure effective collaboration and decision-making. Liaise with relevant clinical teams, departments, support networks, and special interest groups.
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