Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (XR07)
Are you seeking variety, team working, and development of clinical skills? An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team at Leeds Children's Hospital.
We are looking to recruit a dynamic, innovative, and skilled Band 7 Specialist Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist capable of providing high-quality input focusing on specialist areas such as oncology.
This post offers an excellent opportunity, within a supportive and stimulating environment, to develop and enhance your skills in the assessment and management of children with complex feeding and communication difficulties in an acute setting. The role promotes MDT working, supporting patients and families through their hospital journey. We seek team members committed to achieving the highest standards of care for children and families.
Opportunities to develop specialist skills within areas such as oncology, surgical, respiratory, as well as research and service development, are available.
Main duties of the job
This cross-site post will cover Leeds Children's Hospital and St James' University Hospital.
To fulfill the role of Highly Specialist Paediatric Acute SLT, you will have experience working at an advanced level in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties, as well as complex communication needs.
This position provides excellent opportunities to develop skills as a core member of a well-established MDT working alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, nurses, and assistants.
You will demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational, and teamworking skills, with evidence of ongoing professional development. The role involves developing clinical skills in specialist areas such as oncology, conducting training, pre- and post-operative assessments and treatments, and transferring care at local and regional levels. It also involves working closely with MDTs, patients, families, and relevant health and social care teams, ensuring compliance with clinical standards.
About us
Leeds Children's Hospital provides regional care and is a well-established teaching hospital. Leeds Teaching Hospital has been featured on Saving Lives in Leeds and is one of the UK's largest acute health providers. The hospital offers specialties including neurology, neuro rehab, neonates, cardiopulmonary, gastroenterology, critical care, surgical, oncology, and hematology. Located in Leeds city center, it benefits from excellent transport links.
You will be supported by a highly skilled SLT team with opportunities to develop expertise in acute sub-specialisms such as neonates, tracheostomy, long-term ventilation, critical care, and videofluoroscopy. The team offers a structured induction and supervision program.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to redeploying 'at risk' staff to new roles. All job adverts are subject to this policy, and delays in shortlisting may occur. Please contact the designated contact for questions.
Job responsibilities
Assess, diagnose, and manage complex communication and swallowing issues across various conditions, utilizing highly specialist knowledge in line with policies and guidelines. Provide second opinions and build links with allied agencies to improve care pathways.
Diagnose, assess, treat, and manage complex communication, swallowing, cognitive, and emotional impairments. Ensure patients can improve their swallowing and communication functions, reducing reliance on enteral feeds and communication aids.
Develop rehabilitation pathways focusing on education, enablement, and empowerment of service users and carers.
Manage highly specialist caseloads, ensuring safety and equitable care provision across the city and region. Plan and deliver education and training programs for staff, patients, and students. Act as a patient advocate, facilitate communication, and ensure compliance with the Mental Capacity Act. Conduct audits and evaluate service models to optimize provision.
Person Specification
Other Criteria
* Willingness to participate in relevant training to develop required skills
Qualifications
* Recognized Speech and Language Therapy Degree accredited by RCSLT
* Health Professions Council license to practice
* Registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
* Postgraduate training and maintenance in RCSLT Level C Dysphagia
* Training & Competency Framework
* Postgraduate Qualification in Paediatric Dysphagia
* FEES competencies for Tracheostomy and advanced communication skills
Experience
* Specialist knowledge of relevant client groups
* Experience with therapeutic interventions and highly specialist clinical expertise
* Familiarity with RCSLT guidelines and policies
* Experience in assessments supporting diagnosis and management of complex dysphagia (VF preferred)
* Substantial post-qualification SLT experience in paediatric communication and feeding difficulties
* Advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management experience
* Teaching and supervisory experience
* Provision of second opinions and advice
* Training delivery experience
* Experience in clinical audit and research
* Line management experience and conducting appraisals
* Experience working within specialist MDTs and as a resource
* VF and AAC competencies
Skills & Behaviours
* Excellent interpersonal skills
* Active listening and counseling skills
* Sensitivity and awareness of others' needs
* Valuing diversity
* Teamwork and collaboration
* Relationship building
* Ability to work under pressure and adapt to change
* Motivated, reliable, and with integrity
* Independent clinical decision-making skills
* Negotiation and communication skills
* Training and educational skills
* Time management and organizational skills
* Analytical, reflective, and problem-solving skills
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required.
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per year (subject to pay award)
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