Job overview
Looking for a fresh challenge? We are recruiting for a Senior Speech and Language Therapists to work as part of the Stroke team.
We will provide you with training and pastoral support and offer an outstanding learning and development package with a broad range of development opportunities.Candidates will be enthusiastic and flexible, with a specialist interest in stroke. Those looking for a development opportunity will also be considered.
Main duties of the job
This post is for a Band 6 Senior Speech and Language Therapist in the Stroke service, which currently includes hyper-acute, acute stroke, inpatient rehabilitation and an early-supported discharge service in clients’ own homes.
·To autonomously asses, diagnose and manage adult clients admitted to the Maidstone Hospital (MH) with swallowing and\or communication disorders according to the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust SALT service guidelines and standards.
·To be part of the MDT providing a 7 day, extended hours flexible service as required.
·To attend and contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, goal setting meetings, and other ward meetings as necessary.
·To advise and support relatives, carers and medical staff in the care of these patients
·Where appropriate, to transfer\hand over information about these patients to residential\care homes and\or Community SALT services in a timely manner, to ensure a seamless service and to help prevent unnecessary readmissions.
·To update and organise the online inpatient caseload documents daily so that there is appropriate and effective handover and prioritisation of patients at all times
·To offer supervision to more junior members of the SALT team and SALT students
·To participate in the Videofluoroscopy clinic and FEES assessments.
·To participate in providing cover across the other parts of the SALT service (and sites) where appropriate.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised stroke services in our hyper acute stroke unit at Maidstone hospital.
We have a team of 9 SLTs and 3 assistants working in stroke plus a further 11 SLTs working in acute and head and neck oncology. We offer both FEES and Videofluoroscopy and have 2 active research trials underway on the stroke unit (PLORAS and PhEAST).
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Degree or post graduate diploma in Speech and Language Therapy
2. Registered member of HCPC
3. Evidence of ongoing CPD/reflective practice
Desirable criteria
4. Level C Dysphagia competencies or equivalent experience
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
5. Post graduate experience
6. Experience of working with adults in an acute setting
7. Sound knowledge of SALT assessments used with adults in the acute setting
8. Knowledge of evidence-based practice, especially in the areas of dysphagia, aphasia, dysarthria, dyspraxia, cognitive-communication disorders and dysphonia
9. Understanding of the principles of clinical governance
Desirable criteria
10. Experience of working with stroke
11. Multidisciplinary team working
12. Knowledge of relevant national policies and standards
13. Knowledge/experience of instrumental assessment
Skills
Essential criteria
14. Able to apply theory to practice for patients on an acute caseload
15. Highly developed auditory and perceptual skills in assessment, diagnosis and management planning
16. High level written and verbal communication skills
17. Strong organisational and reflection skills, including the ability to prioritise and manage your own time effectively
Desirable criteria
18. Supervision skills