Responsible to: Clinical Lead
Working with: Multi-disciplinary team
Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week (or pro-rata) (term-time contract available)
Hourly rate: TBC
Annual leave: 10 weeks paid holiday (or pro-rata)
Job Category: Speech and Language Therapy
Job Location: Essex, Kent, London
YOU MUST ALREADY HAVE A UK WORK VISA TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE
Qualification Required: BSc. Hons in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent)
Training and Education: HCPC Registration. Knowledge of the legislative framework for SALTs.
Find out more
https://wholechildtherapy.com/work-for-us/
Apply online
https://wholechildtherapy.com/jobs/speech-and-language-therapist-bands-5-6/
Main Roles and Responsibilities
* To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team to provide a comprehensive and coordinated range of specialist speech and language therapy diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative services in a variety of settings including the clinic, schools, and children’s centres, which improve or maintain the health, function, learning potentials, independence, and quality of life of the children.
* With support, manage a caseload of individuals (usually aged 0-25 years) with a range of needs and disabilities. This will involve specialist treatment of children with neurological difficulties, coordination difficulties, sensory processing problems and attention and behavioural deficits and maintaining associated clinical records.
* To devise and participate in creating product lines and services, including but not limited to training services, group and individual therapy programmes, and professional development for the Organisation.
1. Clinical – Assessment and Treatment Planning
1.1 To carry and prioritise a caseload and other ongoing tasks.
1.2 To conduct assessments and treatment in the most appropriate setting for the individual’s needs, whether in the clinic, school, or residential home.
1.3 To perform specialist occupational therapy assessment of children with diverse and complex presentations using advanced clinical reasoning skills and knowledge of typical child development.
1.4 Specialist OT assessment tools should assess the individual’s function concerning self-care, development, physical, sensory, sensory processing, gross and fine motor skills.
1.5 To analyse and interpret complex assessment results to accurately judge the individual’s condition and identify OT goals as part of an overall care plan.
1.6 To develop and implement treatment and management plans for each individual, incorporating individual or group therapy sessions and programmes for use in care and/or education settings.
1.7 To re-evaluate and progress/adapt treatment programmes at established intervals depending on the needs of each individual and the outcomes expected, and to authorise discharge when appropriate.
2. Clinical – Interventions and Treatments
2.1 To plan and implement a range of specialist child-centred individual and/or group interventions.
2.2 To re-evaluate and progress/adapt treatment programmes at established intervals depending on each child’s needs and the expected outcomes, and to authorise discharge when appropriate.
2.3 To identify and implement appropriate treatment approaches and techniques during therapy based on sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and best practice guidelines.
2.4 To monitor the effectiveness of an intervention.
3. Clinical – Analytical / Judgmental Skills
3.1 To analyse and interpret complex assessment results to provide an accurate judgment of the individual’s condition, where appropriate, or to contribute to the individual’s diagnosis by communicating assessment findings to the other involved professionals.
3.2 To identify OT goals as part of an overall care plan.
3.3 To identify and implement appropriate treatment approaches and techniques based on sound knowledge of evidence-based practice and best practice guidelines
3.4 To monitor the effectiveness of an intervention.
3.5 To make referrals to other professionals and agencies if required to address the individual’s global needs.
4. Clinical – Communication
4.1 To provide support and advice for the individual’s parents, carers, and/or school about all aspects of their care that relate to their OT needs, and to adjust your language to allow for their comprehension and understanding.
4.2 Adjust your communication according to the age and comprehension level of the child/family, and use non-verbal communication, sign, and augmentative communication aids as necessary.
4.3 To provide and receive complex and sensitive information concerning a child’s difficulties and expectations.
4.4 To demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in response to parents and children.
4.5 To work sensitively with parents who are themselves dealing with anger, grief, and frustration as they come to terms with the impact of their child’s condition.
4.6 To communicate effectively with parents/carers, team members, colleagues and other agencies, including health and educational staff, using written and verbal communication skills.
4.7 To attend meetings when requested to provide specialist advice about the individual's functional needs.
4.8 To arrange these meetings when appropriate. This may include the development of comprehensive MDT plans for transition and discharge.
4.9 To act appropriately when exposed to children who may be wet, soiled, sick, or have control issues with their saliva.
4.10 To provide specialist OT reports for use within inter-agencies, e.g., education, and documentation relevant to the setting, standards, and guidelines.
4.11 To maintain accurate, legible, and complete clinical records of all patient-related interventions by professional and service standards.
4.12 To provide programmes on a verbal or written basis, using pictorial representation as required, ensuring these programmes are carried over into daily life.
5. Human resources, including personnel and people development
5.1 To adhere to the Royal College of Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and comply with local and national standards of practice.
5.2 To be professionally and legally accountable for all professional and clinical work aspects.
5.3 To review and reflect on one’s practice and performance through the effective use of professional and clinical supervision and appraisal in line with local and company guidelines. Formal supervision is done monthly, and assessment yearly, with six monthly reviews.
5.4 To demonstrate basic leadership skills by managing designated projects, e.g., developing resources and clinical governance objectives.
5.5 To plan, organise and provide training to parents/carers and educational staff.
5.6 To plan and undertake presentation of OT related talks.
6. Health, safety, and security
6.1 Always maintain a safe therapeutic environment within the clinic, schools, and residential settings.
6.2 Carry out risk assessments, show an awareness of health and safety implications, and act accordingly.
6.3 To be responsible for equipment used in Occupational Therapy duties and to adhere to all policies and guidelines to ensure safe use of equipment by oneself and others.
6.4 To report any defects or difficulties to the Clinical Director.
6.5 To set up equipment when it arrives, show parents/carers/professionals how to use it safely, advise on when/how often it should be used and monitor it as the individual grows/changes.
6.6 Arrange for repairs and adaptations as necessary.
6.7 To have a sound knowledge of the theory and practice of manual handling of specialist equipment, e.g., adaptive seating, therapeutic equipment.
7. Policy and Service Improvement/Development
7.1 To participate in the operational planning and implementation of policy and service development within the OT team and the wider therapy group.
7.2 To demonstrate a working knowledge and contribute to developing and completing clinical audits.
7.3 To advise the Office Manager of any therapeutic equipment/materials needed for the service.