Team CDDFT speech and language therapy are pleased to advertise an exciting Specialist Speech and Language Therapy post based at Sedgefield Community Hospital. The Band 6 post will be supported by senior staff to ensure that the successful applicant continues to develop a broad range of specialist dysphagia competencies that meet the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver evidence-based practice assessment and therapy to patients across all settings, including out‑patient, residential, nursing homes, domiciliary and community hospitals.
- Supervise speech and language therapy students and contribute to the delivery of teaching programmes to community professionals.
- Lead and participate in clinical supervision, monthly staff meetings, management supervision, peer support groups and annual appraisals.
- Conduct weekly SLT‑led VFSS / FEES and support the respiratory and dysphagia teams.
- Implement and monitor intervention plans in a multi‑disciplinary service, ensuring compliance with national and local health and education policies.
- Maintain up‑to‑date technology, communication aids, iPads, apps and mobile working equipment.
Required Experience and Qualifications
- Registered Speech and Language Therapist with the Health Professionals Council.
- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy (equivalent recognised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists).
- Evidence of successful completion of non‑specialist short courses including post‑basic dysphagia or equivalent.
- Post‑basic dysphagia training (or equivalent) and experience working with both communication and swallowing impaired community caseloads.
- Experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist post‑registration.
- Ability to travel independently across the county, carry small items of equipment and meet the physical demands of the post.
- Valid Full UK driving licence.
- Commitment to continuing professional development and ability to work flexibly within a multidisciplinary service.
Special Skills & Knowledge
- Strong interpersonal, communication, persuasion, negotiation and training skills.
- Ability to communicate complex, sensitive information and make judgements involving a range of facts.
- Planning and organisational skills for handling complex activities.
- Knowledge and understanding of national and local health/education/social care policies and local procedures.
- Understanding of a range of procedures related to diagnosis and remediation of disorders of human communication.
- Experience with dysphagia assessment and management within varied settings.
Benefits
- Opportunity to develop further specialist skills in progressive neurological disease and acquired neurology.
- Well‑resourced department with up‑to‑date technology and communication aids.
- Professional lead in Speech and Language Therapy and clinical leads in all specialist areas.
- Direct support from senior staff and ongoing peer supervision.
- In‑service training and annual appraisal.
- Good IT access and mobile working equipment (laptop and mobile phone).
Additional Requirements
- Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly DBS) and CRB check.
- Written references covering a minimum of 3 years previous employment and/or training.
Equal Opportunities
We positively welcome applications from all sections of the community and actively promote equal opportunities. We particularly welcome applicants from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
For further information, please refer to the Trust website: http://www.cddft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/our-core-values.aspx
