Speech and Language Therapist, B5 (Rotational)

Speech and Language Therapist Band 5 (rotational post) - Princess Royal University Hospital & Orpington Hospital Sites

The post offers a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive acute inpatient team in Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. King's offers high quality Band 5 rotations including Acute Medicine and Stroke on the PRUH site and Neuro-rehabilitation based at Orpington Hospital.

The successful applicant will provide Speech and Language Therapy within each clinical specialty, remaining within each area for 9 months. This will allow the opportunity to develop a wide knowledge base and range of skills, alongside specified learning objectives for the rotation and ring-fenced learning time to achieve these.

The acute SLT team works closely with the wider multidisciplinary teams. The SLT service offers a comprehensive supervision and CPD structure with a range of opportunities for learning and participation in both self and service development. There is a strong emphasis on the management of both communication and swallowing difficulties and the impact of SLT within the acute setting. This post requires a flexible approach to working and will require the post holder to work as part of a rota'd seven day working pattern. We provide a weekly videofluoroscopy clinic.

Job description

Clinical Responsibilities

1. To provide detailed assessment, treatment and management for an autonomous caseload of patients with acquired communication and swallowing disorders following Kings College Hospital Speech & Language Therapy service guidelines and standards.

2. To participate in providing cover across the other parts of the SLT service (and sites) where appropriate.

3. To provide relevant information, training and support to relatives and carers.

4. To attend and contribute to, multidisciplinary team meetings, goal setting meetings, and other ward meetings as necessary and to share in minute taking when required.

5. To liaise with community speech and language therapists and other relevant professional organisations when patients are discharged from KCH.

6. To provide timely and accurate reports, including transfer/discharge reports and including SLT information in medical notes where appropriate.

7. To undertake the key worker role if required.

8. To maintain patient confidentiality at all times and according to KCH policies.

9. To provide a 7 day, extended hours flexible service as appropriate.

Governance / Quality Control

1. To maintain and record an active programme of continuing professional development, including feeding back to colleagues on any courses or conferences attended.

2. To make recommendations on service development and governance.

3. To be an active member of relevant special interest groups.

4. To participate regularly in the evaluation of the effectiveness of intervention and models of service delivery, maintaining up to date knowledge of relevant clinical practice and research

5. To undertake specific departmental audit projects and contribute to departmental research where appropriate

Education and Training

1. To provide clinical training for speech and language therapy students as appropriate to the experience of the post holder (at least 1 year post qualification).

2 To contribute to education and training of other disciplines in both the acute and rehabilitation settings.

3. To undertake continuing professional development within the field of communication and swallowing disorders, both through in-service training and attendance on external courses, and to feed back on any relevant courses attended.

4. To be responsible, with management support, for your personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.

5. To undertake mandatory Kings College Hospital training

Research and Service Development

1. To participate in relevant audit activity within Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

2. To participate in research initiatives in the relevant area

3. To publish and disseminate information which results from research and audit activity.

Administrative Responsibilities

1. To maintain full, accurate and contemporaneous records within EPIC

2. To provide timely and accurate reports including transfer and discharge reports.

3. To prepare for and participate in an annual job appraisal which includes a 6 monthly review with the SLT acute clinical lead.

4. To maintain clinical equipment in good order and carry out inventory checks as requested.

5. To contribute to the infection control and cleanliness of the hospital by ensuring cleanliness of own equipment, undertaking mandatory training, abiding by the hand washing policy and other policies related to barrier nursing.

6. To provide full, accurate and timely statistical data.

7. To attend Kings College Hospital Speech and Language Therapy team meetings.

General

The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.

Person specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

• BSc or recognised postgraduate MSc or diploma in Speech & Language Therapy
• Registration with the HCPC

Desirable

• Member of RCSLT

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with acutely unwell patients within Speech & Language Therapy training/clinical experience including reflection on the role of a Speech & Language Therapist in this context
• Demonstrates the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical patient-centred manner

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Ability to assess, diagnose and manage communication problems in the context of an acute inpatient setting
• Ability to assess, diagnose and manage swallowing problems in the context of an acute inpatient setting
• Excellent communication skills - spoken & written
• Good auditory and perceptual skills
• Willing to work in all areas on rotation
• Ability to communicate complex and emotive information
• Basic level IT skills
• Ability to work as a member of multidisciplinary team
• Appropriate professional presentation
• Able to reflect on previous clinical/ personal experiences and demonstrate learning and personal development from these

Desirable

• Ability to take on student/assistant supervision

About the employer

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.