Job summaryWe are seeking an enthusiastic SLT to join our team in a split role across Acute Services and the Head & Neck Cancer (HANC) Service at UHCW.
This varied role involves providing assessment and management for adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties across acute specialties including medicine, respiratory, surgery, orthopaedics, care of the elderly and oncology, alongside specialist HANC patients. You will manage a diverse caseload using evidence-based, person-centred practice and work closely with the multidisciplinary team, clinics, MDT meetings and family discussions.
We welcome applications from therapists with HANC experience, as well as confident autonomous practitioners with strong dysphagia and communication skills who are keen to develop within this specialist area. Experience in HANC, tracheostomy management, Surgical Voice Restoration (SVR), FEES and/or Videofluoroscopy is desirable but not essential.
The successful candidate will contribute to service development, maintain high-quality clinical records, and support students, assistants and junior colleagues as appropriate to their experience.
Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report from their current UK Occupational Health provider or UK GP prior to employment.Main duties of the job- Assess, diagnose and manage adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties, including complex cases.
- Develop and review individualised treatment plans to support patient outcomes.
- Undertake or develop competency in FEES and Videofluoroscopy.
- Manage and prioritise a dysphagia caseload, supporting delegation where appropriate.
- Maintain professional accountability and accurate clinical documentation.
- Provide specialist advice and training to patients, carers and MDT colleagues.
- Contribute to audit, service development and quality improvement activities.
- Support students and junior staff and actively engage in CPD.
- Provide cross-cover across SLT services, deputise when required and support departmental priorities.
- Work across University Hospital Coventry and Hospital of St Cross sites as required.
About usUniversity Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.
Job responsibilities- Undertake comprehensive assessment of patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties including those with complex presentation. Investigate & analyse skills & formulate individualised management & treatment plans and specialised programmes of care.
- Interpret & analyse clinical & non-clinical facts to form accurate diagnosis & prognosis on wide range of highly complex conditions to recommend the best course of intervention, evaluate outcomes, reassess & to develop comprehensive discharge plans.
- To use FEES (Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) and/or Videofluoroscopy when relevant and to undergo training in these if required.
- Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required
- Accept clinical responsibility for the dysphagia caseload and organise this effectively and efficiently. This will include prioritising and allocating patients appropriately for more junior staff.
- Be professionally & legally responsible & accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care.
- Undertake department audit and service development work, translating findings into practice.
- Provide specialist advice, teaching & instruction to relatives, carers & other members of the MDT regarding SLT issues.
- Support with the clinical supervision of student SLTs on clinical placement.
- Engage in department and own CPD activities
- Participate in health promotion activities of the department
- Cover the work of colleagues and deputise for senior colleagues during periods of absence or peak workloads
- Participate in other duties as required such as maintaining a clean safe environment always ensuring adherence to Trust standards of cleanliness hygiene & infection control.
- To take on designated roles or responsibilities that support the overarching needs of the department.
- To provide SLT provision across sites of UHCW and Rugby St Cross as needed.
For further details of the role please see the attached job description.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent.
- HCPC registration
- Member of the RCSLT
- Documented evidence of continuous professional Development
- Post graduate dysphagia training
Desirable- Membership of arelevant CEN
- Evidence of recent post graduate training in relevant clinical area
- Preceptorship training to be completed
ExperienceEssential- Solid experience gained as a registered SLT starting to manage more complex situations.
- Clinical skills and knowledge in the assessment, differential diagnosis and management of swallowing and communication disorders.
- Can demonstrate experience of good caseload management and organisational skills
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of supporting and teaching junior SLT's, volunteers, assistants and students
- Experience of working in the NHS
Desirable- Relevant postgraduate experience in the assessment and management of head and neck cancer
- Can give examples of involvement in quality initiatives, audit and / or service improvement work
- Tracheostomy competencies
- FEES and/or Videofluoroscopy competencies
- SVR competencies
KnowledgeEssential- Up to date SLT knowledge acquired through degree qualification and continuous professional development
- In depth knowledge of assessment tools and a range of therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group.
- Good working knowledge of national policies and procedures relating to the client group
- Aware of the different communication needs within a culturally diverse community and how this may impact on professional practice.
- Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group)
SkillsEssential- Able to anaylse complex information and make judgements on SLT issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent presentation skills
- Able to adapt communication style to varied listeners
- Ability to work through interpreters to gain and impart information
- Supportive to other staff
- Work under pressure and prioritise caseload appropriately
- Keyboard and IT skills to support clinical practice
- Flexible approach and willingness to adapt to change
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Able to organise/manage time effectively
- Demonstrates ability to be a good team member and function effectively in the multidisciplinary team
- Able to judge limits of skills/competence and recognise professional boundaries where appropriate
Commitment to Trust Values and BehavioursEssential- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values. (As detailed in UHCW's Values in Action document below)
- Applicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. 
