BHSCT Speech and Language Therapist: Advanced Practitioner Band 8a

Advertised role location: MUSGRAVE PARK HOSPITAL
Official document: Job Description / Personnel Specification (pdf)
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JOB DESCRIPTION
POST: Speech and Language Therapist : Advanced Practitioner Level 2/ Clinical Lead
CAC
LOCATION: Based in CAC Musgrave Park Hospital will require travel across Northern
Ireland
BAND: 8A
WTE: 1.0
REPORTS TO: Consultant AAC SLT in CAC
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Service - Speech & Language Therapy
Job Summary / Main Purpose
The post holder will:
• Provide clinical and operational management for a cohort of Staff within the CAC Service
• Lead on strategic liaison with Statutory /Voluntary agencies to enhance delivery of
effective AAC intervention across the Region.
• Lead on the development, delivery and evaluation of regional training and specialist
study days for Speech and Language Therapists, Health and Social Care staff, clients,
carers, statutory and voluntary workers in the field of AAC
• Initiate and lead on specific developments in the AAC service which are evidence based,
innovative and targeted to those most in need, measuring outcomes and effecting
change and service improvement, as required.
• Initiate and lead on specific standards/ protocols/policies/clinical governance, in order to
provide and maintain a clinically excellent service.
• Collaborate with the Consultant AAC SLT, service users and carers and private providers
across N Ireland HSC Trusts to co-produce models of service provision that will build on
existing services and/or introduce new models of AAC provision.
• Be an expert practitioner with advanced professional skills and qualifications
• Provide a consultative point of reference for specialist clinical advice, providing second
opinion and support for speech and language therapists and other disciplines, both
within and outside the Trust, in relation to complex clinical
• Develop and implement the highest quality innovative clinical practice that is patient
centered and research based in accordance with professional practice guidelines and
national and local benchmarks
• Provide direct assessment and intervention for the full range AAC clients on the caseload.

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• Develop strong collaborative working relationships with SLT services in the 5 Health and
Social Care Trusts in the Region, to support the development and implementation of a
regional approach to AAC.
• Work with other disciplines and Agencies across the region and nationally, including
RCSLT to promote and develop a collaborative approach to the management of AAC and
quality of service provision.
• Manage and Contribute to regional working groups on AAC policy and processes.
• Actively develop and maintain working relationships within the CAC multidisciplinary
team,
• Facilitate colleagues to manage change through strategic thinking, self-awareness and
effective communication
• Undertake delegated responsibility, as required, for the service.
Main Duties / Responsibilities
For each of the following, the post holder will:
Clinical Responsibilities
• Undertake the Advanced Practitioner role in the provision of assessment, diagnosis
and management of people requiring AAC
• Work closely with AAC Users, their carers and others involved to ensure the delivery
of a flexible, targeted service, sensitive to need.
• Provide advice and second opinions to colleagues within the CAC Team, and across
the region on the management of AAC
• Implement and lead on service development, innovation and innovative technologies
and practice in the specialist area.
• Develop and maintain links with professional bodies relevant to the clinical
specialism.
• Provide specialist reports for referring Trusts, Annual Reviews, Tribunals, as required.
Clinical Management Responsibilities
• Lead on and develop aspects of the Regional CAC service
• Advise the Consultant AAC SLT in the service on changes/trends within the clinical
speciality.
• Investigate and implement service models and evaluate outcomes, according to the
evidence base, in consultation with the Consultant AAC SLT.
• Lead as delegated on business planning, quality, audit and research for SLT service
delivery within the specialty.
• Use specialist knowledge to inform service/policy development as appropriate.
• Take a lead on development of objectives or projects relating to clinical specialist area
and support peers in its implementation.
• Undertake lead responsibility for administrative and clinical audit within the specialist
area and input to audit planning within the clinical specialism, ensuring regular
evaluation of the user’s experience of the CAC service.
• Develop links with therapists in similar posts across N Ireland and the UK to ensure
comparable service development and standards of care.

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• Undertake general management responsibilities in respect of recruitment, selection,
induction, staff development, and staff supervision within the CAC Service as
delegated.
• Be responsible the Performance and Development Review of designated staff, in line
with Trust policy and in association with the Consultant AAC SLT.
Clinical Governance
• Promote and work within the Trust’s systems of clinical governance demonstrating an
awareness of the issues such as adherence to policy, guidelines and professional
standards, and lead on aspects of clinical governance as delegated by the Consultant
AAC SLT.
• Lead on aspects of local and national audit and quality measures as delegated by the
Consultant AAC SLT.
• Lead as delegated on the development and implementation of policy, care protocols
and care pathways relating to the specialist area and lead on projects as required.
• Lead as delegated in the development of innovations in areas of risk management
and quality standard setting in collaboration with the Consultant AAC SLT and the
Speech and Language Therapy Service Manager.
• Develop networks and liaise with SLTs working with similar caseloads Nationally,
regionally and within the Trust, to facilitate best practice, service improvement and
benchmarking of services.
• Be responsible for the care and maintenance of equipment within the specialty,
ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained.
Research, Quality, Evaluation and Audit
• Participate in the planning and delivery of research, quality and audit
programmes/projects.
• Ensure that all research and clinical audit projects are carried out in line with Trust
R&D and audit policies.
• Implement quality standards, professional and national clinical guidance in relation to
the clinical speciality and review standards of care in line with evidence-based
practice and national and professional clinical guidelines.
• Contribute to and take delegated responsibility for the revision of standards and
policies relating to the service and the specialty in line with professional and national
clinical guidelines.
• Liaise with patient and specialty focus groups to monitor patient views with regard to
specialty service delivery.
Teaching, Training and Clinical Supervision
• Lead on the identification of the AAC training needs of SLTs, Multidisciplinary Teams,
families and carers across the Region.
• Devise, deliver and evaluate training programmes, based on the training needs
identified, including needs of parents/carers and AAC Support Teams.
• Respond to AAC training needs arising across the region, having input to post
graduate medical and nursing training schemes and to other professions.

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• Facilitate the development of CAC staff through peer review and supervision.
• Provide specialist clinical placements for Speech and Language Therapy students. 
Provide second opinions to SLT colleagues across the Region.
Advisory
• Undertake advisory responsibilities in relation to the caseload within and across
multi-disciplinary teams.
• Provide advisory support for non-specialist, specialising and specialist SLTs working
with the caseload.
Professional Development
• Maintain Registered Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language
Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council, thereby adhering to the
standards laid down for continuing professional development.
• Participate in annual staff development reviews.
• Maintain a high level of clinical knowledge and skill through a programme of
continuous professional development.
Core Responsibilities
• Adhere to relevant National, Trust and Departmental policies and procedures
regarding clinical and administrative practice.
• Conform to the Trust Health and Safety Standards and comply with local policies and
training requirements.
• Maintain patient records in line with Trust Standards and Departmental Policy.
• Work within the recognised guidelines and legal requirements for children.
• Provide a high standard of reporting.
• Be responsible for managing a defined caseload.
• Provide patient statistics in a prompt and competent manner.
• Be responsible for effective time management.
• Attend and contribute at staff meetings.
• Be responsible for the general upkeep of the Department equipment.
• Contribute to external training courses for income generation.
• Be proactive in seeking funding opportunities for study leave in consultation with the
Speech and Language Therapy Services Manager.
• Maintain up to date records of all annual leave, sick leave, and study leave, reporting
absence in line with Trust and Departmental policy.
• Maintain appropriate annual registration with the professional body and biannual
registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Contribute to Department and specialist projects, reporting progress regularly to the
SLT Assistant Manager.
• Undertake any other duties as required by the Speech and Language Therapy Services
Manager.
The post holder may be required to work weekends, evenings and statutory days. In
response to continued service development, the duties of the post may be conducted over
a 7 day period.

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General Responsibilities
Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the
service for which they are responsible and:
▪ At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into
contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
▪ Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient
completion of all tasks allocated to them.
▪ Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
▪ Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety
Policies and Statutory Regulations.
▪ Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their
employment.
▪ Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
▪ Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
▪ Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.
▪ The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture
of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns
raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing
Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
▪ The post holder will, in the event of a concern being raised with them, ensure it is
managed correctly under the Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy, and ensure that
feedback/learning is communicated at individual, team and organisational level
regarding the concerns raised, and how they were resolved.
Information Governance
All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held,
created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust,
including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or
electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible
to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000,
the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the
Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for
example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and
to seek advice if in doubt.
For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the
Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR
Environmental Cleaning Strategy
The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that “Cleanliness
matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed

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who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a
clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and
members of the general public.
Infection Prevention and Control
The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all
staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation
to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard
Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety
of patients and staff. This includes:-
▪ Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate
times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
▪ Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
▪ Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
▪ Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on
intranet);
▪ Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
▪ Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry; ▪
Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e.
cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
▪ Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.
Personal Public Involvement
Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community
were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and
effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement
(PPI).
Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.
http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf
Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to
meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

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PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE / BAND: Speech & Language Therapist - Advanced Practitioner Level2/ Clinical
Lead CAC
DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Speech & Language Therapy - Adult Community, Older People’s
Services and AHPs
Notes to applicants:
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you
meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You
should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
2. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using
the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves
the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly
demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
3. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of
employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage
although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these
criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process
when the criteria will be measured is stated below.
Factor Criteria Method of
Assessment
Qualifications
Registration
Experience
• Degree/Diploma in Speech & Language Therapy.
• Registered Member of RCSLT.
• Current registration with HCPC.
• Masters Degree or equivalent qualification gained
through attendance at relevant postgraduate
short courses
• Minimum of 5 years post qualification experience
working as a speech & language therapist with a
complex AAC caseload.
• Experience in development and supervision of
fully qualified speech and language therapists
Shortlisting by
Application Form

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working as junior colleagues within a team.
• Significant experience in delivering training
programmes to parents or carers, SLTs and other
professionals.
• Significant experience of multidisciplinary working
Other (e.g.
Driving etc.)
Must have a full driving licence and have access to
the use of a car for the duties of the post.
‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will
be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable
alternative arrangements.’
Shortlisting by
Application Form
Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
See Job description Interview
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related
criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application
form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor Criteria Method of
Assessment
Experience
Qualifications
Registration
Experience of collaborating with voluntary
agencies to enhance delivery of effective AAC
Interview
NOTE:
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required,
if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued
by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria
should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and
photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be
accepted as an alternative.
If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally
entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip,
National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the
Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

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Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will
be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
Healthcare Leadership Competencies
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they
have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role.
The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of
which can be found at:
http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model.
Particular attention will be given to the following:
• Inspiring shared purpose
• Leading with care
• Evaluating information  Connecting our service
• Sharing the vision
• Engaging the team
• Holding to account
• Developing capability
• Influencing for results
HSC Values
Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to
the following values for this role

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