Advanced Speech & Language Therapist

at  Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Job Purpose A principal purpose of this job is to improve clinical outcomes for adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults. This will be achieved through provision of Speech & Language assessments, and evidenced-based interventions, as well as consultation, guidance and advice as part of the clinical input into the delivery of care and treatment through the Learning Disability and Autism Unit (LDAU). The role is provided as part of the in-patient and countywide service, and requires working closely with local health and social providers. The post holder will receive professional and clinical supervision in accordance with Trust policy and Professional Practice Guidelines set out by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
Duties and Responsibilities Communication and Working Relationship Skills Patients, family and carers: To communicate in a highly skilled and sensitive manner with patients who may have specific difficulties in understanding and/or communicating and who may be hostile, antagonistic or highly emotionally disturbed. Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, complex, highly technical and/or clinically sensitive information to patients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the NHS. SLT and wider multidisciplinary team colleagues: To work closely with colleagues in the SLT service and wider multi-disciplinary team within the in-patient and outreach elements of the LDAU, on a day to day basis. To motivate and lead staff in developing and changing practice and communicate complex information and support staff who may be anxious or hostile about systems changes.
Health & social care staff: To communicate with a wide range of health & social care staff in hospital and in community settings in a highly skilled and sensitive manner, complex and sensitive information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of patients under the services care. Senior managers, professional and academic staff: To support the leadership team within LDAU / LD Services. To work as part of the developing neurodiversity and other clinical pathways in conjunction with learning disability colleagues/leads as required. To maintain and build good working relationships with senior professional staff and managers across the specialist directorate, and wider organisation as a whole.
To establish and maintain relationships with other SLTs within the directorate and wider organisation to facilitate partnership working and improved access to service. To be able to effectively and collaboratively work across different levels of health and social care organisations, across staff groups and with other agencies. To liaise with RCSLT colleagues regarding professional development issues, competence, training, and the RCSLT advisory service. To liaise with university/HEI student placement coordinators and supervisors in delivering and evaluating clinical and research placements within the service as appropriate.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills To support the leadership team in the establishment, development, delivery and evaluation of the SLT provision within the inpatient services for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults within the county of Devon. Linking with colleagues in local Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapy Services to support joint working and learning. To support the leadership team in the establishment, development, delivery and evaluation of the SLT provision within the inpatient services for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults within the county of Devon. Linking with colleagues in local Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapy Services to support joint working and learning.
To deliver a comprehensive, specialist and expert service in assessment and intervention for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults who have complex communication needs, who may have comorbid conditions and/or behaviour that challenges. To be knowledgeable about the SLT communication assessments which might be used with adults and differing treatment methods and be able to select appropriately in consultation with the client where possible. Knowledge of dysphagia / choking risk assessment and management is also important yet less likely to be encountered as frequently within this role. The post holder may work into community services to maintain competencies within this area.
To be able to interpret data gained from assessments and be able to formulate a therapy management plan for clients. To support the leadership team in order to ensure effective clinical governance of the SLT service, including CQC action plans, audits and service evaluations, including the development of specialist outcome measures and tools. To develop, deliver and co-ordinate training for a range of trainees and qualified staff in developing skills and knowledge regarding a range of person centred communication strategies for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults. Planning and Organisational Skills To manage own caseload.
To plan and implement clinical assessments for individuals referred with suspected or known communication or eating and drinking needs. To develop formulation and intervention plans for same individuals in conjunction with person, and support network. Organise implementation of interventions, providing training, guidance and supervision to those implementing as required. To review clinical outcomes and associated clinical interventions, providing updates on progress, and changes to intervention plan as required.
To plan, design and deliver training/teaching opportunities to SLT trainees attached to the service, and directorate (as required), and students/ staff from other within the service disciplines. Improving the knowledge and skill set of all staff regarding role of SLT and reasonable adjustments to support individuals communication needs. To plan, design and deliver training to other organisations including social care providers regarding communication for client cohort. To participate in service training in relation to Autism and neurodiversity, contributing to design and review of content as required.
To participate in service training in relation to Learning Disability, contributing to design and review of content as required. To revise any training in light of feedback from participants and updates in evidence based practice, national guidance etc. To participate in research and audit opportunities as they arise. Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy To provide comprehensive, specialist and expert assessment and interventions for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic adults who have complex communication needs and/or eating, drinking or swallowing (dysphagia) needs, who may have comorbid conditions, and/or behaviour that challenges.
To formulate person centred intervention plans in conjunction with the individual, their supporters. Delivering or overseeing the delivery and evaluation of these interventions. Maintain high levels of evidence base practice, contributing to and facilitating care processes and pathways. Demonstrate highly developed specialist knowledge of practice relating to Autism and Learning Disability, underpinned by advanced theoretical knowledge and relevant clinical experience and competence Display advanced knowledge of individuals physical and mental health needs and appropriate evidence informed interventions in practice.
Identify and apply national and local policies impacting on Learning Disability and Neurodiversity practice. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of health improvement methodologies and how they contribute to the delivery of improved health outcomes for Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic people across the lifespan. Display advanced skills in risk assessment, risk management and risk enablement. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the diverse health needs of Adults with a Learning Disability and Autistic people, supporting mainstream services across all tiers in the development of relevant knowledge, skills, clinical competences and reasonable adjustments.
Display a high level of awareness of own values and beliefs. Comply with both DPT and professional codes and standards in demonstrating personal and professional commitment to equality and diversity. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of legislation and national and local policies and procedures, including the mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act. Search, review, analyse, critically appraise and apply relevant literature effectively to influence policy and practice development.
To work within the parameters and protocols of the service as an autonomous professional practitioner with responsibility for the assessment, treatment and discharge of patients. To provide assessment/interventions within a range of settings, working closely with partner agencies To provide specialist SLT advice, guidance and consultation to other professionals contributing directly to clients formulation, diagnosis and treatment plan. Please see attached job description for remaining section

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