Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Outpatients (Band 6)

at  North Bristol NHS Trust

Clinical To have responsibility and accountability for the management of own clinical caseload, including referrals, management and discharge decisions, within own level of competence and with appropriate clinical support. To assess and analyse type, severity and impact of all conditions of speech, language andcommunication impairments in a wide range of adult patients, through a variety of formal and informal assessments/information gathering methods. To further develop skills in the assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing disorders as a result of acquired medical and acquired neurological disorders. This may include adults with a tracheostomy.
To record and interpret personally generated clinical observations and provide feedback for clients/carers/professionals and relevant others. To provide differential diagnosis, clinical advice and care plans/therapy to clients with communication and/or feeding and swallowing difficulties, which includes analysis of facts and a comparison of a range of options for appropriate intervention. To recommend appropriate referral for specialist videofluoroscopy (VF) examinations or Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow (FEES) as appropriate. Education, Research and Development To seek advice and support when necessary from more senior colleagues, further developing skills in the management of stroke, medical disorders, especially elderly care, neurological diseases To attend regular clinical supervision sessions.
To attend specialist training and development in order to maintain relevant skills and knowledge (through attendance at Clinical Excellence Networks, relevant courses, peer review, clinical shadowing and reading), and maintain up to date HCPC and RCSLT registration. To participate in multi/ inter disciplinary and interagency team building where appropriate. Service Evaluation and Planning To participate in service evaluation and development initiatives within the Speech and Language Therapy Team To contribute to the development of the Speech and Language Therapy service, including evaluation of caseload management, models of service delivery, use of volunteers and patient information and education programmes, with support as appropriate. To participate in the Quality Improvement and Clinical Audit in the Trust, with support as appropriate.
Resource Management To be responsible for the security and care of equipment and resources used in the course of daily work, ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained, including equipment loaned to clients. To ensure the safe carriage, storage and proper use of records and equipment, working within lifting and handling guidelines

Please refer the Job description for details