We are looking for an energetic, self-motivated Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to work within Critical Care and help us to establish a new service. If you are enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated, then we would love you to join our team at East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to lead on evidence-based assessment and intervention for critically ill patients, including those who are mechanically ventilated. You will be required to support the MDT with the implementation of interventions such as cuff deflation for tracheostomy-ventilated patients and the use of above cuff vocalisation. In addition, the use of alternative and augmentative communication aids, FEES and videofluoroscopyare integral to the role.

We are a friendly, hard-working team who get together regularly for team meetings, clinical supervision and CPD. We provide a high quality SLT service across three busy acute hospital sites.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a motivated and progressive SLT service who are continuously striving towards best-practice care.We are passionate about providing high quality care for our patients.

About us

We form part of close MDT working on all the wards and the therapy team are key team members in the rehabilitation of patients and discharge planning. We firmly believe that developing our staff is key to success we have a dynamic and progressive training and development ethos, providing excellent opportunities to enhance your knowledge and competencies, nurturing your personal and professional development by encouraging and supporting you to reach your full potential, we currently have therapy staff studying to be Advanced Practitioners, and as the organisation is moving towards a skills based workforce the future opportunities are endless.

NHSEI have always been clear that staff have a professional duty to get vaccinated and it remains our best line of defence against COVID-19. As such NHS organisation including Primary Care, are encouraged to continue engaging with and supporting their staff to inform their decisions in order to drive vaccine confidence, protect themselves, patients, and everyone else. NHSEI has produced COVID-19 vaccine communication materials.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents'.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Relevant post graduate experience in acute medical, acute neurology and critical care caseloads
• Working in an acute hospital setting
• Proven record of providing high quality intervention for high risk patients
• Experience in the use of instrumental assessment, management and treatment of swallowing impairments
• Delivering training
• Working in specialist areas (including acute, respiratory, neurology, critical care, stroke and frailty)
• Teaching and supervision

Desirable

• Clinical audit
• Team management
• Line management (e.g. sickness absence, annual leave, disciplinary processes etc.)
• Registration and active involvement in relevant specialist clinical interest groups

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Advanced competencies (i.e. videofluoroscopy, FEES, tracheostomy or critical care)
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Highly developed negotiation and problem solving skills
• Excellent analytical and reflection skills
• Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Skills in specialist dysphagia management
• Prioritisation skills
• Highly developed clinical skills in assessment, therapy and management of patients with communication and swallowing impairments
• Proven skills in leadership
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Basic IT knowledge
• Effective and strong team player
• Excellent organisational skills

Knowledge

Essential

• Awareness of professional issues and recent developments in the NHS and Primary Care including Clinical Governance, NICE and CQC
• Broad knowledge of a range of assessment tools relevant to Head and Neck Cancer
• Evidence based knowledge of a wide variety of treatment techniques and strategies relevant to Head and Neck Cancer
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to role)
• Knowledge of standards of record keeping
• Awareness of Key Performance Indicators or service contracts

Qualification

Essential

• Hold a diploma/degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• HCPC/RCSLT registration
• Evidence of completion of post graduate RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies or equivalent

Desirable

• Leadership training
• Further higher or advanced education (e.g. Masters qualification)

Personal attributes

Essential

• Ability to motivate and organise others to ensure best practice.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexible and adaptable

Ability to manage

Essential

• Able to support the implementation of local and national agendas for health under the guidance of the service manager
• Ability to prioritise care delivery in a professional manner, taking into account Trust policies and procedures.
• Ability to organise own work
• Ability to cope with change and use initiative

Other

Essential

• To be aware of and adhere to the Trust's Vision, Mission and Values
• Ability to travel independently between sites as required by the service

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

QEQM

St Peter's Road

Margate

CT9 4AN

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

344-9704CSQ-S