We have an exciting opportunity for a Speech & Language Therapist (Band 6) to join our supportive and experienced Speech & Language Therapy team at Wirral University Teaching Hospital.

We are looking for a dedicated Speech & Language Therapist who is passionate about ENT/ Voice services and who is able to deliver complex care compassionately to meet individual needs.

Providing specialist assessment and therapy, this role is predominantly based in an out-patient setting, with some in-patient work focused on delivery to the wards within Arrowe Park Hospital. The out-patient service supports individuals with benign and functional ENT voice disorders, upper airway disorders including ILO, chronic cough, ENT dysphagia and tracheostomy. There is also the offer of gender affirming voice therapy.

The post-holder will have well-established dysphagia skills with awareness of assessment and therapy programmes for voice, upper airway, and swallowing disorders. There will also be some exposure to critical care, acquired neurology and head and neck cancer.

Experience of managing ENT/ Voice disorders is beneficial although training specific to this clinical area can be provided. Training in videofluoroscopy may be provided, dependent on existing experience.

A recognised qualification in Speech & Language Therapy and HCPC registration are required, along with membership of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.

Main duties of the job

o Work predominantly in out-patient services, with a component of in-patient work.

o Utilise communication and motivation skills to engage in therapeutic process.

o To organise and carry out specialist Speech & Language Therapy outpatient clinics.

o To ensure timely and comprehensive documentation.

o To maintain clinical professional development and be up to date with research and advancements within ENT/ Voice.

o Utilise dysphagia skills to assess outpatient caseloads.

o Manage complex dysphagia caseload with support.

o Work closely with the multi-disciplinary team for the management of patients with communication and swallowing difficulties.

o To participate in Consultant led clinics relevant to ENT/ Voice disorders.

About us

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first time they make contact with us. We are described as competent and caring staff by our patients.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.

We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising of the Wirral's only Emergency Department. We provide a high quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.

We have approximately 855 beds trust-wide and our financial turnover is in excess of �337m.

The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach to the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.

Job description

Job responsibilities

• As a skilled clinician, assess, plan and deliver individualised programme of intervention evaluating the effectiveness for patients presenting with diverse and complex problems. Giving advice to patients and their carers when required.
• Prioritise and plan own caseload according to needs of the patient and resources available. Gain advice and support from a Senior Speech and Language Therapistwhen required, clinical work is not routinely monitored by others.
• Working with the Team Leader proactively contribute to the discussions on service.and policy development and implement in the workplace as directed.
• Be responsible for the effective manual and computer recording of patientinterventions accurately and appropriately, following Service/ Trust Policy.
• Be responsible for the collection/input of clinical information and statistics for patients.
• Be responsible for producing timely, accurate and informative clinical reports for other agencies as required.
• Identify the current and potential future needs of the patient and be responsible for initiating appropriate referrals to a variety of internal and external agencies.
• Undertake evidence based audit projects making recommendations and where appropriate implement agreed, specific changes to practice within the team.
• Responsible for own competency to practice through CPD maintaining a professional portfolio, including reflective practice and participating in the supervision and appraisal process.
• Deputise for senior staff in their absence, taking responsibility for operational management of the team, allocating and organising the work of junior and support staff to meet service priorities on a daily basis and to be responsible for the clinical work of the Team leader in their absence when appropriate.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

Essential

• Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Current HCPC registration
• Registered member of the College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Recognised study at post graduate level
• Appropriate level of Speech and Language therapy experience, in a range of relevant specialities
• Managing own caseload with minimum direction/ support
• Experience of a variety of assessment techniques suitable for adults

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Completion of dysphagia competencies
• IT literate

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Able to work in difficult, distracting environments, with challenging clients and where intense levels of concentration are required

Desirable

• Ability to work as an integral member of an MDT

Other Requirements

Desirable

• Membership of an appropriate clinical excellence network

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

Essential

• Has experience of working with complex cases alongside or with supervision from a highly specialist therapist

Desirable

• Experience in evidence based practice or audit.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of current trends in the management of communication and / or swallowing
• Knowledge of Total Communication

Desirable

• Good level of understanding of patient needs and customer care
• Knowledge of key NHS initiatives and goals
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance/audit
• Knowledge of relevant national policies and procedures

Personal Attributes

Desirable

• Professional appearance and attitude
• Can convey ideas and information in a confident and easily understood manner, both written and verbal

Other Requirements

Desirable

• Ability to be flexible and meet the needs of the service.

Employer details

Employer name

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Arrowe Park Hospital

Upton

Wirral

CH49 5PE

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

408-24-682-A