It is a very exciting time to be joining Turner Ward, Low Secure Learning Disability and Autism Ward. The post holder will have a degree or diploma in speech and language therapy and have a commitment to evidence-based practice and continuing professional development. We offer a supportive working environment, regular supervision, opportunities for CPD and annual appraisal. We are an innovative service and you will be actively encouraged to develop your skills as a speech and language therapist.

The role of the Speech and Language therapist on Turner Ward focuses on providing assessments and interventions to promote communication and includsion, and also safe eating and drinking amongst people who have a mental health diagnosis and learning disabilities and/or autism.

We are looking for someone who will work holistically with Learning Disability and Autism service users to ensure excellent patient-centred care, aiming towards a safe discharge into the community. We would like staff who are passionate about Learning Disabilities and Autism as well as an interest or experience in mental health services and/ or forensic mental health.

We offer a number of enhanced benefits, including a relocation package available - Up to £8,000 relocation package available *terms and conditions apply*

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will need to be proficient with verbal and written communication skills and be able to adapt these skills as appropriate to situation. The speech and language therapist will independently manage a clinical caseload of service user with complex mental health needs.

The speech and language therapist will be instrumental in ensuring service user's physical health is optimised and that they can benefit from the available treatment options, they will also use a total communication approach to ensure the service users voice is represented in all stages of the service user journey.

The speech and language therapist will plan and implement individual and/or group interventions collaboarateively, to enable service user to achieve valued goals. A main part of the work on the ward will also include risk assessment and planning with the MDT. The post also offers an opportunity to develop managerial skills, we would ensure that you receive the relevant training and support when you join the team as required.

Skills that would be beneficial to the role would include good time management, effective communication and brilliant teamwork skills. Qualities for this role would include being empathetic, a good listener and creativity. To be passionate about learning disability work and mental health would be essential in working with likeminded colleagues.

About us

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.

We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive. Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.

For a full list of our benefits please visit:

https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/about-the-trust/why-work-for-us/staff-benefits

About our locations:

Springfield University Hospital, Tooting

Our largest, 19-ward site is in Springfield Village, created following our £150m investment into two new world class mental health facilities.

Job description Job responsibilities

• To provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and intervention for clients with complex acquired/ developmental speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties
• To autonomously manage a caseload of adults with complex speech, language and swallowing difficulties
• To clinically supervise Speech and Language Therapists and junior staff within the service
• The post holder will work collaboratively with the ward and the MDT to plan and deliver a dysphagia service, with a high level of independent working.
• This role requires a high level of clinical and professional expertise in order that those individuals with complex communication issues have their needs met .
• To act as lead specialist in dysphagia and communication, and act as a resource and support for other therapists and professionals working with adults with mental health conditions, learning disabilities or ASD with any acquired speech, language or swallowing disorders
• Provide timely and targeted individualised management and treatment for adults, involving relatives and carers and providing appropriate recommendations and training to professionals from other agencies and other professions
• To participate in continuing professional development and other activities to maintain evidence based best practice. Provide student placements, training opportunities and clinical support for junior staff, and provide observation opportunities for other professionals
• To devise and provide training, advice to carers and multi-agency staff and colleagues in the field of acquired swallowing, speech and language disorders. To share skills as a core part of Speech and Language Therapy provision
• Working with our IM&T specialists and Deputy Head of Therapies the post holder will lead on designing and setting up robust data collection systems to demonstrate clinical need and support setting out a strategic development plan to expand services.
• To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team, initiating, participating and supporting the line manager & professional lead in team development and service improvement, ensuring that systems and processes are in place to deliver an efficient and effective service
• The post holder will be required to develop and oversee an effective and comphehensive speech and language service across the 12 bedded ward, delivering, or advising on the delivery of, high quality care and ensuring consistently high standards of practice. They will be required to contribute to effective multidisciplinary team working ensuring that care is delivered in a holistic way which involves service users and carers.
• To work as an autonomous practitioner within the standards of professional practice stipulated by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Graduate Diploma / Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent
• Registered with Health Professions Council
• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Completed dysphagia training course to at least Intermediate level

Desirable

• Evidence of relevant in-depth postgraduate study or qualification at a level equivalent to a Masters where it exists e.g. dysphagia

Experience Essential

• Minimum 4 years postgraduate experience.
• At least 2 years post dysphagia training experience of managing clients with dysphagia needs.
• Experience of working in a range of mental health settings including with learning disabilities and/ or forensic mental health
• Experience of developing others through CPD / PDP/ clinical supervision
• Experience of working as part of a SLT team and/or multi disciplinary team

Desirable

• Training in management and/or leadership skills Experience of supervising other SALTs Supervision of students

Knowledge and skills Essential

• In depth knowledge of management and treatment of communication difficulties and dysphagia in individuals with serious mental health conditions
• To be competent in handling the mental, emotional and psycho-social aspects of working in acute in-patient units.
• To be familiar with relevant legislation relating to the care of people with serious mental health conditions
• Knowledge of relevant National Service Frameworks, clinical guidelines, policies and procedures
• Understand the impact of communication breakdown on the client's emotional wellbeing, mental health, functional ability, life chances, family dynamics and social and educational inclusion
• Ability to teach specific SLT treatment packages, and theory to patients / carers / professionals/ others

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

294-FASP-5019636-JB-B