Speciality Speech and Language Therapist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Patient Care

1. To assess, develop and implement specialist evidence-based Speech and Language Therapy interventions. To make appropriate clinical decisions following assessments, including differential diagnosis, on the basis of evidence from assessment, and to develop care plans based on best practice.

2. To use clinical skills to generate written reports reflecting specialist knowledge.

3. To provide appropriate specialist intervention and evaluate outcomes. The post holder will use these specialist skills to generate appropriate strategies for caseload management for complex clinical issues.

4. To provide advice to others regarding the management and care of patients with communication and swallowing disorders.

5. To work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team to achieve patient centred care.

6. To liaise with a wide range of professionals across a variety of locations and agencies.

7. To maintain intense concentration in all aspects of patient management for prolonged periods. In particular, to monitor auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of patients’ communication, adapting and facilitating according to perceived needs.

Policy / Service Development / Implementation

1. To represent Speech and Language Therapy at multi-disciplinary team meetings, ensuring delivery of coordinated care.

2. To be aware of, adhere to and implement Service and team plans including:

3. Providing regular, timely statistical data in keeping with Trust requirements

4. Maintaining high quality clinical records in accordance with Service and Trust Guidelines and within data protection guidelines

5. Ensuring understanding and adherence to Trust health and safety requirements, including attendance on mandatory training courses

6. To work within infection control and health and safety guidelines in order to deal appropriately with unpleasant conditions related to client contact as they arise e.g. exposure to body fluids, infectious conditions encountered on a regular basis

7. Participation in the Trust incident reporting and risk management procedures

8. To use specialist knowledge to inform Service / policy developments as appropriate and to implement policy within own specialist area.

9. To participate in the implementation of Service / Trust Clinical Governance Plan.

Financial and Physical Resources

1. To monitor stock levels in own area and to request new equipment as required.

2. To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment, ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained, including equipment loaned to patients.

Human Resources

1. To supervise and mentor the junior Speech and Language Therapists, unregistered staff such as Speech and Language Therapy Support Workers and therapy assistants.

2. To participate in student clinical placements and to assist in the support of students from other professional groups.

3. To be able to clearly explain the role of Speech and Language Therapists to visitors, students and other professionals.

4. To participate in ongoing specialist training in area of clinical expertise.

5. To assist in the identification of training needs within the team.

Information Resources

1. To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) professional standards and local policies. 
2. To adhere to data protection guidelines when sharing information with others. 
3. To gather activity data accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of this information within local Trust guidelines.

Research and Development

1. To participate in and develop innovations in the areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness. 
2. To undertake Clinical Governance / audit projects within the local service.
3. To participate in developmental research and formal / informal Research and Development and clinical governance / audit projects.
4. To collect and provide research data as required.