Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job overview

Are you passionate about improving functional outcomes and promoting quality of life for people who have had a stroke?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Speech and Language Therapist to join our team on the Oxfordshire Stroke Rehabilitation Unit (OSRU). Applications will be considered from experienced Band 5 Clinicians with an interest in developing specialist skills in inpatient stroke rehabilitation.

About OSRU

OSRU is a 20-bed inpatient unit based at Abingdon Community Hospital. We are a dedicated Multi-Disciplinary Team comprising Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, Social Work, Nursing and Medical staff.

We provide a short period of inpatient rehabilitation for people who have had a stroke with the aim to work towards meaningful goals. We hold a weekly Multi-Disciplinary Team meeting and regular family meetings to ensure the best possible outcomes.

We have formed close working relationships with local acute stroke units, community care providers and voluntary organisations to ensure a smooth transition across the whole stroke pathway and beyond.

We have unit-level objectives which we review on an annual basis and contribute to from each individual discipline.

We welcome applicants seeking full-time, part-time and flexible roles. Some cross-site working may be required.

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About the role

You will be working alongside a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to provide assessment, intensive therapy and signposting to people with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties after a stroke, in both 1:1 and group environments. As an integral member of the MDT you will work closely with your colleagues. You will be responsible for overseeing the clinical caseload, designing therapy programmes for our Speech and Language Therapy Assistant and families to supplement the care that you provide.

You will be encouraged to work collaboratively with the Multi-Disciplinary Team to enable people to participate in decision-making and access appropriate treatment, including psychological support and where appropriate via interpreting services. You will have opportunity to plan and facilitate staff training.

This would be an ideal opportunity if you are looking to develop a specialist skillset with this population. We have a strong emphasis on continuing professional development and opportunities can be discussed as part of the annual review process and in regular clinical supervision. Training can also be provided for evidence-based treatment approaches relevant to this population. We have access to specialist clinics such as videofluoroscopy and voice. Some experience with dysphagia is essential and transferable skills will be considered. We would welcome your involvement in projects and audits for service development.

Working for our organisation

We see access to continued professional development as vital in both ensuring high quality care and that we enjoy coming to work. Continued professional development is available through our comprehensive learning and development catalogue, currently including Masters modules through Oxford Brookes University and leadership development courses, as well as a £1000 individual budget for external courses. 

We have yearly team objectives that everyone contributes to and would encourage your involvement in projects and audits.

Benefits of working for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust include:

• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, with an increase to 33 days with continuous service
• NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
• Staff accommodation
• Competitive pension scheme
• Lease car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

Oxfordshire lies in a beautiful area of the country known as the Heart of England. It has many busy market towns and at it’s centre is the city of Oxford, which is full of charm and character and is renowned worldwide for its university and architecture, as well as having the amenities of a modern city. For further information, please see Living in Oxfordshire - oxfordhealth.nhs.uk