Speech and Language Therapist

You will support Adults with Learning Disabilities who have communication differences through individualised assessment and intervention plans. Service Users range from having a borderline Learning Disability, to having profound and multiple Learning Disabilities, in addition to comorbidities (such as Epilepsy, Dementia and acquired neurological conditions). You will receive regular clinical supervision and support from the members of the Speech and Language Therapy team, peer supervision and will be actively encouraged to participate in continuing professional development.

You will have the opportunity to work creatively and support with service development. The team is an integrated MDT and joint working is typical of the team's working style and ethos.

Working for our organisation Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Trust (HPFT) is committed to providing excellent health and social care with the vision to be the leading provider of mental health and specialist learning disability services in the country. The Trust has an outstanding track record of service delivery and quality. It provides services to over one million residents and is rated as "Outstanding" by the Care Quality Commission.

Key goals for the Trust include being the provider of choice; delivering high quality integrated health services in collaboration with local people, to improve overall health and well-being. To deliver this the Trust is committed to employing the best workforce, recruiting individuals with the ability to provide care at the cutting edge of innovative practice. We have excellent development and training programmes which rank us in the top 20% of Trusts in the UK and a strongly embedded learning culture to support and facilitate staff to develop their potential and progress in their careers.
The successful candidate will work as an influential and integral member of a diverse multi-disciplinary team and will join the well-established Speech and Language Therapy service. This is a 9-month fixed-term post and ideally suited to a Newly Qualified SLT or a more experienced band 5 interested in Learning Disabilities,

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• State registration with HCPC
• Desirable criteria
• Postgraduate training in Learning Disabilities, mental health/challenging behaviour and physical/sensory disabilities
• Training or knowledge of dysphagia and how to support people with swallowing needs
• Evidence of continued professional development, Essential criteria
• Range of clinical experience and ability to demonstrate application of clinical skills
• Specialist knowledge and application of speech and language therapy assessments and interventions
• Desirable criteria
• Experience of delivering care to service users with complex needs
• Planning and co-ordination of treatment packages
• Post qualification SLT experience
• Experience of working within Learning Disabilities, Car driver essential, or access to a car (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 which prevents you from driving)., Broad knowledge of current best practice in SLT and Learning Disabilities
• Ability to use problem solving techniques
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues
• Knowledge of risk assessment and management
• Desirable criteria
• Applied knowledge of mental health legislation/learning disability, Commitment to client-centered, non-discriminatory practice, Clear communication through written, verbal and non-verbal modes, You must have appropriate UK professional registration.