Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

This Band 6 Speech and Language Therapy post is within the Community Learning Disability Service (CLDS) and the post holder will be actively involved in the wider Speech and Language Therapy network across learning disability services in ELFT.

CLDS is an integrated multidisciplinary health and social care service comprised of three care programs focused upon the primary needs of the service users - Transition;
Community Health and Well-being;
Mental Health and Behavioural Support. The post holder will be expected to work across the three care programs as required.

The post holder will be expected to carry a caseload, independently completing assessments and interventions, including assessment and management of complex communication needs; dysphagia(eating and drinking) difficulties and advising on inclusive communication strategies for people with learning disabilities within Tower Hamlets.

The post holder will be expected to assess eligibility of referrals made to CLDS and cover core service functions such as Duty.

The post holder will be actively involved in service development projects and will be expected to keep up to date with developments in the learning disability field, contributing to audit and research as appropriate.

To provide expert advice and specialist speech and language therapy assessment and intervention for adults with learning disabilities and their carers/families, including assessments to determine eligibility for services.

To ensure that speech and language therapy input within CLDS reflects current best practice and is evidence-based.

To collate both quantitative and qualitative information regarding speech and language therapy referrals, interventions and outcomes and use this information to inform service development.

To be actively involved in service development initiatives both within CLDS and in the wider context providing an expert speech and language therapy perspective.

To promote integrated and collaborative working both within and across CLDS, ELFT, LBTH and with external providers.

To work closely with other disciplines within CLDS; other Primary and Secondary health care services; social care teams and with other organisations and agencies that support people with learning disabilities in Tower Hamlets.

To carry out eligibility assessments for adults referred to CLDS.

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are:
We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

• Degree or PG Diploma in Clinical Communication Studies from RCSLT approved training establishment
• Current HCPC Registration and licence to practice
• Membership of RCSLT
• Clinical skills in communication assessment and therapy (including AAC, signing and symbol systems)
• Post-basic qualification in dysphagia
• Training in student supervision

• Specialist knowledge acquired through degree, experience of working with communication impairment and specialist postgraduate training. Minimum of 18 months’ post registration clinical experience working with adults/children with learning disabilities.
• Evidence of experience of assessment and intervention with adults or children and young people with learning disabilities, including associated physical disabilities, sensory disabilities and/or mental health problems.
• Experience of using electronic recording systems and workflows to document interventions and extract data.
• Skills in clinical supervision of junior SLT's and students.
• Experience of research and audit.

• Good clinical skills/knowledge across a wide range of dysphagia and communication difficulties
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interactive skills with clients/carers, colleagues, management, staff in other organisations and able to communicate in emotive atmosphere using a high…