Job Description

Join our dynamic and dedicated acute inpatient team as a Speech and Language Therapy Team Lead, where you'll play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality care at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and driving service excellence for patient with complex communication and swallowing needs.



The Adult Speech & Language Therapy Team within Airedale NHS Foundation Trust works with adults who have a range of acquired and long term conditions in both acute and community settings.



It is essential that you are able to work as part of a team with excellent communication, organisation and planning skills.



Clinical



Ensure the team provides a timely and efficient clinical service to patients with reference to service priorities and responding to the changing needs of the team and the service.



Ensure that all patients receive a high standard of clinical care from the team and that all team members meet the standards expected



Use investigative and analytical skills to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the patient. Formulate individual management and treatment plans, using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills



Monitor and evaluate the outcome of specialist interventions in partnership with the service user if possible, with the carer if necessary and in consultation with colleagues.



Collaborate with the MDT to develop and improve patient pathways.



Leadership and Management



Organise and manage staff for inpatient SALT as agreed with the service managers. This will include informal management of absence and discipline and facilitation of regular team meetings.

Have an overview of the team's capacity and demand:

Ensure protocols are followed, there is adequate cover across working hours and that all team members have an appropriate balance of clinical and professional activities.



Recognise and respond to changing team priorities and unforeseen situations that take precedence over planned work.



Contribute to the planning and development of the Adult Speech and Language Therapy team in partnership with the operational managers and other Team Leaders.



Our friendly and supportive Adult Speech and Language Therapy department comprises a team of Speech and Language Therapists, Therapy Assistants and Practitioners. At Airedale there is a strong commitment to supporting the CPD of all AHPs. Clinical support is available through regular clinical meetings, team meetings and peer review. As an integrated service SLT have exceptionally close working relationships with dietitians and clinical nurse specialists and the wider AHP workforce.



To lead the coordination and provision of a high quality, evidence based Inpatient SALT service in at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust. To work effectively as part of an established team to provide highly specialist assessment, therapy, advice and support to adults with a range of swallowing and communication disorders in the acute setting.



Be responsible for planning, coordinating, delivering and evaluating clinical case work for complex acquired communication and swallowing disorders across inpatients



To take a lead on effective management of patient pathways for inpatient Speech and Language Therapy



To provide line management for a team of Speech and Language Therapists, Therapy Assistants and Practitioners



The post-holder will promote the safety, maintenance and optimum role of physical resources at all times within the designated area.



To work collaboratively with the Community SALT team in order to develop the adult Speech and Language Therapy service.



To work as part of the MDT ensuring that decisions regarding assessment and management of communication and / or eating and drinking are communicated in a timely manner.



To work autonomously according to standards of professional practice as set out by the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists



To provide evidence-based, highly specialist Speech and Language knowledge and skills in the acute setting



Provide a key role in partnership working with patients, carers, the MDT, and wider statutory, private and voluntary sector services.



To take responsibility for effective functioning of the Inpatient Speech and Language Therapy team.



To take a lead with quality improvements in acute Speech and Language Therapy including implementation of national guidance from RCSLT.



Provide advice, training and supervision of Speech and Language Therapists, assistants and students within and external to the Trust.



Provide support to operational and service managers deputising for them as required



In pursuing these duties, the post holder will ensure compliance with the NHS Constitution and the Trust's Right Care strategy.