Job Description

Walsall Healthcare Speech and Language Therapy Department has a permanent post, for a full-time band 5 speech and language therapist working within the children's services. We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and creative therapist who is passionate about making a difference for children with speech, language, and communication needs. We provide regular supervision from experienced clinicians to support ongoing development. This includes preceptorship support to complete the transitional framework for newly qualified therapists.



The role is in a range of community settings including nurseries and schools, clinics and homes. The successful applicant should be keen to develop their skills working with children with a range of communication needs. You are required to travel within the area. Travel expenses are subsidised.



The successful applicant will work closely with therapists and assistant support workers. The dynamic and supportive team values working with service-users to improve outcomes for children with speech, language, and communication needs. There is a focus on a multi-disciplinary team working. The team lead on new initiatives and have an excellent reputation for partnership working.



Walsall SLT service is a district-wide, integrated service, with a professional head of service.



PLEASE NOTE, WE MAY CLOSE THIS VACANCY EARLY IF WE RECEIVE HIGH NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS.



The post holder will be required to assess speech, language and communication needs and deliver speech and language therapy to children with a diverse range of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), including those with Special Educational Needs (SEND), across a range of settings and organisations. The role will require you to be able to communicate to a range of different people in both verbal and written forms.



Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated Trust and the only provider of NHS acute care in Walsall, serving a population of 284,300. It provides inpatient and outpatient services at the Manor Hospital as well as a wide range of services in the community. Walsall Manor houses the full range of district general hospital services under one roof. The 170 million development was completed in 2010, and ongoing upgrades ensure the Trust now has state-of-the-art facilities, including a Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Obstetric Theatre, and Integrated Assessment Unit. A new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, opened in March 2023, has significantly improved emergency care facilities and capacity, providing almost 5,000 square metres of additional clinical space.



COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS



Communicates complex condition specific information from assessment to clients, carers and multi-disciplinary team members.

Contributes to clinical teams - both multi-disciplinary and uni-disciplinary working across organisations - through the development of appropriate care plans.

Promotes the role and understanding of the profession within the local community.

Provides clear and concise written reports in line with departmental standards reflecting clinical knowledge.

Provides advice training and support to others regarding the appropriate management and care of clients.

Responds to concerns and escalates complaints to Joint Heads of the Children's Service



CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES



Manages own time and prioritises workload.

Manages caseload within departmental standards, seeking support from senior colleagues as appropriate.

Makes appropriate clinical decisions regarding assessment and intervention, with access to a supervisor as required.

Reports to line manager on issues of concern, progress, areas for own personal/professional development within the appraisal framework.

Participates in the development and training of other professionals with support from senior colleagues.

Provides work-based observations for work experience students and other relevant professional groups.

Contributes to speech and language therapy student placements.

Participates in departmental research and audit projects.

Refers client on to other services as appropriate.

Identifies risk and reports to Supervisor.



RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLIENT CARE



Uses clinical knowledge to inform clinical judgements/decision making for caseload through assessment.

Formulates care plans based on assessment findings and communication/dysphagia needs of the individual.

Negotiates with carers/clients regarding individual case management, recognising breakdown/conflict when this occurs and seeks appropriate advice.

Maintains timely and accurate client records in line with the Trust and Departmental records management policy.

Demonstrates clinical effectiveness using evidence-based practice and Outcome Measures.



DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES



Contributes to the development and delivery of the Service Action Plan.

Actively participates in team meetings and within supervision sessions

Contributes to the development of local clinical guidelines informed by evidence.

Understands legislation and adheres to National and Local clinical guidelines.

Adheres to service pathways and standard operating procedures.



RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESOURCES



Maintains equipment, ensuring standards of safety are maintained.

Uses resources efficiently.

Reports if stock levels are low or equipment is required to deliver safe assessment



PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES



Accountable for own professional actions

Recognises professional boundaries and seeks advice as appropriate

Understands and adheres to Trust policies and professional standards

Works independently accessing supervision within an appraisal framework. In the first-year post - qualification this will be part of the Newly Qualified Therapists transitional framework

Accountable for own professional actions.

Recognises professional boundaries and seeks advice as appropriate .