speech language pathologist Epsom, England
Job description
Principal duties to include: Provide highly specialist SLT services to adults referred to the community service. Provide specialist and multi disciplinary assessment of adults taking into account all necessary factors including premorbid skills and environmental factors. Provide differential diagnosis of the communication/swallowing impairment, clearly define strengths and needs, identify SMART goals and offer an appropriate therapy programme, taking into account the level of understanding, motivation, insight, level of support and self-management potential. Develop and provide SLT training within the department and to other professionals as well as to families/carers and SLT students (to degree level), SLT assistants and support workers.
Act as a knowledgeable resource regarding communication and swallowing disorders to other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Triage clients referred to the service, so that therapy is given to those identified with the highest risk and need. Demonstrate skills in dealing with complex issues to generate appropriate strategies for caseload management. Ensure that clients and relatives are involved with planning and implementation of their care plans wherever possible.
Provide specific goals to be incorporated into a patients individual rehabilitation programme. Design and implement individual specialist therapy programmes and evaluate outcomes. Develop effective relationships for information sharing and service development with GPs, social services and other members of the MDT at Poplars and in community hospitals. Demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice to measure progress and have informed discharge criteria.
Undertake research and development activities. Work as part of the multi-professional team providing integrated services for adults with acquired neurological disorders. Propose changes to services/polices within SLT department. Maintain timely and accurate case notes and provide written reports reflecting specialist knowledge.
Develop a working knowledge of relevant procedural and national/local drivers that impact on community SLT including Vulnerable Adults, NSF for older people, National Stroke Strategy etc. Follow Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and Health Professional Council policies and professional codes of conduct. Conduct PDRs within the team for delegated staff. Supervise the work of B6 speech and language therapists and advise and provide feedback about their development.
Maintain and be responsible for re-ordering stock/equipment needed for the post. Ensure that relevant data and information is entered onto the recording system and provide statistical information as required. Take responsibility for own CPD by attending in-service training, study days and MDT meetings and by ensuring membership of appropriate local, national specialist interest groups.
