Advanced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Are you a passionate about Progressive Neurological Disorders and excited to join SLT Services at Addenbrooke's Hospital in the vibrant city of Cambridge?An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 to join our dynamic Adult Acute SLT team for 1 year fixed term/secondment to cover maternity leave.

You will work closely with experienced multi and uni-disciplinary colleagues both in the acute and community services including Neurologists, MND Care Coordinators, Dieticians, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapists to contribute to the provision of a well -established specialist outpatient MDT MND service. Experience and knowledge in complex communication including low and high tech AAC, secretion management and complex dysphagia management is required. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work alongside and support the Adult Acute Team with the acute inpatient caseload which will allow opportunities for training and development.

You will provide 0.6 WTE to the Adult Acute Inpatient Service at Addenbrookes Hospital and 0.4 WTE to the MDT MND service, consisting of 0.2 WTE MND Thursday clinic at the Arthur Rank Hospital (0.1 WTE patient contact and 0.1 WTE clinic admin) and 0.2 WTE protected service development time. Allocated time for clinical admin and service development allows you the flexibility to work from home.

Applications from therapists seeking to undertake this role on a full time or part time or temporary basis are also welcomed.

Main duties of the job

To contribute to the provision of specialist SLT services within the SLT Adult Acute Service.

To be independently responsible for assessment, diagnosis and management of a defined caseload of patients who present with communication and swallowing disorders as a result of acquired neurological conditions, in acute inpatient and outpatient clinic settings.

To take delegated responsibility for the provision of SLT input to the established MND multidisciplinary clinic, providing specialist assessment and advice to patients who present with speech +/or swallowing disorders. To communicate recommended management to the patient's SLT and act as a clinical resource advising other SLTs internal and external to the trust.

To lead on the development of services within the area of specialism and to act as a resource for other therapists in the area of expertise.

To provide cover for the Senior Specialist in service and team co-ordination, operational management and representation at relevant forums as required.

Experience of service development, developing and delivering training, student supervision and close MDT working is essential. Sound clinical skills and extensive experience, including highly specialist skills in the assessment and management of swallowing and communication disorders, cognitive communication, capacity assessment and advocacy are very important for this role.

Competence in instrumental dysphagia assessment would be desirable.

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate
and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.