Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

· To assess clients with Hearing Loss referred to the Speech and Language Therapy Service and to develop and implement specialist SLT treatment packages for this cohort of children.
· To work together with parents/carers/education staff/other professionals in integrating therapy targets into all learning goals.
· To manage and prioritise a specialist caseload independently with access to support and supervision as necessary.
· To provide advice to the wider team re: management and care of clients with Hearing Loss.
· To provide support and supervision for less experienced speech and language therapy staff as necessary.
· To work with Clinical Service Leads in the development of services and training packages.
· To assist in the development of the Deafness service, partake in the audit of projects and development and delivery of training
· To provide services to:- Children in the community and mainstream schools as needed including support waiting list initiatives in community clinics and specialist nurseries, · To assess clients with Hearing Loss referred to the Speech and Language Therapy Service and to develop and implement specialist SLT treatment packages for this cohort of children.
· To work together with parents/carers/education staff/other professionals in integrating therapy targets into all learning goals.
· To manage and prioritise a specialist caseload independently with access to support and supervision as necessary.
· To provide advice to the wider team re: management and care of clients with Hearing Loss.
· To provide support and supervision for less experienced speech and language therapy staff as necessary.
· To work with Clinical Service Leads in the development of services and training packages.
· To assist in the development of the Hearing Loss service, partake in the audit of projects and development and delivery of training
· To provide services to:- Children in the community and mainstream schools as needed, · To assess, diagnose and manage a specialist caseload independently demonstrating evidence of sound clinical judgement and outcome measurement with access to support and supervision as necessary. This includes complex cases.
· To demonstrate specialist knowledge in clinical specialism underpinned by current evidence based practice.
· To cater for children in the community with a range of communication difficulties including Stammering, Speech and/or Language Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
· To work together with parents and other professional to implement a range of Universal, Targeted and Specialist provisions for children aged 0-18 years.
· To support parents and other professionals in evaluating and developing a communication-rich learning environment.
· To demonstrate a working knowledge of the Early Years and National curriculum and SEN processes in the context of speech and language therapy.
· To work collaboratively as a member of multidisciplinary teams by discussing speech and language therapy input around client needs.
· To reflect on practice with peers and identify strengths and needs.
· To provide support and supervision for assistants, volunteers and junior team members as directed by Clinical Service Lead including mentoring newly qualified SLTs.
· To contribute to the induction and support system for new staff.
· To provide full student speech and language therapy placements.
· To supervise and plan time-table and work for assistants and volunteers.
· To write appropriate reports and case notes, reflecting specialist knowledge.
· To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local trust policies.
· To share information with others, observing data protection guidelines.
· To communicate verbally and in writing with parent/ carer/ client assessment findings, diagnosis and therapy intervention plan reflecting specialist knowledge. This may include breaking bad news in a sensitive manner.
· To negotiate with parents/clients/other professionals around case management with support as necessary and to recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support to resolve.
· To employ negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations.
· To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible.
· To attend and contribute to relevant Speech and Language Therapy Team meetings and participate in team projects.
· To attend and participate in departmental study/development days.
· To provide advice and training to less experienced/ junior colleagues and/or other professionals in the field.
· To contribute to the teaching / training of other SLTs, parents, carers and other professionals.
· To target training appropriately to the needs of course participants and to evaluate it.
· To monitor service delivery and own specialist service delivery and report to line manager..
· To be responsible for implementing agreed changes in working practice.
· To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate.
· To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained - including equipment loaned to clients.
· To gather and collate activity data accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information promptly within local Trust guidelines.
· To participate in departmental research and clinical governance/audit projects, collecting and providing research data as required.
· To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries.
· To work independently within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct.
· To access appraisal within an Individual Performance Framework at pre-determined intervals.
· To identify and attend relevant training and development in line with appraisal and service needs relating to clinical specialism.
· To keep up to date with new developments within a clinical specialism, at a specialist level, through attendance at relevant CENs and other training.
· To have a working knowledge of Clinical Governance and its application to professional practice.
· To monitor auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of client's communication and to identify appropriate strategies to facilitate and enhance communicative effectiveness. This may require intense periods of concentration.
· Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
This job description gives a general outline of the post and is not intended to be inflexible or a final list of duties. It may therefore be amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder.

1. Registration with Health Professions Council as a speech and language therapist
2. Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
3. Registered member of RCSLT

Knowledge & Experience
1. Postgraduate experience of assessing, diagnosing and implementing appropriate management plans for children with hearing loss who are using a variety of listening devices, including: cochlear implants; bone anchored aids and hearing aids.
2. Postgraduate experience of assessing, diagnosing and implementing appropriate management plans for HL children who are developing spoken communication and/ or are using a variety of communication modes including spoken language, signed supported English and/or BSL.

3. Evidence of continuing professional development and advanced training, e.g. BSL level 1&2, CSD Working with deaf people, CEN attendance, courses developing skills for working with Cochlear Implanted children & their families (e.g. Ear Foundation, AV UK).
4. Specialist knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group

5. Specialist knowledge of a range of appropriate educational and therapeutic interventions effective for working with children with Hearing loss, their families, and schools that are relevant to the clinical specialism.
6. Knowledge of prioritisation issues within client group
7. Knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to the client group
8. Knowledge of principles of clinical governance
Skills, Abilities and Attributes
1. Demonstrate ability to be a good team member
2. Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills
3. Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
4. Demonstrate excellent organisational, analytical and reflection skills
5. Demonstrates negotiation, conflict resolution and problem solving skills

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 8,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run.

Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation. We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference. We're proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME and people with disabilities to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.
We are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries.
We offer a generous relocation package (subject to eligibility assessment) and flexible working options, including bank assignments for most roles. See attached Staff Reward and Wellbeing Handbook detailing our benefits, discounts and wellbeing initiatives for staff.
Become part of our team. We care for you as much as you care for others.
CNWL NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults.
Due to the high response levels we receive for some vacancies, we may expire any of them prior to the advertised closing date and advise you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Our Agenda for Change employment contracts are subject to a contractual 13 week probationary period.
If you are offered a job, information will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.