Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

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University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Draper's Fields, Coventry

Part time
Permanent
Onsite working

Posted 6 days ago, 15 Dec | Get your application in now to be included in the first week's applications.

Closing date: Closing date not specified

job Ref: 65c0126ce45344219cd2df1bf66760cd

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Full Job Description

We are looking to grow our team of Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioners to support our Adult SLT Team at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). We are looking for a 0.5 whole time equivalent speech and language therapy assistant to join our growing team. UHCW is a friendly, supportive and innovative place to work. You will be working across both the acute inpatient and outpatient services at both UHCW and Rugby St Cross Hospital. Our service provides input across multiple wards including respiratory, neurology, care of the elderly, emergency wards, critical care and outpatient head and neck cancer services. The successful candidate should have experience of working within a healthcare environment and an understanding of SLT interventions. They will be responsible for providing clinical support to patients with guidance from the SLT team, supporting training and supporting with administrative duties. Supervision will be provided by senior Speech and Language Therapists in the team and personal development is supported through appraisal and internal and external training. If you are looking to develop new skills within a modern-forward thinking organisation, then this role could be what you are looking for. Working patterns are flexible and can be discussed with the successful candidate. If you would like more information in relation to this role, please contact the department. Previous candidates need not apply., Under the supervision of a Registered Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) the post holder will be expected to:

Deliver a programme of therapeutic activities to patients with swallowing and/or communication difficulties.
Participate in screening assessment of new patients under supervision of a SLT.
Use specialised and creative skills to plan and provide patient centred therapy activities for individuals/ groups with support from a Speech and Language Therapist.
Take responsibility for a designated case load within agreed clinical parameters
To plan and prioritise own workload.
Maintain clinical records in line with local / Trust documentation guidelines
To be involved in the education and training of volunteers, students, and other staff.
To input and record activity data for the service as required.
To maintain stock and order new supplies as required.
To carry out cleaning of clinical equipment
To work within National and Trust policies / guidelines
To understand local standards and able to monitor own practice against these
To participate in bank holiday working and work flexible hours to meet the needs of the patients if required
To work across sites of University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and Rugby St Cross Hospital.
To participate in an SLTA led phone review clinic for patients discharged from hospital
To adhere to the Trust Code of Conduct for Non-Qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures.
To plan (under the supervision of a qualified SLT) and deliver a programme of therapeutic activities to patients on the inpatient wards at UHCW and Rugby St Cross. This will include patients with dysphagia and communication difficulties.
To assess and feedback to the supervising SLT when a patient's programme is no longer appropriate for them or when the patient requires a review.
To be responsible for a designated case load under supervision liaising with the appropriate SLT for that area.
To undertake initial screening of patients and inform the appropriate SLT in prioritising and allocating cases.
Complete the UHCW Band 4 Dysphagia competencies and assistant practitioner qualification.
Seek support from senior colleagues and peers when necessary (aware of own scope of practice)
Aware of local risk escalation and reporting process and ensure that this is followed when a risk is identified.
Provide person centred SLT care considering the wishes of the service user
To ensure that up to date written and/or electronic records (where available) and activity data is maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust Standards
Utilise well developed communication skills and work with groups and individuals with varying communication needs
Treat others fairly and interact with honesty and integrity
To form professional relationships with patients and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
To set up for, prepare patients and tidy away FEES, video fluoroscopy assessments and surgical voice restoration.
To work towards independent cross-site cover in the management of non-complex dysphagic patients to ensure equitable service provision at Rugby St Cross and UHCW hospitals.
To ensure that areas/ equipment are well maintained and comply with health and safety guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment and storage of materials.
To maintain stock and carry out cleaning of items used in clinical practice e.g. trolleys.
Work at the weekend & out of hours as appropriate & necessary within competencies, but not necessarily with your usual caseload.
To work with patients who may have an altered airway e.g. tracheostomy and laryngectomy under the guidance of an SLT, completing competencies as appropriate.
To provide emotional support to patients in challenging situations such as end of life or prolonged care if needed
To complete competencies in dysphagia assessment and awareness, tracheostomy, Videofluoroscopy (VF) and Fibreoptic evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) as appropriate and under the guidance of an SLT.
To contribute to formal SLT assessments, provide both dysphagia and
To provide relevant written and verbal information for documents relating to patient progress and liaise with external agencies on clinical matters, under the direction of qualified staff., UHCW NHS Trust, by virtue of its Green Plan, is committed to ensuring that the way we provide services minimises the impact on the environment and the future health of the public e.g. zero waste to landfill, reducing our carbon footprint and increasing our recycling and reuse percentages.