Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist within our Therapy team to provide input to a caseload of people with complex speech, language and communication and dysphagia needs. Speech and Language Therapists play a vital role in lifelong learning and providing specialist services by supporting service users and their families with specialist interventions such as AAC, Intensive Interaction, Sensory Programmes.

You would become part of an existing, dedicated team of therapists who strive to always deliver best practice, with opportunities to shape a service to meet the ever-changing needs of those we support.

Job Purpose

To assess and provide therapy interventions for a caseload of students with complex needs within an educational setting.
To work within an integrated way within a trans-disciplinary team to ensure that therapy targets are embedded within the curriculum.
To maintain accurate and contemporaneous records following departmental procedures.
To work closely with carers and external agencies as required.
To initiate and organise training and advice to carers, school staff and other professionals as required.
To supervise students, support workers.
To use Evidence Based Practice from professional literature and CPD, student preference and clinical experience to inform clinical decision making and best practice.
Potentially to be responsible for input to other schools in the form of training or advice within the foundation This would be discussed and agreed individually with the clinical supervisor/lead therapist.Clinical

To implement safe, effective, high quality and evidence-based speech and language therapy interventions in collaboration with students, families, carers, school staff and external agencies as required.
To manage all aspects of a caseload of students following a comprehensive speech and language therapy assessment, working closely within the class teams.
To produce detailed, comprehensive reports for a range of professionals and carers relating to student needs, current progress and future management, in line with guidelines and expectations.
To prepare clear therapy plans which relate to the students' Educational, Health and Care Plans and identify SMART targets which will meet documented functional outcomes.
To develop high quality, evidence-based speech and language therapy interventions within specialist relevant fields, for example: AAC; literacy and phonological awareness; dysphagia; SCERTS; behavioural management; community skills; emotional regulation, sensory integration, mental health etc. depending on the nature of the caseload.
To demonstrate skills in working with students with complex disabilities, including physical disabilities, autistic spectrum conditions and challenging behaviour.
To communicate complex information relating to communication needs to students as appropriate, carers and the trans-disciplinary team, demonstrating empathy and ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist.
To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation and seeking support from the clinical supervisor/ lead therapist if the complaint cannot be easily resolved.Organisational

To manage own time within the requirements of the educational day and caseload priorities, including meeting deadlines for reports and other administrative tasks. To prioritise caseload and workload effectively.
To provide specific and relevant training and advice for carers, educational staff and other relevant parties to extend their knowledge base, maintain high standards and maximise the students' learning.
To develop, supervise and provide ongoing review of therapy interventions carried out by carers, assistants, or other class staff.
To provide day to day supervision and mentoring of less experienced staff (Band 3, 4, 5) supporting their caseload management as required.
To initiate and implement risk assessment plans in conjunction with the trans-disciplinary team.
To understand and adhere to all policies and plans relating to the post and to actively input to policy development, e.g. Moving and Handling, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Data Protection, Prevent and British Values.
To supervise SLT student placements and input to other disciplines as appropriate.
To receive regular supervision from a designated clinical supervisor and undertake a monthly case review to reflect on practice with peers to identify areas of strength and development needs.
To develop and maintain a personal CPD portfolio to meet the requirements of the RCSLT and HCPC.Desirable Criteria

Knowledge of a range of methods of AAC.
Evidence of recent and relevant CPD
Evidence of ASD specific training e.g. PECS, TEACCH, SCERTS
Experience of working with older children.

Personal Qualities

Willingness to accompany pupils on residential and community trips if required