Speech and Language Therapist Band 5

Key Responsibilities Leadership To ensure that the healthcare needs of people with learning disabilities are communicated to team manager / professional lead/ care practitioner. To positively contribute to divisional developments in relation to speech and language therapy practice. To advocate and represent the service. To contribute to the supervision and Individual Performance Review/Appraisal of support workers. To contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate policies, protocols and care pathways. To contribute to initiatives to ensure that the needs of people with protected characteristics are addressed within local services and future developments. Clinical To demonstrate specialist speech and language therapy skills in areas of communication in order to develop and maintain skills needed for living a safe and ordinary life. To develop, under close supervision, dysphagia skills as appropriate. To actively involve people in developing and agreeing their own care plan, to act as an advocate and ensure that there is proper regard for their dignity, choice, self-esteem, racial, cultural, sexual and religious needs and preferences. To carry out comprehensive assessments, plan implement and evaluate delivery of speech and language therapy interventions as part of a holistic approach working in a variety of settings. To practice within the Positive Behaviour Support framework. To undertake comprehensive risk assessments and develop effective risk management plans. To work in partnership with acute and primary care services and other healthcare providers. To establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, other agencies, people who use services and their families. Professional To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of clinical work and care. To maintain high standards of care in all areas of practice in accordance with the HCPC Code of Conduct, professional guidelines and Trust Policies and Procedures. To act within the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act (2005). To be aware of and implement Safeguarding Adult and Child Protection Policies, Procedures and legislation. To carry out professional responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983 and other relevant legislation. To contribute to conducting clinical audit and research, maintaining current knowledge of research findings and development within the learning disability field. To participate in quality assurance activities as required. To contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of interventions driven by government initiatives e.g. Transforming Care, LD Mortality review to promote positive health gains for clients. To contribute to developing and providing a range of specialist teaching/training packages which can be delivered to a range of multi-disciplinary audiences.