Senior Speech and Language Therapist

Main Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Responsibilities 1. To manage an autonomous caseload on the neuro rehabilitation wards, which will include assessment, contribution to differential diagnosis, and specialist SLT management for patients with acquired communication and swallowing disorders, following King's College Hospital (KCH) Speech and Language Therapy evidence based guidelines and abiding by KCH Speech and Language Therapy service standards. 2. To identify barriers to effective communication within the environment and suggest and implement solutions where feasible. 3. To introduce low and high tech communication aids as appropriate and train the patient, their family and friends and the staff on using alternative and augmentative communication aid systems or to refer on to the communication aid therapist at Bowley Close. 4. To co-ordinate and promote communication developments under the guidance of a senior therapist e.g. mental capacity act issues, developing and delivering training on supporting communication, advising on environmental changes that support those with communication difficulties. 5. To maintain and develop the use of AAC techniques and equipment across the team. 6. To discuss, advise and plan appropriate patient goals with clients, carers and the multidisciplinary teams. 7. To act as a key worker/Rehabilitation Coordinator where appropriate. 8. To provide complex and sensitive clinical information to patients and carers in clear, accessible and empathetic format, both in written and verbal form 9. To work as part of the multidisciplinary team negotiating appropriate therapy packages, length of stay and discharge arrangements 10. To attend ward rounds and MDT meetings as appropriate 11. To liaise on a regular basis with relevant hospital and community therapy teams. 12. To liaise with other agencies to ensure appropriate follow up and care arrangements for patients 13. To develop and deliver training regarding communication and swallowing to carers, relatives and staff. Administrative Responsibilities 1. To maintain full, accurate and contemporaneous records within EPIC 2. To provide timely and accurate reports including transfer and discharge reports. 3. To prepare for and participate in an annual job appraisal which includes a 6 monthly review with the SLT acute clinical lead. 4. To attend Kings College Hospital Speech and Language Therapy team meetings. 5. To provide full, accurate and timely statistical data. Leadership 1. To provide clinical support and advise to junior therapists within the team.