Speech and Language Therapist

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

CLINICAL

To utilise a range of formal and informal approaches to assess the childs communication and interaction skills and to support the MDT in identifying cognitive, behavioural and emotional needs, and to inform subsequent diagnosis. treatment and intervention. Maintain an in-depth, comprehensive knowledge of speech, language, cognitive, communication and behavioural presentations resulting from a range of conditions including but not restricted to Autism, early infant experience and the impact of medical conditions. Access and provide regular opportunities for reliability and calibration of ADOS delivery through activities such as: consensus coding; peer observation and feedback; clinical discussion, to maintain quality standards in administration and analysis. Based on assessment results provide advice and where required support colleagues to develop and implement highly specialist time limited programmes of intervention/support appropriate to the needs of children and their families. Delivery of post diagnostic support to families, including Autism information sessions. Work closely with members of the MDT to holistically identify the range of needs of the child and family. To communicate effectively, empathetically, and clearly with patients, families and carers regarding issues that are frequently highly complicated and emotionally charged. This may require managing difficulties in understanding, or overcoming communication difficulties with patients, family, or carers. To communicate effectively and clearly with clinical colleagues regarding assessments and interventions by organizing and putting across information in a relevant and usable form in both written and spoken reports, as well as in day-to day liaison. To critically reflect on own and others performance and use this evaluation to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of future practice. To identify own training needs and to keep skills up to date. To continue to meet the clinical competencies and continuing professional development standards according to HCPC and RCSLT. To demonstrate good organisational skills in terms of time and caseload management. To appropriately seek and use supervision to review complex case material, develop skills, plan continuing professional development, set learning targets and address any issues which may be relevant to the fulfillment of your role. In carrying out the duties of the post, to cope with and manage challenging behaviour at times, including verbal abuse and risk of physical aggression (for example from children with learning disability, ADHD, pronounced behavioural and/or emotional difficulties). To behave in a professional manner at all times To exercise standard keyboard skills and operate electronic equipment such as tablets and laptops for video recording and digital training. To engage with Community Speech and Language Therapy colleagues to maintain links to facilitate an integrated approach to assessment and diagnosis for children with suspected Developmental Language Disorders and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

CONSULTATION

To provide expertise and specialist paediatric speech and language therapy advice and consultation to other professionals in relation to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care.

RESEARCH

To carry out and co-operate in audit/service-related projects. To monitor and evaluate clinical effectiveness and evidence-based practice using appropriate outcome measures. To participate in research conducted within the department in discussion with the Childrens Therapies Lead and MDA Lead. To use computer software in developing and operating systems for storage and analysis of data and creation of reports for colleagues in relation to audit activities and clinical research. TEACHING,

TRAINING AND SUPERVISION

To provide teaching and training to other professional colleagues/staff groups at local, and national level. To present on relevant research/practice at events/forums. To provide student education and create an appropriate learning environment for placement-based education. To provide regular clinical and/or peer supervision to colleagues within the team. MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP To provide Line Management support within the team. To provide governance, strategic and recruitment support as requested to the Childrens Therapies Team Lead, Head of Childrens Therapies and Lead Consultant for Community Paediatrics. To fully engage in the OUH Trust and Team strategies including five-year plans To attend Trust working parties as requested by the Service Lead to contribute to strategic service and times Trust wide development.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ORGANISATIONAL

To take part in service/departmental policy implementation and development (by for example actively working on policy implementation, as well as raising issues and proposing and discussing changes). To manage own time effectively within the demands of the service To ensure timely recording in patients records using paper and electronic systems Work across the Trust to support gaps in service as identified by the Lead for the service, as required. Input data into the database including outcome measures.

GENERAL

To observe personal duty of care in relation to equipment and resources, such as computer equipment, and psychometric test materials. To maintain effective paper and electronic records and develop information recording systems as appropriate in performing the duties of the job. General Conditions Risk Management The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment. Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility. Staff should be familiar with the Major Incident Policy Fire Policy Information governance and should make themselves familiar with the local response plan and their role within that response. Responsibilities for Health and Safety The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this post are carried out in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required. Infection Control Infection Control is everyones responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non-clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA. All staff employed by OUH have the following key responsibilities: Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas and/or between each patient contact. Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for them by the Trust. Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may be transmittable to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health. Child Protection The post holder will endeavour at all times to uphold the rights of children and young people in accordance with the UN Convention Rights of the Child. Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults The Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the organisation. As a member of the trust there is a duty to assist in protecting patients and their families from any form of harm when they are vulnerable. Information Governance All staff must complete annual information governance training. If you have a Trust email account this can be completed on-line, otherwise you must attend a classroom session. For further details, go to the Information Governance intranet site. Data Quality Data quality is a vital element of every member of staffs job role. Oxford University Hospitals recognises the importance of information in the provision of patient care and in reporting on its performance. Data quality is therefore crucial in ensuring complete, timely and accurate information is available in support of patient care, clinical governance, performance management, service planning, and financial and resource planning and performance. All staff should ensure that they have read and understood the Trusts Data Quality Policy.