Job summary
Provide a specialist Speech and Language Therapy service across Doncaster Community Learning Disability Services and Amber Lodge Low Secure Forensic Service.

Independently assess, diagnose and manage adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex communication and swallowing needs. Act as a specialist Speech therapy resource within Positive Behaviour Support pathways, sensory-informed care and forensic practice.

Main duties of the job
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist to join our established Learning Disability and Forensic Directorate. This unique post offers the opportunity to work across both community and inpatient services, supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex communication and swallowing needs.

Working across the Doncaster Community Learning Disability Team and Amber Lodge Low Secure Forensic Service, you will provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and intervention for individuals with communication and dysphagia needs, whilst contributing to Positive Behaviour Support pathways, sensory-informed approaches and multidisciplinary formulations

About the role
You will:

• Independently assess, diagnose and manage complex communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Deliver specialist interventions for adults with learning disabilities and autism.
• Contribute to Positive Behaviour Support and forensic care pathways.
• Support Mental Capacity Act processes through communication assessments and accessible communication approaches.
• Work closely within a multidisciplinary team including psychology, nursing, psychiatry and occupational therapy colleagues.
• Develop and deliver training for carers, support providers and professional staff
• Contribute to audit, quality improvement, service development and clinical governance activities.
• Supervise and support junior staff, students and support workers as appropriate.

About us
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employ around 4000 talented colleagues who are very much appreciated, valued, and respected.

We have a wide portfolio which includes mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services.

We are dedicated to the development of our our people and hold a learning half day every month for our colleagues.

We are passionate about enhancing the quality of our service and we work hard to attract and select the right colleagues for our organisation. Our goal is to employ those who share our passion for providing first class care while remaining committed to our vision and values. Please view our Strategy using the link below:

https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/documents/clinical-and-organisational-strategy-2023-to-2028/

To find out more about working for RDaSH and the fantastic benefits we offer visit our website:

https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/about-us/getting-involved/work-with-us/

We are committed to inclusive cultures and really value people in our organisation, view our Allyship video on YouTube to find out more:

https://youtu.be/WMJSkLoTk4Q

The main terms and conditions of service can be found here:

https://www.nhsemployers.org/publications/tchandbook

Job responsibilities
Please view the attached job description and person specification to view the full details about the role

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if there are a high amount of applications

Qualifications
Essential

• Professional specific degree i.e. BSc (Bachelor of Science) Speech Sciences
• HCPC Registration
• Post basic training in dysphagia assessment and management
• Member of the Royal college of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
• Member of the Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC). Recognised formal training in courses specific for specialism

Desirable

• Advanced Dysphagia management qualification.
• Up to date training in alternative and augmentative communication

Skills
Essential

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both written and verbal) with colleagues, patients, carers and health and social care professionals.
• Knowledge of local and national policies and procedures e.g. RCSLT/Healthcare Professionals Council Code of Conduct/Ethics
• Good presentation skills.
• Ability to motivate and encourage reluctant and challenging patients. Empathetic and able to deliver bad news.
• Well-developed concentration, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own practice.

Desirable

• Excellent Word processing and IT skills
• Awareness of local and national initiatives in adult community services.

Experience
Essential

• Experience working with adults with Learning disabilities and/or acquired speech and language impairments
• Experience in the use and assessment of Alternative and Augmentative communication (AAC).
• High level expertise in the assessment, treatment and management of adults with acquired communication disorders.
• High level expertise in the assessment, treatment and management of adults with dysphagia.
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Experience in training speech and language therapy students and/or supervising rehabilitation assistants or support staff
• Experience of working in the community setting and awareness of forensic services

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).