Job summary
Provide a high-quality Speech and Language Therapy service for patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties resulting from head and neck cancer, working as an autonomous practitioner. Independently manage a caseload of patients with complex clinical needs, using evidence-based, patient-centred approaches to assess, treat and evaluate care. Support the development of junior staff through supervision, training, mentorship and case discussion, as appropriate to experience. Maintain accurate clinical records in line with Trust policies, professional standards and local guidelines. Work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient management discussions and attending MDT meetings, ward rounds and family meetings as required. Contribute to the development and improvement of the Head and Neck Speech and Language Therapy service. Ensure high-quality data is accurately recorded, analysed and reported in a timely manner. Undertake leadership, service development and line management responsibilities appropriate to the role. Work in accordance with Trust policies, national guidance, HCPC standards and RCSLT professional standards. Maintain knowledge of relevant national and local standards and use these to develop and evaluate own practice. Participate in bank holiday working and work flexibly to meet service needs where required.

Main duties of the job
Undertake specialist assessment of patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties. Analyse assessment findings and develop individualised, evidence-based management plans and therapy programmes. Use advanced clinical reasoning skills to interpret & analyse clinical & non-clinical information, formulate differential diagnoses, establish prognosis and determine the most appropriate course of intervention. Evaluate outcomes, reassess patients as required and develop comprehensive discharge plans. Undertake instrumental assessment of dysphagia, depending upon experience and competence. To treat and manage patients who have undergone surgical voice restoration and require management and change of their laryngectomy speaking valve depending on experience and competence. Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required. Support service development, audit, research, quality improvement initiatives, and the education of students, staff, patients, and carers.

About us
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK. We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do. Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare. We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk). By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team. The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Job responsibilities

• Accept clinical responsibility for the caseload, managing and prioritising workload effectively and efficiently. This will include prioritising and allocating patients appropriately for more junior staff.
• Communicate complex SLT information in an understandable form to staff, patients and carers.
• Be professionally & legally responsible & accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care.
• Lead and contribute to clinical audit, quality improvement and service development initiatives, ensuring that findings are translated into practice to improve patient care and service delivery.
• Provide specialist advice, teaching & instruction to relatives, carers & other members of the MDT regarding SLT issues.
• Plan and support with the clinical supervision and education of student SLTs on clinical placement.
• Engage in department and own CPD activities and lead on supporting the learning and development of others, particularly more junior members of the team.
• Participate in health promotion activities of the department
• Cover the work of colleagues and deputise for senior colleagues during periods of absence or peak workloads
• Participate in other duties as required such as maintaining a clean safe environment always ensuring adherence to Trust standards of cleanliness hygiene & infection control.
• To take on designated roles or responsibilities that support the overarching needs of the department.
• To provide SLT provision across sites of UHCW and Rugby St Cross as needed.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.
Secondment will be considered for internal candidates If you are successful after interview, you must obtain approval from your current line manager to accept the offer.
Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or Equivalent
• Member of RCSLT
• HCPC registration - license to practice
• Postgraduate dysphagia training
• Experience of working in the NHS

Desirable

• Evidence of relevant postgraduate training in relevant clinical area
• Tracheostomy competencies
• FEES and/or Videofluoroscopy competencies
• SVR competencies
• Membership of a relevant CEN

Experience
Essential

• Advanced clinical skills and knowledge in the assessment, differential diagnosis and management of complex adult swallowing and communication disorders
• Significant highly specialised postgraduate experience in the assessment and management of head and neck cancer
• Experience of supporting and teaching junior SLT's, volunteers, assistants and students.
• Experience of training staff groups at all levels
• Experience of contributing to service development relating to this client group
• Leadership experience
• Experience of Health and Safety/ Risk Management.
• Experience of participating in audit

Desirable

• Experience of developing head and neck cancer services in line with national policy
• Experience of leading an audit
• Experience of being involved in research in the specialist area

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of assessment tools and a range of therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group
• Knowledge of trends and best practice in the clinical specialism
• Good working knowledge of national policies and procedures relating to the client group
• Understanding of the impact of local cultural, linguistic and demographic factors influencing service delivery.
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group)

Skills
Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to organise/manage time effectively
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise a caseload according to urgency
• Excellent presentation skills
• Able to adapt communication style to varied listeners
• Ability to work through interpreters to gain and impart information
• Demonstrates ability to be a good team member and function effectively in the multidisciplinary team
• Able to judge limits of skills/competence and recognise professional boundaries where appropriate
• Supportive to other staff
• Ability to negotiate and manage difficult conversations
• Keyboard and IT skills to support clinical practice
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates excellent clinical reasoning, risk assessment and leadership skills
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Extensive line management/supervision experience

Desirable

• Demonstrates good analytical and reflection skills

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values. (As detailed in UHCW's Values in Action document below)
• Applicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience

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).

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Address: University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Head and Neck Cancer Service Lead, Alice Coltman, alice.coltman@uhcw.nhs.uk, 02476966449