Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Specialist (Stroke)

Do you have a passion for multi-disciplinary working and Stroke care?
Are you ready to develop or expand your skills in leadership, line management, training and service improvement?
Then this post will be of interest to you.
Following some internal restructuring we are expanding our service and are looking for the right candidate to join us in a newly developed role as Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) for Stroke (Band 7).
You will be based full-time in the Adult SLT within University Hospitals of Leicester, providing input to the Hyperacute (HASU) / Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and the City Stroke Rehab Unit at the Leicester General Hospital.
We are looking for a candidate who will be able to cope with variety of pace and demands across both clinical sites. Options for flexible working will be considered.
What our team members say about working for us
"I am part of a team."
"I have the opportunity to try different clinical caseloads and to manage my caseload independently."
"I enjoy the fast pace of working."
"I have freedom.", + Working independently with adults with a range of acquired and often complex communication and swallowing disorders, their carers and the multi-disciplinary team.
+ Coordinating caseload management, ensuring that the SLT team adhere to admin processes and lead caseload prioritisation discussions.
+ Contributing to regular team meetings (MDT, SLT)
+ Leading and delivering competency training for junior members of staff, SLTAs and Therapy Support Workers
+ Line Management.
+ Undertaking clinical audit and service development projects.
+ Supporting the wider service to provide a community videofluoroscopy clinic (on rota).

Working for our organisation
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
+ high-quality care for all,
+ being a great place to work,
+ partnerships for impact, and
+ research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
+ we are compassionate,
+ we are proud,
+ we are inclusive, and
+ we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies, Leicester General Hospital: City Stroke Unit - 15 bedded unit providing inpatient stroke rehabilitation.
The UHL Stroke SLT provision also includes an Early Supported Discharge Service.
The SLT Stroke Team consists of: Band 8a Clinical Lead, Band 6 and Band 5 SLTs and Band 4 SLT Assistants (SLTAs). In the Acute Service you will also work with generic Therapy Support workers (TSWs).
There will be a strong training element to this role. You will be involved in the development of junior members of staff, working through in-house and RCSLT dysphagia competencies. You will also provide training and support for SLTAs and TSWs. In addition, you will support in coordinating and delivering Swallow Screen Training on HASU/ASU and other service-wide training as required.
You will have the opportunity to work closely with other specialist SLT colleagues in neurology, critical care and head and neck cancer. You will also help to maintain strong links with our SLT colleagues in Leicestershire Partnership Trust, who provide input to individuals within the community in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

You will ideally hold competencies in videofluoroscopy, fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and tracheostomy. Applications will be welcomed from experienced Band 6s and a Band 6 / 7 developing role could be offered to the right candidate if they need some support and training to achieve these competencies. Experience working with individuals with complex dysphagia is an essential requirement of this role.

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.
Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.
The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.
COVID 19 Risk Assessment
Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.
The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.
If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
Covid Vaccination Status
Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.