Lead Speech and Language Therapist

Job title: Lead Speech & Language Therapist Directorate: Operations Reports to: Service Manager Livability Icanho Supervises: Speech & Language Therapist(s); Rehabilitation Assistants, Students Purpose of the job: To ensure the systematic provision of a high quality clinical Speech & Language Therapy [SLT] service within Livability Icanho, and to be responsible for the governance of SLT practice within the service. To ensure that systems are in place and working effectively for the clinical and professional supervision and support of all SLTs within Icanho, and have responsibility for maintaining student placements. To establish good working links/network with other relevant services/universities, and to act as a highly specialist resource to the wider professional community. To contribute to the overall direction and development of the interdisciplinary team/service at Livability Icanho Main duties: To provide highly specialist clinical SLT assessment of clients, based upon the
appropriate use, interpretation and integration of data from a variety of sources.

To formulate and implement plans with individuals, groups, families and carers for the formal treatment and/or management of a clients communication problems, including discharge planning. To participate in interdisciplinary and multiagency meetings concerning the delivery and development of clinical services for clients. To provide highly specialist SLT consultation, supervision and advice to other disciplines on the management of communication disorders of Icanho clients, and ensure that the clinical team has access to a model/ framework for understanding and care of clients. To undertake risk assessment and risk management for individual clients and to provide advice to other professions on communication aspects of risk assessment and risk management; and to comply with Livability/Icanho Health and Safety policies in order to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained for clients, carers, staff and visitors.

To manage SLT resources used in assessment and treatment; and ensure appropriate and safe use of equipment, and appropriate stock control. To advise on/participate in the recruitment of SLT staff at Icanho, and, in the recruitment and selection of staff in other disciplines as required. To initiate and contribute to service development within Icanho. To develop and take part in educational sessions for carers, families and other agencies as required, and participate in internal education, case reviews and peer support.

To ensure the provision of clinical and professional supervision and appraisal of SLTs at Icanho; and to receive regular clinical and professional supervision from an expert with appropriate experience and, where appropriate other senior professional colleagues in line with RCSLT/HCPC guidelines. To take an active role in the process of CPD, both in maintaining a personal CPD log and providing post-qualification training (CPD) to other members of the team as appropriate. This will include maintaining knowledge and skills relevant to SLT, and clinical supervision. To ensure that SLTs at Icanho maintain an up to date knowledge of legislation, local and national policies and issues in relation to people with acquired brain injury; and maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping and report writing.

To use computer based tools of analysis, spreadsheets, databases and statistical packages as necessary, and ensure accurate information for data collection. To make use of relevant technology as part of therapy delievery e.g. apps and computer software. To be aware of relevant development and research in the field of brain injury rehabilitation locally, nationally and internationally; and ensure that all SLTs at Icanho use theory, evidence based literature and research to support evidence based practice in their work.

To ensure that SLTs engage in practice development, evaluation and audit activities to promote evidence based practice. To be responsible for the exercise of professional self-governance in accordance with professional codes of practice; promote SLT at all levels; and maintain and develop the profile of the profession with Icanho. To undertake visits clients homes, local communities and to complex case reviews in out-of-county centres, as required. Working relationships and contacts Internal: All staff in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre External: ü ICBs ü Primary, secondary and tertiary care organisations ü Social Care Services ü Housing Departments ü Education Services ü Employment Services ü Voluntary Organisations ü Private Organisations ü Lawyers and independent case managers ü Local community resources as required.

£43,758 a year - Permanent