Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to work with adults with learning disabilities in the Cambridgeshire Learning Disability Partnership (LDP).

The LDP comprises five locality-based integrated community specialist health and care management teams (social workers, care co-ordinators, psychiatrists and occupational, arts, and speech & language therapists) and day and accommodation services organised by the Local Authority for adults with a learning disability.

Healthcare practitioners are employed by Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust but work within the LDP. The SLT service comprises a Lead Speech and Language Therapist, two Advanced SLTs, two Specialist SLTs plus an Assistant SLT, all employed by CPFT. We have close links with colleagues working with people with learning disabilities elsewhere in CPFT and with clinicians and/or researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge.

The teams aim to provide person-centred healthcare that promote an individual’s right to choice, independence, health and wellbeing to promote reaching their full potential

To participate in the delivery of countywide specialist LD Speech and Language Therapy by managing a team caseload of clients with complex learning disabilities.

To provide professional supervision to other staff /students as appropriate including appraisal and professional development, particularly mandatory training.

To contribute to the planning, development, and evaluation of learning disability services, including contributing to defined projects as delegated by the LDP management team.

As an autonomous practitioner, to manage a specialist case load providing assessment, identification and treatment of communication and swallowing needs of adults with a learning disability.

To participate in multi-disciplinary/ multi agency working within the LDP and with Key partners.
- DVLA have a number of reciprocal arrangements with overseas countries, for further information please visit the DVLA website

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health & social care organisation dedicated to providing high quality care with compassion to improve the health & wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting & empowering them to lead a fulfilling life.

Our clinical teams deliver many NHS services not only via inpatient and primary care setting but also with the community. These services include Children, Adult & Older Peoples mental & physical health, Forensic & Specialist mental health, Learning Disabilities, Primary Care & Liaison psychiatry, Substance misuse, Social care, Research & Development.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

The post holder will demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills and have undertaken appropriate post registration training

To be proficient in the assessment, identification, treatment and management of the communication and swallowing needs of the learning disability population including risk assessment

To be proficient in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) including manual signing and symbol use across a variety of communication environments

To have knowledge of and skills in sensory impairment as related to Adults with Learning Disability

To facilitate clients to access generic services as appropriate (reasonable adjustment)

To facilitate and guide others in the development of information that is accessible to service users, staff, and carers

To provide Dysphagia assessment where there may be risk of contact with substances such as body fluids (saliva etc) and infection guidelines must be followed

To independently prioritise, maintain and manage a complex specialist Team SLT caseload within the context of the LDP

To be proficient in the assessment, identification and treatment/intervention of the health needs of the learning-disabled population, including risk assessment and assessment of complex conditions e.g. mental health, epilepsy, distress behaviour including forensic issues, palliative care etc

To take a lead in the coordination of complex case work as a case manager for individuals

To have a good understanding of the specific needs of the service user group including at times of crisis. e.g. during placement breakdowns, mental health and physical health relapses and periods of distress behaviour

To recognise the impact of a person’s communication needs and tailor interaction to meet this need

To plan, implement and regularly review integrated individual support plans for each client in conjunction with team members as appropriate

To develop knowledge and experience in multidisciplinary working with parents with learning disability

To provide specialist clinical advice in relation to individual case work to professionals within the LDP

To work to reduce health inequalities for people with a Learning Di