Specialized Speech and Language Practitioner

Job Overview

This position is within the Crewe Care Community, focusing on the assessment, management, and treatment of a diverse caseload of clients with intricate and/or multiple needs. The role involves close collaboration with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and providing guidance to therapy assistants, junior staff, and students. There may be a requirement to operate across various locations within the organization.

Previous applicants within the past 3 months need not apply.

The therapists will be expected to participate in the 7-day urgent community response rota and may work independently in accordance with the lone working policy.

This is a permanent position with a fixed location.

Main Responsibilities

We are seeking enthusiastic, motivated, and adaptable therapists to join our supportive and dynamic team in the Crewe Care Community/CCICP.

Our team provides both urgent and planned responses, facilitating early discharges from healthcare facilities and aiming to minimize hospital admissions. We also manage discharge-to-assess beds.

The caseload is diverse, requiring demonstrable knowledge, experience, and relevant clinical skills with patients facing complex or long-term conditions, including falls, orthopaedics, general mobility issues, and neurological disorders.

The successful candidate will be an integral member of our multidisciplinary team, collaborating with District Nurses, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Complex Case Practitioners, and MacMillan Nurses, while also supervising junior staff and students.

Administrative duties are part of the role, necessitating proficiency in computer use, particularly with Microsoft applications, and accurate typing skills. Our team leverages digital technology to support remote work and promote a flexible working environment, with access to a laptop and mobile phone.

A valid driving license and access to a personal vehicle are required.

Working for Our Organization

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) is committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and effective healthcare to the residents of Cheshire and beyond. The Trust oversees several healthcare facilities and was established as an NHS Trust in April and became a Foundation Trust shortly thereafter.

With a workforce of nearly 5,000 staff members and approximately 500 hospital beds, we offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, maternity, outpatient services, therapies, and pediatric health.

The Trust is also part of the Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP), a collaborative local health initiative providing various community services across South Cheshire and Vale Royal.

Throughout the pandemic, the Trust was recognized nationally for its 'Be Safe Be EquiPPEd' initiative, aimed at ensuring the safety of both staff and patients through the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

The results from the national NHS Staff Survey highlighted improvements in safety culture, with a significant percentage of respondents feeling their roles positively impacted patient care. Our workforce health and wellbeing initiatives have also received national recognition.

At Mid Cheshire, we value our employees and understand that providing exceptional, compassionate care to our patients begins with supporting our colleagues.

Detailed Job Description and Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

Health and care professionals at the specialist level should be capable of:

• Managing a clinical caseload independently, without direct supervision.
• Conducting comprehensive assessments, providing therapeutic diagnoses, and implementing treatment plans for complex clients.
• Delivering individual or group therapy as appropriate.
• Monitoring and evaluating treatment effectiveness to ensure quality service delivery.
• Developing care programs to facilitate patient discharge.
• Ensuring the safe use of clinical equipment and providing training to others.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation in compliance with legal and local standards.
• Collaborating with the MDT and participating in case reviews and meetings.
• Contributing to safeguarding practices for service users and their families.
• Assessing capacity and obtaining informed consent in accordance with legal frameworks.
• Upholding professional accountability for all aspects of care provided.
• Maintaining registration with relevant professional bodies.
• Adhering to organizational guidelines and standards.
• Communicating effectively with service users and their families, ensuring they are actively involved in their care.

Leadership and Management

Health and care professionals at the specialist level should be capable of:

• Engaging effectively with a variety of professionals within the organization and external agencies.
• Assisting in the planning and development of therapy services.
• Supporting departmental objectives and fostering an open leadership style.
• Participating in professional development initiatives.
• Providing guidance and training to relatives, carers, and other professionals.
• Managing workload allocation within the specialist area.
• Contributing to operational planning and policy implementation.
• Undertaking additional duties as required by senior staff.
• Being mindful of the financial implications of clinical decisions.
• Supporting stock management in line with organizational policies.

Education

Health and care professionals at the specialist level should be capable of:

• Organizing and leading training programs for junior staff.
• Evaluating current research and applying findings to practice.
• Training and supervising less experienced staff and students.
• Maintaining professional competency through ongoing development.
• Demonstrating specialist skills and knowledge to ensure fitness to practice.
• Complying with organizational policies and professional codes of conduct.
• Keeping current with mandatory training requirements.
• Participating in the evaluation of clinical practices.

Research, Audit, and Governance

Health and care professionals at the specialist level should be capable of:

• Measuring and evaluating work through evidence-based projects and audits.
• Representing the service at local and national meetings.
• Supporting research activities within the service.
• Disseminating findings from audits and evaluations.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Degree in physiotherapy.

Registration

Essential Criteria

• HCPC registered.

Desirable Criteria

• CSP registered.

Experience

Essential Criteria

• Previous experience in the NHS.
• Experience in a community setting.

Desirable Criteria

• Completion of band 5 rotation.
• Experience in student education.
• Experience with audits.

Communication

Essential Criteria

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Proficient IT skills.

Employers are legally obligated to ensure that all employees possess the right to work in the UK.

Key Messages

• Please inform us if you require adjustments to our recruitment process.

• We are a flexible working employer; please discuss any flexible working needs with us.

• All correspondence will be sent to the email address associated with your account.

• Recruitment is based on the Trust's values and the criteria outlined in the Job Description.

• Secondments will be considered for fixed-term positions with mutual agreement. Candidates should seek approval from their current line manager before applying.

• Appointments are subject to a probationary period.

Applicant Requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a Disclosure submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service.