Principal Speech and Language Therapist

Clinical Supervision & Leadership: Provide clinical supervision and appraisal to Speech and Language Therapy staff, ensuring high standards of care, professional development, and performance monitoring. Assess, Plan, and Supervise Interventions: Provide direct Speech and Language Therapy interventions based on job plan requirements for role, conducting specialist Speech and Language Therapy assessments, developing treatment plans including functional assessments and targeted therapeutic approaches. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with the multidisciplinary team, contributing to care planning, case discussions, and supporting colleagues with complex cases. Risk Assessment & Compliance: Conduct risk assessments for service users, ensuring adherence to all relevant legislation and Trust policies, take a lead on more complex cases requiring collaborative intervention including representation at risk panels as an expert panel member.

Service Development & Evidence-Based Practice: Collaborate with senior team members to propose service improvements based on evidence-based practices, client needs, and healthcare policies. Taking a lead on some development areas as required. Quality Improvement & Audit: Identify service gaps, contribute to audits, and support quality improvement initiatives to enhance service effectiveness. Governance & Professional Standards: Support investigations related to grievances, capability, disciplinary matters, and professional/ethical concerns, ensuring appropriate resolutions.

Research: Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of emerging evidence in Speech and Language Therapy practice and how this will be integrated into day-to-day practice in the service area. Strategic Representation & Advocacy: Represent Speech and Language Therapy at meetings, advocating for its role in service delivery and innovation. Community & Partnership Development: Work in co-production with service users and carers. Strengthen connections with voluntary sectors, carers, and statutory services to enhance service users access to community networks, including employment and leisure opportunities.

Complaints & Incident Investigations: Assist in investigating informal complaints, drafting responses, and contributing to patient safety investigation (PSII) reviews as required. Operational & Workforce Management: Support colleagues in recruitment, induction, and workforce planning for Speech and Language Therapy staff. Service Demand & Workload Management: Assist senior clinicians in monitoring and responding to service demands and workload pressures. Expert Consultation: Provide specialist Speech and Language Therapy expertise to shape and influence Divisional services.

Effective Communication: Ensure clear and consistent communication across all service areas, external agencies, service users, and their support networks. Professional Growth & CPD: Maintain an up-to-date CPD portfolio, participate in training, and take responsibility for ongoing professional development. Collaboration Across the Trust: Maintain professional links with lead Speech and Language Therapists across the Trust to enhance service provision. Mandatory Training & Compliance: Ensure adherence to all Trust-mandated training requirements.

Student Education & Placement Management: Act as a Practice Placement Educator, overseeing Speech and Language Therapy student placements for the specialist area. Financial Awareness: Maintain knowledge of budgetary procedures relevant to service delivery and manage delegated budgets as required. Confidentiality & Data Management: Adhere to confidentiality policies and ensure accurate record-keeping in line with Trust guidelines. Additional Duties: Undertake other responsibilities as assigned by the Line Manager, flexibly contributing to the evolving needs of the service.