Apprentice Therapy Assistant

Job overview

Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist - Stroke / Neurology Pathway

We are looking for  three  Speech and Language Therapists to work across the Stroke and Neuro Pathways at DBTH, as part of a dedicated and specialist MDT. Starting on HASU this pathway also includes the specialist, purpose built, Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at Montagu Hospital. There is also the option to work part time or full time and consideration of flexible working patterns. Where you work on the pathway is negotiable and we will endeavour to accommodate personal preferences.

The DBTH Stroke/Neuro sites consists of:

HASU - DRI Inpatient Stroke rehabilitation - Montagu Hospital Neurological outliers at DRI and Bassetlaw Hospital

The roles encompass HASU/Acute Stroke ward weekend working. This is currently approximately one weekend in every five. Enhancement is paid for weekend working, days are taken off in the week with a flexible approach to meet the individual needs of staff and support a healthy work-life balance.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will have specialist experience and post basic qualification in dysphagia. A flexible, pro-active approach is essential as are excellent communication and team working skills.

As well as delivering specialist assessments/treatment you will support the Clinical Lead, and existing Senior Speech and Language Therapists. You will contribute to the education, training and development of the MDT. The role will also include undertaking PDA’s and service evaluation, including audit.

You will work closely with the wider Adult SLT Service including voice clinic, head and neck specialists and acute ward specialists. These services include videofluoroscopy, FEES and uses Ampcare.

The Stroke Pathway has an SSNAP A-rating with the Rehab Team being and recognised at the 2022-23 Trust Awards. The wider SLT team is the current ICB QI Award winner and Wellbeing Champion award winner at the 2022-23 Trust Awards.

There is full senior support and a structured supervision, peer review and CPD process. As a teaching hospital we support enthusiastic and innovative staff with research aspirations and a desire to be involved in quality improvement initiatives.

Doncaster is part of the South Yorkshire Stroke Network. It has rapid direct train links to London, it is situated off the M18 only a short drive from Sheffield and less than an hour from the Peak District.

Working for our organisation

The Clinical Therapy Service at DBTH consists of a team of Allied Health Professionals committed to providing excellence in patient care and rehabilitation. The successful applicant will work in a supportive, inclusive and innovative team, committed to continuing professional development and a culture that 'champions' positive health and well being.

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals is a Foundation Trust with big ambitions and a proven history of success as early adopters and high quality care outcomes. We’re aiming to be in the top 10% for everything we do. To get there we are improving our organisation to be more suited to how patients use our services. As a teaching hospital the Trust is keen to promote research and development and there will be opportunities to develop innovative ways of working.

Being a part of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Regional Stroke Service will offer successful applicants the opportunity to work in one of the leading integrated care systems in the country (the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw ICS) and to be a part of a networked service; working together to provide high quality and timely treatment and care for anyone who has a stroke in Barnsley, Bassetlaw, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. There will be a Hosted Network and through this you will develop links with other Speech and Language Therapists within the Region. There will be opportunities for ongoing skill and career development, continual learning and peer support.

Person specification

Qualifications/Training

Essential criteria

Professional specific degree i.e. BSC speech sciences or Masters in medical sciences. Certificate to practise. Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Member of the Healthcare Professions Council. Recognised formal training/ competencies in relevant specialisms e.g. Post basic Dysphagia Training Full competencies in Cognitive neuropsychology approach, Dysphasia, dyspraxia and dysarthria assessment and management

Desirable criteria

Advanced Dysphagia Training in neurological Conditions Dementia Training Basic first line management Training / leadership training

Interpersonal Skills

Essential criteria

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work develop excellent working relationships Ability to work in a team Flexibility in approach to working Demonstrate core values of Trust - ‘We care’

Experience

Essential criteria

Post graduate experience working within adult Stroke and acquired neurological communication disorders. Knowledge of alternative and augmentative communication Experience working with neurological dysphagia. Experience of working with complex ethical issues regarding nutrition and hydration. Experience of supervision of Speech and language Therapy students up to final year. Experience of supervision of junior Speech and Language therapist/ assistants Experience of working within a Stroke multidisciplinary team.

Desirable criteria

Experience of participating in service development and quality improvement projects.

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