Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain an in-depth, comprehensive knowledge of neonatal clinical needs and presentations resulting from a range of acquired conditions.

To communicate effectively and clearly with clinical colleagues regarding assessments and interventions both in spoken and written reports, as well as in day-to day liaison.

Deliver therapy programmes based on current evidence and clinical knowledge to meet the needs of the infant and family’s profile.

To participate in, practice and support Developmental Care practices and a Family Integrated Care approach as highlighted as good practice for neonates.

To be aware of the boundaries of own practice, and to manage the associated clinical risk effectively at all times.

Work closely with members of the MDT to holistically identify the range of needs of the infant and family and how best to support these.

To communicate effectively, empathically and clearly with families and carers regarding issues which will sometimes be complicated or emotionally charged

To work with the MDT to ensure timely community referrals, discharge planning meetings, liaison with other medical specialities and healthcare professionals.

To be able to identify need for further specialist swallowing assessment (i.e. instrumental assessment) and liaise with appropriate teams to arrange this.

To identify own training needs and maintain up to date skills.

To continue to meet clinical competency requirements according to RCSLT and HCPC standards.

To attend meetings and seminars/case conferences as appropriate, and liaise with and advise other disciplines, as appropriate, to achieve comprehensive, effective and confidential patient management through to discharge.

To behave in a professional manner at all times.

To appropriately seek and use supervision to review complex case material, develop skills, plan continuing professional development, set learning targets and address any issues which may be relevant to the fulfilment of your role.

To actively engage with neonatal clinical network via network meetings and externally via relevant Clinical Excellent Networks (CEN’s).

COMMUNICATION

To communicate and liaise effectively with other professionals, patients, families/ carers and other agencies to ensure and integrated pattern of service delivery.

Use effective interpersonal skills when engaging with families/ carers and other professionals.

Work effectively with families requiring a language interpreter, ensuring services are accessible for all service users regardless of their language or communication status. Adapt verbal and non-verbal techniques as the situation demands.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ ORGANISATIONAL

To take part in service/departmental policy implementation and development.

To ensure a high standard of documentation including clinical notes, reports and goals and outcome measures are maintained in a timely manner.

To manage own time effectively within the demands of the service. To demonstrate good organisational skills in terms of time and caseload management.

Input data into database including outcome measures and audit/ service related projects

To monitor and evaluate clinical effectiveness and evidence-based practice using appropriate outcome measures

To demonstrate knowledge of, and adhere to Professional Body, National and Local Clinical Guidelines.

Ensure mandatory training is up to date annually.

TEACHING AND TRAINING

To support training needs of staff on the neonatal unit related to infant feeding, swallowing and communication on the neonatal uni