Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Summary:

·       To manage a designated caseload of stroke patients with complex communication, cognitive and swallowing needs using evidence based/client centred principles to assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.

·       To provide leadership for the multidisciplinary Stroke In-Reach service.

·       To lead the SALT service in the Lewisham Community stroke pathway.

·       Maintain records which fulfil legal requirements.

·       To offer specialist SLT advice as required to junior SLT colleagues, to other health professionals, and other colleagues, for the benefit of clients or service development.

·       To regularly supervise SALT students on practice placements as required

·       To provide leadership for junior staff, through supervision and appraisal

·       To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of SALT services within the Lewisham Community stroke pathway

·       To contribute to the maintenance and development of the Trust SALT Service

Key Result Areas & Performance:

Clinical

• To apply a high level of knowledge and understanding of stroke.
• To plan, organise and deliver an effective and efficient SLT service to clients on own caseload.
• To independently assess, diagnose, and manage therapy provision for the swallowing and/or communication needs of a stroke specific caseload of patients with complex needs, prioritising efficiently to help prevent readmissions.

• To monitor and review progress of clients, ensuring the continuance of sound clinical practice. To modify management/care as needed, ensuring any changes in recommendations are communicated effectively.
• To document client interventions promptly and in a clear manner in client notes.  To provide timely written reports which are clear and relevant to the audience, and which are based on sound and up to date clinical knowledge.
• To plan, set up and monitor treatment programmes carried out by Enablement Officers and rehabilitation assistants for clients on own caseload.

·       To design/plan individual patient programmes to implement oneself or to delegate as appropriate

• To undertake individual initial screens to identify patient need including areas affecting functional ability, followed by agreed assessment plans.

·       To discharge clients in a timely manner, maintaining communication with relevant others involved in their care.

• To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and monitor on going risk.
• To develop and evaluate the links between the local HASUs, acute hospital stroke unit and Lewisham Community Therapies

• To monitor and evaluate treatment, including using outcome measures in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention.
• To undertake discharge planning and coordination of complex patients both into the service and out of it.
• To take a role in the decisions regarding placement after discharge.
• To refer onto appropriate agencies for :- the continuation of treatment,

Reassessment and monitoring

• To carry out joint working with others from the Trust and across other

agencies.

Documentation

·       To maintain up to date activity data and activity records  in accordance with

Professional and Trust standards.

• To use the electronic note keeping systems within the service.
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• To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate.

Professional Ethics

·       To adhere to the HCPC and RCSLT  Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all other

relevant policies and procedures. These include maintaining confidentiality and

respecting the patient’s dignity, privacy culture and wishes

• To provide guidance to junior/support staff on ethical issues.

Leadership, Supervision and Appraisal

·       To participate in the management of the SALT team in the Lewisham Community stroke pathway.

·       To provide leadership for the stroke in-reach service.

·        To participate in the planning and implementing of the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting, and take a lead when needed.

·       To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior/support staff as

           delegated by the Lead SALT

·       To provide specialist training on an individual basis.

·       To provide advice to junior/support staff and students on a day to day basis as required.

Training Staff and Students

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·       To give presentations/training on specialist topics.

·       To participate in training programmes for the Lewisham Community stroke pathway and wider Lewisham Community SALT service.

Service Development and Delivery

• To manage own caseload efficiently, including methods of prioritisation in order to

            achieve timely and safe flow of patients from hospital into the community.  

·       To participate in the operational planning and implementation of policies within the department

·       To assist with the recruitment and appointment of SALT staff.

·       To represent SALT on Trust wide (and linked agencies) working parties and groups as delegated by the Lead SALT

·       To take a lead on specific projects as delegated by the Lead SALT

·       To participate in, and take a lead as needed, in the Therapies special interest group for the relevant clinical area.

Personal/Professional Development

·       To participate in internal and external training opportunities to meet identified

objectives and demonstrate on-going development.

·       To apply specialist skills and knowledge in order to maintain professional

competence and fitness to practise as a senior SALT

• To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD , regarding learning outcomes
• To participate in Trust Appraisal scheme.

Clinical Governance

·       To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures including Infection 

Control, the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Data Protection Act

·        To report on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment and safeguarding issues.

·        To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures.

·       To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures, on and off site and to respond as necessary e.g. emergency resuscitation,

·       To assess for and advise on risk factors in given situations.

·       To contribute to the Trust and Therapies clinical governance and quality agenda including the setting and monitoring of practice standards. 

·       To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the clinical area.

·       To apply national guidelines/legislation relating to health care.

Research and Practice Development

·       To undertake research and/or audit projects relevant to SALT and/or service area and disseminate findings at local level.

·       To broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit and research projects.

Work force

·       To supervise and delegate to Rehab Therapy Assistants, Rehab Support Workers and Enablement Officers when appropriate. 

·       To co-operate with the other Senior members of the MDT in the organisation of the workload, and to assist the Lead SALT/ Therapy Manager in service managerial matters when required.

·       To contribute to the education of Therapy Assistants.

·       To be responsible for the appraisals of junior SALT in the community team 

Partnerships/Communications and Relationships

·       To communicate effectively with patients and carers, SALT colleagues, multidisciplinary team members and other agencies

·       To participate (and take a lead as needed) in the multidisciplinary team meetings

            and case conferences, with regard to patient care programmes.

·       To advise and educate patients and carers regarding swallowing recommendations, communication advice including communication aids

·       To participate in staff meetings and other meetings (taking a lead as needed)  as

            directed by the Lead SALT

·       To promote the SALT role within the Lewisham Community stroke pathway, the Trust, and to other agencies.

General

·       The post holder will be experienced in assessing a patient’s needs and establishing an appropriate treatment plan

·       The post holder will be physically fit and able to carry out agreed duties.

·       The post holder should be flexible and be able to adapt their treatment planning in light of unforeseen circumstances or a change in the patient’s condition.

·       The post holder will be able to manage sensitive situations, dealing with patients or family members who are distressed.

·       The post holder will be confident of working in patients’ homes.

·       The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which fall with the grade of the job, in discussion with the Lead SALT including working with individuals with other acquired neurological conditions

·        This job description will be reviewed in the light of changing service requirements.  Any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.