Job overview

We have an excellent opportunity to appoint a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) to lead and operationally manage identified SALT teams.  The lead role would cover adult secure care services and the Mitford autism inpatient unit based at Northgate Hospital. You would work clinically into these areas, with time job planned for the lead role, clinical leadership and operational management for the clinical teams. 

You will work closely with the Professional Lead and Manager for SALT and other SALT Clinical Leads as well as with Clinical Managers within the identified teams to ensure practice is safe, effective, well-led, responsive and caring.

Main duties of the job

You will be responsible for SALT service delivery and improvement in your identified teams and involved in development work across the Trustwide Speech and Language Therapy service.

You should have the following skills and experience:
•    Experience in the operational management of staff
•    Clinical leadership knowledge and skills
•    Awareness of the services included in the post 
•    Extensive speech and language therapy experience relevant to at least one of these areas  
•    A strong interest in developing SALT offer within these clinical teams 
•    Commitment to collaborative multi-disciplinary working.  

You must have excellent communication skills and be able to engage with others effectively. You will have knowledge of operational policies and processes.  

You must also have knowledge of mental health conditions, learning disabilities as well as extensive experience in the fields of dysphagia and communication.

You will be provided with regular operational and clinical supervision. You will be expected to work autonomously.  You will hold your own caseload, oversee the clinical work and operationally manage SALT staff within your identified teams.  

Working for our organisation

The Speech and Language Therapy Service in Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is continuing to develop and grow to meet the needs of our patients and local communities.  

You will join a large, dynamic team of Speech and Language Therapy colleagues in established, multi-disciplinary teams who are committed to providing the best quality service to our patients.  We actively encourage professional development and provide opportunities for all in the Speech and Language Therapy team to contribute to the development of the service.

We will provide you with a comprehensive induction period and you will have access to ongoing clinical supervision and appraisal with development reviews that will provide you with support and the specialist skills required to meet the holistic needs of the patients in your care.  The post holder will be expected to actively engage in the Trusts supervision and continuing professional development process.

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.