Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join the Regional Communication Aid Service (RCAS) as part of the Speech and Language Therapy service in Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.  

We are seeking applications from registered Speech and Language Therapists with experience of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Aids.

The Regional Communication Aid Service is based at Walkergate Park and is a specialist Electronic Assistive Technology Service.  Our service aims to improve the independence of people of all ages who experience severe communication difficulties through the provision of specialised services for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) aids.  We support local teams in working with individuals to understand their AAC needs; and in providing specialised communication aids. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to develop a high level of specialised knowledge and skills in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, as well as building a network of contacts and visiting other locations (e.g. special schools) across the region.  

Main duties of the job

You will have a particular interest and enthusiasm to work in this area and work well as part of a close team as well as be able to work independently.

You will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to contribute to the multi-disciplinary teams.  You will be able to demonstrate the ability to engage and work collaboratively with others and understand complex systems in order to support patients with their AAC needs.

You will carry out initial assessments, visiting an adult or child, with their family and key local professionals in their own home, school, day centre, etc.  Observing their current communication, discussing their skills and needs, trying different communication aids, jointly agreeing targets, beginning to introduce key implementation strategies.  

You will carry out a handover and training session for a client / their family and key professionals on a communication aid and how to use it, discussing therapy activities, etc. and provide additional sessions as required.

You will carry out review appointments to agree whether the communication aid is right for the client and whether any other trials or support is required. 

You will provide training sessions to other speech and language therapy teams part of a wider regional training programme

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.  You 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.