Mediplacements are currently recruiting for an experienced band 6 Speech Therapist to work with our client in London.

The pay for this position is £23-£28 per hour, and we are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible for an ongoing duration.

JOB SUMMARY
* Be responsible for and provide specialist assessment and intervention to a designated caseload of clients with communication and / or swallowing difficulties in inpatient and community settings.
* Develop confidence and competencies in tracheostomy management.
* Develop understanding of the use of instrumental assessment (VF and FEES) in the management of patients with complex swallowing impairments.
* Actively contribute to the development of the Adult Community Rehab and Acute Therapies teams

CLINICAL DUTIES
1. Develop and provide specialist assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention to patients with acquired disorders of communication and / or swallowing with complex physical, cognitive and challenging behaviour. To include utilising a high level of clinical reasoning to formulate hypotheses and inform patient focussed goal setting and treatment planning as well as utilising individual group and interdisciplinary working across a range of settings.
2. Act as an expert resource in advocating for patients with complex communication impairment to enable them to understand, contribute and make informed consent to treatment options for all disciplines.
3. Discuss with patients the implications of SLT diagnoses and provide support and advice to families and carers.
4. Assess, diagnose and plan treatment programmes to be delivered by other members of the MDT, carers and volunteers, and students as appropriate to their skills and experience.
5. Take a central role in managing clients with complex swallowing difficulties including identifying, evaluating risk and making recommendations to clients, carers and the inter-disciplinary team regarding the safety of their swallow mechanism and modified / alternative means of nutrition / hydration as required.
6. Support the running and setup of the weekly videofluoroscopy clinic and demonstrate/develop specialised skills in videofluoroscopy assessment. For example, prioritisation of patients for clinic, investigating type, amount and compensatory strategies to manage oral intake, analysing findings and making recommendations regarding safe nutrition, modification of diet, commencing oral or alternative feeding regimes or referral to radiologist if concerns regarding structural abnormalities.
7. Assess and determine need for alternative and augmentative communication aids, making recommendations to clients, carers and communication aid specialists, trialling specialised equipment and training patients and carers in its use. Refer on as appropriate where there are complex needs.
8. Provide detailed information for patients' carers and families regarding risks associated with oral feeding and contribute to and inform discussions with the full team regarding non-oral feeding.
9. Develop and monitor behavioural management programmes in conjunction with the inter-disciplinary team, including taking baselines, providing advice and evaluation.
10. Facilitate junior Speech and Language Therapists' skills in treatment planning and developing specialist skills in dealing with a broad range of neurological impairments.
11. To establish and maintain close liaison with clients, carers and other health and relevant agencies involved in patient care, within and outside the Trust regarding the clinical management of patients admitted to and discharged from the service.
12. Promote and maintain a high standard of evidence based clinical practice and maintain own knowledge of current literature and developments relevant to the field.
13. Facilitate effective communication between the Speech & Language Therapy Department and all other members of the inter-disciplinary team

If you're interested in working as a locum speech therapist with Mediplacements, apply now!

When you work with Mediplacements, you will have access to a range of benefits that will support you in your role. Our dedicated one-to-one service ensures that you have the support you need to thrive in your role. Our fast-track registration process allows you to start your new role as soon as possible. The excellent rates of pay, and assistance with travel and accommodation are designed to make your transition as smooth as possible. We also offer weekly pay that is always on time, and access to exclusive NHS and private sector jobs. There is no registration fee, and you will have access to free online training.

If you are not available for this position, we encourage you to refer a friend and take advantage of our £250 referral bonus. T&C's apply.