Highly Specialised Neonatal Speech & Language Therapist

Job overview

Following further investment we are looking for new team members to join our growing and developing Neonatal Services at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust. We are a friendly & supportive team with bases at Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital Huntingdon.

The post holder will be responsible for delivering of specialist speech and language therapy support within the model of Family Integrated Care to infants and families on the neonatal units at Peterborough and Hinchingbrooke.

The role involves the assessment, differential diagnosis and management of early communication and feeding challenges associated with prematurity and health conditions of babies admitted to the neonatal unit.

The post holder will work as an integral member of the neonatal multidisciplinary team, working closely alongside Neonatal Consultants and Nursing Teams, Infant Feeding Team, AHP and Psychology Team (local and ODN), and families to provide evidence based care.

This is a key operational and clinical leadership role requiring exceptional role modelling behaviours, up to date knowledge of the evidence base, effective use of audit and service improvement for their specialist pathway.

• The ten occupational duties that are required to provide a high standard of health care using judgement, skills and knowledge for enhanced practice are:

1. Be an accountable professional acting in the best interests of people,

1. Use existing knowledge and expertise and enhanced levels of clinical

1. Act independently to plan, deliver, monitor and evaluate complex care

1. Act as an expert resource within their own organisation and for external

1. Develop, deliver and evaluate education and training opportunities for

1. Communicate effectively in challenging environments and situations with

1. Promote and encourage innovative clinical practice to support a culture of

1. Lead and manage unpredictable and unplanned clinical situations.
2. Participate in resource management, strategic service development,

1. Lead, monitor, develop and appraise staff and learners.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, with a special focus on welcoming individuals from disabled, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as those from our local area.

In line with our dedication to employee support, we offer a variety of benefits. For more information, please see the attached staff benefits leaflet.

We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for further information relating to this role.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Recognised Speech and Language Qualification –Degree or equivalent
• Registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Evidence of Completion of relevant specialist short courses or equivalent in-house training.
• Post Graduate Dysphagia Qualification or equivalent in-house training.

• Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) & relevant specialist groups/ Clinical Excellence Networks
• Experience working at Neonatal Dysphagia Competency Level C

Experience

• Experience working with neonates and infants and/or children with complex needs
• Experience of independently managing feeding and swallowing difficulties associated with a neonatal or paediatric caseload
• Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience working in a neonatal or acute paediatric setting
• Experience of supervising junior staff, students or clinical assistants.
• Experience in delivering education to other health care professionals and to families.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and experience of dysphagia assessment and management to highly specialist level.
• Knowledge of varying approaches to the assessment and management of patients with dysphagia including instrumental assessments (Video fluoroscopy / FEES).
• Knowledge of early communication needs and support within neonatal and acute paediatric settings.
• Understanding of the ethical issues in paediatric and neonatal dysphagia management

Skills

• Demonstrates ability to be a good team member as well as to work independently and manage own caseload
• Standard key board skills & the ability to use IT packages such as Word, Outlook, Power point & Excel

Aptitudes

• Accepts responsibility and accountability for own work and can define the responsibilities of others
• Recognises the limits of own authority within the role
• Seeks and uses professional support appropriately
• Understands the principle of confidentiality
• Ability to cope with emotionally demanding situations, monitor and manage own stress levels and seek support as required
• Strong belief in CPD and reflective practice.

Other

• Be prepared to travel across sites as and when required