RCAS Therapy Team Lead
Hello!
We are so delighted you are considering coming to work with us at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW).
We know the power of looking into an organisation, one you might want to work in, or one where you are going to get help, and being able to say, ‘I’ve seen somewhere I can fit in and be myself.’ We’re on a journey to make the Trust an inclusive employer, representative of the community we serve and we want more of our community to consider applying for jobs with us.
Opportunities for you
Spanning east to west coasts from Northumberland to Cumbria and from the Scottish Borders down to Middlesbrough we’ve got exciting new opportunities available at every level and in every area.
We offer flexible working, helping work fit around family and caring responsibilities, or training and development needs and there’s lots on offer in the way of benefits, such as, lease cars, childcare schemes, staff discounts, season tickets for travel and a cycle to work scheme.All this in a vibrant workplace supported by the following staff networks.
- Cultural diversity staff network
- Disabled staff network
- LGBT+ staff network
We also have a number of staff support groups which are open to any staff to attend. These Include:
- Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Association
- Mind, Health and Wellbeing Community
- Menopause toolkit and cafes and staff carer support group
We offer fantastic personal development opportunities through our Collective Leadership Programme and other Organisational Development initiatives. Whatever you are looking for, you will be joining a supportive, friendly team, offering varied and interesting roles, with opportunities for career progression.
Always improving
CNTW is regulated by the national healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our last two inspections have rated us as an outstanding organisation. We’re always seeking to improve as an organisation. Do you want to be part of that?
Please note that it is a requirement of this Trust that all external applicants pay for their own DBS certification if a DBS check is required for the post. The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first monthly pay
Job overview
The Regional Communication Aid Service (RCAS) is a regional specialised service commissioned by NHS England. We provide specialised assessments and provision of communication equipment to adults and children across the North-East and North Cumbria who have complex communication needs.
We are seeking an experienced Registered Clinician who is able to meet the knowledge and skills applicable to the post, who is looking for a development opportunity to expand their skills and experience within this specialist Regional Communication Aid Service.The post holder will provide clinical and professional leadership to the team to ensure the highest possible quality of care.
The post holder will lead the therapy team and related clinical aspects of service provision, working jointly with the Technical Team Lead to achieve operation and performance in line with the NHS E service specification.
The post holder will work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, clients, carers and other professionals to provide specialised, evidence-based assessment and equipment provision. The postholder will work closely with all members of the team.
Main duties of the job
Within the scope of the Therapy Team Lead role a focus of the post will include:
- Responsibility and accountability for ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and efficient care to service users and their carers within the Regional Communication Aid Service (RCAS).
- To be responsible for the initial assessment and resulting prescription of highly complex Specialist Bespoke Communication Aid configurations for clients across the Northern Region and subsequent client reviews and related issues (e.g. re-assessments).
- Contribute to appraisal, professional and personal development of the RCAS staff.
- Identify and organise the delivery of appropriate clinical training for the RCAS staff in order to ensure that the highest standard of evidence based clinical interventions are provided.
- To lead the education and training of professionals including the up skilling of local speech and language therapy services on behalf of the Regional Communication Aid Service.
- Lead on and ensure timely clinical audit systems are in place.
- Assist the designated Clinical Business Unit (CBU) and Service Lead with Integrated Governance, individual practitioner performance and team development.
- To manage the staff and non-staff budget for the service in collaboration with the Technical Team Lead.
Working for our organisation
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.
The Neurological Services encompass outreach services and those based at WGP. There are 4 dedicated inpatient wards (neuro-rehabilitation, neurobehavioral and neuro-psychiatry) providing 65 beds in total. There are also outpatient and community services consisting of Outpatient Spasticity Management; Regional Disability Team; Community Multiple Sclerosis Team; Community Neuropsychiatry Team; Regional Communication Aid Service; Regional Environmental Control Systems Service; North East Drive Mobility; Northumberland Head Injury Service; and Community Acquired Brain Injury Services based in Gateshead and Sunderland.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will lead the therapy team and related clinical aspects of service provision, working jointly with the Technical Team Lead to achieve operation and performance in line with the NHS E service specification, reporting to the Long-Term Conditions Lead.
It is expected that the post holder will demonstrate competent clinical practice and continue to further develop clinical knowledge and skills with relevant training and clinical supervision. Regular support and supervision will be available, and the post holder will be expected to actively engage in the supervision and the continuing professional development process.
The following should be considered as essential:
- Specialist knowledge and clinical experience in this field of electronic assistive technology.
- Specialist knowledge in the provision of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) prescribed solutions
- Significant relevant clinical skills gained through demonstrated experience.
- Ability to carry out complex assessments of client needs and provide and monitor technological solutions involving specialist assessment for assistive technology interventions, especially AAC solutions for clients with severe and often complex physical disabilities.
- Ability to problem solve complex (assistive technology) clinical problems
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 6th May 2025Closing date : 23rd May 2025
We welcome your application.
Person specification
Education and Qualification
Essential criteria- Recognised degree or equivalent
- HCPC/RCT or equivalent registered
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses and other relevant CPD to Masters level equivalence e.g
- Post graduate level qualifications
- Field work educators qualification
- Registered member of relevent professional body e.g. Speech & Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria- Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post. Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, e.g. HCPC and RCOT standards, IPEM Codes of Conduct, etc, and other local and national initiatives
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of providing assessment services
- Awareness of equal opportunities legislation and policies.
- Experience of collaborative working across agencies and professional disciplines.
- Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload in a flexible manner as required.
- Undertaking appraisals
- Commitment to Partnership working both multi-agency and multidisciplinary.
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses and other relevant CPD, to Masters Level.
Skills and Competencies
Essential criteria- Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex needs
- Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills
- Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches e.g. identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Evidence of high level of professional organisational and leadership skills
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt within changing environment
- Proven track record of acting as an effective advocate for service users and their carers
- Excellent interpersonal skills including negotiation and conflict management
- Leadership/delegation skills
- Evidence of effective organisational skills
- Expert clinical supervision skills
- Specialist knowledge and clinical experience in this field of electronic assistive technology
Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed.
Please ensure to check out all of the supporting documents linked to this advert, for useful information about working for us, information from our Chief Executive and much more.