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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
To be able to demonstrate effective communication, verbal and non-verbal, to 
communicate treatment programmes to patients some of whom may have barriers to 
understanding or communication e.g aphasia or where English is not the first language.
To be an effective team member, respecting the work of others and always representing 
the professions suitably.
To participate in the supervision process and to receive regular mentoring. 
 To participate in the Team and Clinical meetings within the stroke SLT Service.
 To always deliver care in a manner sensitive to individual’s needs and wishes. 
acknowledging and respecting their rights, individual values, cultural and religious diversity.
To be conversant with, and comply with, all health and safety, security and confidentiality, 
and privacy and dignity regulations that are in force. To attend mandatory training sessions 
e.g. fire/health and safety lectures and reporting any accidents and/or hazards etc. using 
the Trust reporting systems.
Comply with the organisation and departmental policies and procedures and be involved in 
reviewing and up-dating as appropriate.
KEY RESULT AREAS
 Apply knowledge of SLT therapeutic interventions, analytical and judgement skills to deliver 
treatment, assess client response and modify therapy within scope of practice.
To support patients, carers, staff and relatives by providing education and advise, as 
appropriate.
To work in a variety of settings including various wards covered by the team, if required.
To maintain timely, legible and accurate signed records and statistical information as 
required, this includes using paper and electronic records and entering information on to 
electronic databases.
Contribute to development of patient care by attending relevant team, departmental or 
clinical / multi-disciplinary team meetings and comment on recommended changes to 
clinical care or service provision.
Working within your scope of practice, to safely use Therapy equipment and aids according 
to department protocols. To use equipment safely.
To deliver individual or group interventions as required.
To encourage patients and their carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining 
personal independence. This requires empathy, sensitivity, and good interpersonal skills and 
may require motivational skills with some patients
To deliver simple training and information to patients, families and care teams.
To take part in the Trust appraisal and performance review programme as an appraisee. To 
use the provided ‘Personal Development Plan’ to support your own learning and 
development, including gathering evidence of Continual Professional Development.
To keep up to date on professional issues by participating in In-Service Training and other 
training activities as agreed through the appraisal process. To actively participate in in-service training.                                                          To undertake any other duties that might be considered appropriate by the Lead Therapists.
COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
To represent the service verbally and in written communication in a positive and 
professional way and to project a professional image by adhering to uniform policy.
To liaise with and refer to therapy colleagues and other external agencies to support the 
best possible management of patients.
To develop self-awareness and to be a questioning and reflective health worker.
MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB
Mental Effort 
The post holder will be frequently expected to concentrate for prolonged periods during assessment 
and treatment sessions and ensure good communication with patients who have impaired 
understanding or communication difficulties. There may be periods of unpredictable work patterns
Emotional Effort 
This post may involve the care of patients with complex or chronic degenerative illnesses or terminal 
conditions. Patients and their carers may be depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive.
Working Conditions
To risk assess all areas of your work including manual handling risks, bio-hazards from for example 
soiled sheets, body fluids/ sputum, anxious or angry clients/carers, patients with mental health or 
cognitive dysfunctions etc.
OTHER
The post holder must comply with all RCHT policies and Procedures.
The post holder must work with infection control guidelines to ensure that work methods do 
not constitute a risk of infection either to staff or patients.
The job description is subject to the Terms and Conditions of service of RCHT, and the post 
holder will undertake any other duties which may be required from time to time.
This job description will be subject to regular review and amended to meet the changing 
needs of the Trust.
This job description is subject to the Terms and Conditions of service of Royal Cornwall 
Hospitals NHS Trust, and the post holder will undertake any other duties which may be 
required from time to time.