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Job overview

Acute Therapies Speech and Language Therapy Team Lead

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Acute Speech and Language Therapy Team as Team Lead. We are looking for a highly skilled, experienced clinician to lead the Inpatient team for adults who manage the dysphagia and communication needs of all inpatient wards including Critical Care but excluding the Stroke Unit. Ideally, you would also have or be working towards Tracheostomy, FEES and VF competencies and be able to  contribute to instrumental assessments including being part of the VF rota for in and outpatients; supporting the training and supervision of other staff as necessary.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate experience and knowledge in assessment, treatment and management of patients who have acquired communication and swallowing problems working in an acute hospital setting.

The Acute SLT Hospital Service is provided by a small team of Band 5’s and 6’s and sits within the Acute Therapy Team which includes Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

The post holder will receive excellent support from the Head of Acute Therapies and Operations Manager and wider Speech and Language Therapy team and a firm commitment to continuing professional development. The Speech and Language Therapy Service in Croydon has Reflective Practice groups arranged, regular in-service meetings team meetings.

Our wider SLT staff work across a variety of other inpatient and community settings.

Main duties of the job

At a Highly Specialist level, to assess, develop and implement Speech and Language Therapy treatment for adults with communication and swallowing difficulties including patients with trachys and within Critical Care.

To employ highly specialist interventions for patients/clients and carers who have severe disability and/or terminal illness on a daily basis; and evaluate outcomes.

To write reports reflecting specialist knowledge according to the standards of the Department and distribute these accordingly.

To provide advice and training to others regarding the management and care of patients/clients with communication and/or feeding and swallowing difficulties.

To demonstrate good negotiation skills across a range of issues,                                      including case management in complex cases.

 To independently run a video fluoroscopy clinic, interpreting results and                         report writing. 

Working for our organisation

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust provide hospital and community services from a number of community and specialist clinics throughout Croydon. The Trust was formed on 1st August 2010 through the integration of Croydon Community Health Services and Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust. Around 4,100 staff provide services for a population of over 360,000 people who are relatively young with a high level of ethnic diversity. 

Our main hospital site, Croydon University Hospital is one of the busiest in London. We’re also leading the way in providing more healthcare outside hospitals at clinics, specialist centres and in people’s homes. Our experienced district nursing teams, Allied Health Professionals and community matrons look after people of all ages across Croydon and our Children’s Hospital at Home cares for children with long-term conditions without them having to come to hospital. 

Across the NHS everyone is working hard to meet growing demand and we’re no exception. But with the right people on board, we are rising to this challenge, putting our people in the driving seat, encouraging innovation and transforming our services to give local people the quality of care they deserve. Croydon Health Services puts a great deal of importance on education and training throughout the careers of all of our staff. As well as offering access to a range of core skills training and professional development.