Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic individual to join the Speech and Language Therapy service based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn. 

This new position will enable you to develop skills in the assessment and management of swallowing and communication difficulties with a range of conditions. It also includes developing skills in tracheostomy management and  videofluoroscopy competencies, with a personal development plan agreed and supported.

We strive to deliver high quality care in line with current evidence base and are committed to providing regular supervision and CPD. We are a small but friendly, proactive and supportive team.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of this job further, or would like to arrange a visit, please contact Sarah Hamilton, Service Lead, on 01553 613673 for more information. 

Main duties of the job

To assess, diagnose and manage a variety of acquired communication and swallowing disorders across a varied caseload

 To provide an inpatient service to patients with acquired communication/swallowing disorders (including: dementia, progressive neurological disorders and TBI)

 To contribute to the delivery of the Videofluoroscopy service

 To support the development of skills in assessing and managing patients with a tracheostomy.

Working for our organisation

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) King’s Lynn is located near some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK, along the north Norfolk coast, and not far from Sandringham House.

We provide a comprehensive range of specialist, acute, obstetrics and community-based healthcare services to around 331,000 people across west and north Norfolk, in addition to parts of Breckland, Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire.

We have more than 4,000 staff and volunteers, approximately 530 beds, and a helipad for air ambulances. We work with neighbouring hospitals for the provision of tertiary services, including as part of regional partnership and network models of care, such as the trauma network.

In February 2022 the significant progress that has been made at QEH was recognised by the Care Quality Commission who rated the Trust as ‘Good’ in all of the core services they inspected. They recommended the Trust moves out of the recovery support system (formerly special measures).

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for details about this exciting opportunity. 

Please contact us if you would like to discuss any details further.

Person specification

Qualifications/training and professional development

Essential criteria

• Attainment of recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy as recognised by RCLST and HCPC
• Membership of RCLST
• Current Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
• Evidence of successful completion of post graduate study in dysphagia
• To provide evidence of ongoing CPD to meet regulatory body professional standards

Desirable criteria

• Membership of any relevant special interest groups (CENs)

Experience

Essential criteria

• To describe your experience of working with dysphagia at post graduate level
• To demonstrate experience of working with communication difficulties within relevant clinical area
• To provide evidence of effective working in a multidisciplinary team

Desirable criteria

• To demonstrate experience in delivering education and training packages
• To describe your experience of using Videofluoroscopy
• To have previous experience or an interest in developing skills in the assessment and management of patients with tracheostomy

Skills, abilities and knowledge

Essential criteria

• To demonstrate a high level of competency in the assessment and management of adults with a range of communication and swallowing disorders
• To demonstrate the ability to prioritise and manage a large caseload
• To demonstrate the ability to work independently and recognise when to seek support for clinical issues
• Demonstrate excellent verbal communication/interpersonal skills and be able to adapt these according to the situation
• To demonstrate the ability to pass on skills/knowledge to other professionals in both formal and informal environments
• To have the ability to communicate effectively using the English language in both verbal and written forms
• To have knowledge of national policies, guidelines and standards relevant to client group such as dementia and progressive neurological conditions
• To demonstrate knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and audit

Desirable criteria

• Membership of relevant special interest groups
• To have experience in supervising undergraduate Speech & Language Therapists
• To show evidence of contributing to service development projects

Other

Essential criteria

• Hold a full and valid driving license (own vehicle not required)

Applications are welcome from anyone who meets the criteria specified in the person specification regardless of age, gender, disability, race ,ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. Only those applicants who demonstrate in the application form how they meet the criteria in the person specification will be shortlisted for interview. We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who possess and can demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our core values.