Job overview

The opportunity has arisen for a motivated Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with an interest in working with people with a learning disability to take a Band 6 specialist role in the Sirona Adult Learning Disability Health Service (SALDHS).

This is a part-time and fixed term post position is to cover a maternity leave and is based in North Somerset and Bristol. The service hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

This post can be ideal for either a current Band 6 Specialist SLT looking to extend skills and experience, or to a current Band 5 SLT who has worked for more than a year and has already gained NQP and dysphagia competencies. Secondment opportunity within the organisation may be considered.

You will work within a locality multi-disciplinary team, with the opportunity to work with specialist SLTs across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire delivering person centred care, and training to care and support staff.

The post offers excellent support with opportunities to develop skills in:

• Assessment and management of communication, including lining with AACWEST
• Developing resources and accessible information
• Developing skills in Signing, using Talking Mats, and AAC
• Delivering training to carers and family members
• Opportunity to develop skills in managing eating, drinking and swallowing issues
• Excellent supervision and peer support available as well as regular Journal Club and opportunities to develop care pathways
• Regular team meetings and MDT working

Main duties of the job

You will hold a clinical caseload of people with learning disabilities who have communication and/or eating and drinking needs. Our service users have a broad range of communication needs including supporting the implementation of AAC, the use of signing, Talking mats, Social Stories and Visual support strategies. Management of complex dysphagia, including triage, prioritisation, assessment, risk assessment and the development of individualised care plans as well as care and support staff education to support understanding and implementation of guidance given.

Your work will be in the community seeing people in their homes or other familiar and appropriate environments. You will also be working collaboratively within our multi-disciplinary team which provides a holistic approach to meet the service users health needs. You will receive support from clinical specialist SLTs and the SLT Clinical lead to develop in this role. We actively encourage skill development and case discussion to ensure the team deliver a high-quality service that is innovative, safe and continuously improving for a positive and meaningful service user experience.

Alongside your clinical caseload there will be opportunities to provide advice, education and training to health staff, social care workers and family carers and information in a range of formats to meet service user needs.

Working for our organisation

Ever dreamt about a career that sparks excitement and fosters your professional growth? Picture yourself waking up eager to make a real difference in our community, surrounded by teams who value your unique ideas. It's time to turn your dream into reality!

We are Sirona care & health – England’s largest provider of Adult’s and Children’s Community Services and we’d love for you to join us in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire.

Agenda for Change Salary, full NHS benefits, 27+ days’ annual leave, and participation in the NHS Pension Scheme – just a glimpse of the benefits we offer.

Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare, looking for a fresh challenge within the NHS, or contemplating a career change, don't be daunted by the prospect of something different – we create development opportunities for all our colleagues and apprentices.

Interested? View our benefits leaflet which you can find as an attachment on this vacancy.