Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist- Bedfordshire

Use specialist clinical skills to manage a caseload of children with complex difficulties in speech, language, communication and/or eating and drinking (dysphagia) and AAC. Identify, assess and diagnose communication/swallowing impairments and determine appropriate intervention for effective treatment. To assess children and provide written recommendations and ongoing support for implementation, for class teams. Attend and provide reports to Annual Reviews/Multi Agency Meetings as appropriate.
Provide Communication Support and advice in relation to functional communication, to support teaching and learning. Demonstrate specific speech and language therapy support programmes and the use of equipment to specific teachers or groups of staff. Provide guidance and whole school training in relation to functional communication including receptive, expressive and interactional skills. To provide guidance and whole school training in relation to communication development.
To contribute to relevant research, audit and development work within the schools, relating to the Speech Language and Communication curriculum. Take a clinical lead role in service development and actively contribute to the development of the SLT service in special schools. To attend relevant meetings as required within school or as part of wider SLT team. To work collaboratively and liaise with a wide range of professions across a variety of locations and agencies.
To attend and report to case conferences/review meetings etc. for patients on the caseload with support as requested for situations where conflict management/negotiation may be required. To present and communicate complex condition related information in such a manner as to motivate and inform patients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, agreeing decision -making relevant to patient management. To use good interpersonal skills to listen well and counsel patients and carers, so providing support and empathy without prejudice.
To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff, which are characterised by open communication, trust and respect. To attend and participate in professional meetings and other relevant meetings. To present and convey complex information clearly to patients, carers and other professionals both in verbal and written form. To communicate effectively with patients with communication problems where difficulties in understanding exist, using observation, listening and empathy.
To use negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations