Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetics Assistant Practitioner - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom - Papworthhospital

Description

Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetics Assistant Practitioner Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

This is an exciting opportunity combining two disciplines to provide rehabilitative support for patients who require Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetic input.

As an assistant practitioner you will have an allocated rehabilitation caseload and support treatment plans initiated by a registered Speech & Language Therapist or Dietitian. Clinical work will include dysphagia rehabilitation, communication support and rehabilitation, and supporting individualised nutrition management plans.

We are committed to providing student training and training for our staff. The post will include education of patients, staff members and supporting Speech & Language Therapy/Dietetic students.

Main duties of the job

The Assistant Practitioner will assist in the delivery of comprehensive Dietetic and Speech and Language Therapy service to inpatients and outpatients with a range of cardiothoracic conditions under the direction of Registered Speech and Language Therapists by implementing Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetic programs and plans for groups and individuals.

The Assistant Practitioner will deliver a treatment plan prescribed by a registered Speech and Language Therapist or Dietitian, with the autonomy to modify and adapt this plan based on their ongoing assessment of the individual. The Assistant Practitioner will be required to provide initial and follow up reviews, assessment and treatment to patients without direct supervision from a registered Speech and Language Therapist or Dietitian. This will involve taking appropriate action to implement and monitor nutritional recommendations, dysphagia management plans and communication support devised by a Speech and Language Therapist or Dietitian. The Assistant Practitioner will support and provide mentorship for Speech and Language Therapy or Dietetic students. They will also be responsible for managing the overall assistant caseload.

About us

Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is the UK's leading heart and lung hospital, delivering care to more than 50,000 patients a year in its new state-of-the-art hospital in Cambridge. We perform the most heart and/or lung transplants in the UK and carried out the UK's first successful heart transplant in 1979. It also offers emergency heart attack treatment, sleep centre care and is one of just five centres nationally for those in severe respiratory failure.

Based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus the largest centre of medical research and health science in Europe the Trust is at the heart of treatments of the future. Royal Papworth became the first hospital trust in the country to be rated outstanding in all five areas assessed by the Care Quality Commission - a rating it still holds today. The Trust holds its values of compassion, excellence & collaboration at its core, and all colleagues joining the team are expected to uphold these in their day-to-day roles & interactions. Royal Papworth is proud of its diverse workforce and encourages people to embrace their individuality.

The Trust values difference and welcomes all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, race, religion & belief, sex and sexual orientation. Providing they meet the minimum post criteria, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview.

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Job responsibilities

On this page you will find a Role Profile which provides information about the hospital and full details about the role. We recommend that you review this and refer to it as you complete your application. Please include how you will meet the Trust Values Compassion, Excellence and Collaboration. If you would like more information about the role or working at Royal Papworth Hospital, please get in touch with the contact for this role.

Person Specification Qualifications

• N.V.Q. Level 3 or equivalent qualification or Diploma Qualification.
• Experience working as a healthcare support worker / assistant.
• Previous experience working as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant or working with a Speech and Language Therapist as part of a Dietetic Assistant role.
• Completion of recognised dysphagia competencies

Experience

• Knowledge of working with patients with specific conditions which can impact eating and drinking and communication.
• Current experience of working in a health/social care setting managing own caseload of non- complex patients.
• Experience of working in an NHS Trust
• Experience of communicating with a range of individuals including those with communication needs.
• Experience of self-directed working/ability to prioritise tasks.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of procedures and practices including how to assess a patient and deliver a care plan.
• Experience of using and working with computer systems such as Microsoft word, excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience of collating and summarising data.
• Proven verbal communication demonstrating evidence of listening and questioning skills, ability to adapt communication style as required to (old, young, non-English speaking, communication difficulties).
• Able to follow protocols and procedures.
• Proven interpersonal skills showing care and sensitivity to the needs of patients, carers, staff and colleagues.
• Ability to be prioritise workload and work independently.
• Ability to work flexibly and work in a team.
• Ability to multi-task and problem solve.
• Ability to use own initiative, but recognises own limitations.
• Demonstrates understanding of the meaning of confidentiality and the requirement for this to be maintained.
• Ability to work specific hours required to deliver service.
• Ability to undertake manual handling tasks.
• Knowledge of dietary intake, assessment methods acquired through formal training, short courses or equivalent experience
• Experience of creating resources to support patient understanding.
• Ability to motivate and support patients during the rehabilitative process.

Additional Criteria

• Please provide evidence of your commitment to uphold the Trust's values: Compassion, Excellence, Collaboration

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust