Community Speech and Language Therapist (Adults)
Location: Clinical Team
Salary: £29,250.27,
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible to meet the needs of individuals)
Driver Essential: Yes
About Us:
At Orbis Education & Care, we provide specialist services to adults with complex needs, including autism, learning disabilities, and associated challenges. Our aim is to support individuals to lead fulfilling, independent lives and provide the necessary tools and care to help them thrive. We are looking for a skilled and compassionate Community Speech and Language Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team and enhance the lives of the adults we support by addressing their communication, eating, and drinking needs.
About the Role:
As a Community Speech and Language Therapist at Orbis Education & Care, you will manage a defined caseload, working directly with adults with a variety of complex needs, including communication difficulties, feeding and swallowing challenges, and associated behavioural concerns. You will conduct assessments, develop and implement treatment plans, and work collaboratively with families, carers, and other professionals to support individuals in achieving their full potential. You will provide 1:1 and group interventions, focusing on increasing their level of communication and maximising their independence within their living and community environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Caseload Management: Manage a complex caseload from assessment to discharge, working within the care programme approach. Support adults with a range of needs, including physical and mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and challenging behaviours.
- Speech and Language Therapy: Deliver individual and group therapy sessions to address communication, eating, and drinking difficulties for adults with complex needs.
- Assessment and Diagnosis: Undertake comprehensive assessments to evaluate speech, language, and swallowing difficulties, and develop person-centred treatment plans.
- Risk Management: Assess and manage risks effectively within both clinical and community settings.
- AAC and Alternative Communication: Assess and recommend appropriate Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) tools, including signing, symbols, and electronic aids.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams (MDT) to ensure therapy goals are integrated into care plans and daily routines.
- Training and Support: Provide advice, training, and support to staff, families, and carers on communication strategies and safe eating and drinking practices.
- Specialist Interventions: Develop and implement therapeutic interventions, such as communication groups, social skills groups, and Makaton training, to support therapeutic goals.
- Clinical Leadership: Lead by example, offering professional guidance to junior staff, assistants, and other members of the MDT.
- Ongoing Review: Monitor and evaluate the progress of interventions, adapting plans as necessary to meet the evolving needs of individuals.
- Capacity to Consent: Contribute to Capacity to Consent assessments and ensure informed consent is approached in accordance with organisational policies.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with professional standards and organisational requirements.
- Report Writing: Provide written reports on individuals' progress, participating in MDT meetings and decision-making processes regarding care plans.
- Health Promotion: Participate in health promotion activities to encourage positive communication and well-being.
- Safeguarding: Recognise and report concerns related to harm, abuse, or neglect, ensuring individuals' safety and well-being.
Qualifications & Experience:
Essential:
- HCPC Registration and a relevant professional degree/diploma in Speech and Language Therapy.
- Proven experience in managing a caseload of adults with complex communication needs, including learning disabilities and/or autism.
- Experience in the assessment and treatment of dysphagia (eating and drinking difficulties).
- Knowledge of current legislation relating to adult care and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
- Experience working in community or residential settings with adults who have complex needs.
- Ability to assess and recommend AAC tools and assistive technologies.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work-related travel.
Desirable:
- Experience in using Makaton, PECS, or other communication systems.
- Familiarity with health promotion and capacity to consent assessments.
- Experience in training other professionals and providing supervision to junior staff.
Benefits:
- Career progression opportunities with a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Health plan available after probation.
- Eligibility for a "Blue Light Card" offering discounts across a wide range of services.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about supporting adults with complex needs and have the skills and experience to make a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you! Click "Apply" to submit your CV and cover letter.
Orbis Education & Care is an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and encourage those who bring different perspectives to apply.
Orbis Education & Care is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal data. By applying, you understand that the personal data collected about you as part of our application and registration process will be used in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. Full details on how we collect and process your data and your rights can be viewed here: https://orbis-group.co.uk/applicant-privacy