Speech & Language Therapist

We have an exciting opportunity for a band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to join our Speech Therapy team. This post will predominantly involve working across the Stroke pathway, however sessions may also be available within our community and long term conditions caseloads. This job would suit a newly qualified Speech Therapist, or an established Speech Therapist looking for experience working across the stroke pathway.

The adult speech and language therapy team is a small but supportive and enthusiastic team of therapists and assistants supported by admin services, and a speech and language therapy team lead, with leadership and support from a senior clinical professional.

Excellent speech and language therapy support is provided within the department, with regular staff meetings, peer supervision groups and a strong commitment to continued professional development. The Trust is keen to support research. You will receive regular supervision, including 1:1 and team/ peer supervision, in addition to support with completing NQP competencies.

You will be responsible for providing assessment, therapy, support and advice to patients with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties, predominantly working across our stroke pathway. This can include working within the Stroke MDT on the acute stroke unit and within Early Supported Discharge and Community Stroke teams. There is opportunity to be involved with staff training run by the Speech Therapy team.

At North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust our main priority is, and always will be, to provide safe and high quality care to our patients every day; the kind of care we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. We want our organisation to be the best place to work with the right staff, in the right roles, at the right time, to ensure we deliver exceptional patient care and experience.

We will support staff through providing an inclusive and supportive workplace with health and well-being initiatives, staff benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development. Staff recognition is very important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Star and Team of the month, colleague recognition – a note of thanks, Managers Awards, Shining Stars and Service Awards.

We recruit for values and “Together we are North Tees & Hartlepool”

You will be able to demonstrate skills in the assessment, treatment and management of communication difficulties, predominantly within a stroke caseload. This post could involve work on the acute stroke unit, and within our local community stroke teams. You will have opportunity to be involved with training sessions delivered by the Speech Therapy team. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic graduate or newly qualified therapist, who enjoys working as part of a team, and who is keen to develop their knowledge and experience working with adults who have had a stroke. There will be opportunity to work closely with the stroke MDT, including Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Dietetics, and therapy assistants.

This role requires community working (including working in a patient's home, nursing or residential home), and therefore the ability to travel between venues in a short timescale is essential.

We would welcome informal visits to find out more about us and the role. To find out more or to arrange an informal visit please contact Catherine Walker, Operational Lead for Adult Speech and Language Therapy on 01429 522471.