Speech and Language Therapist - ARFID Pathway

Job summary

To provide specialist speech and language therapy assessment and management to children and young people aged 8-18 on the ARFID Pathway, focusing on the oral-motor, sensory and mealtime aspects of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and complex feeding presentations.

To provide specialist assessment and management of children with oral-motor, sensory-based feeding difficulties and, where relevant, dysphagia, in line with current level of competencies and seeking supervision and support from senior colleagues (including Paediatrics) as needed.

To contribute specialist SLT formulation and intervention (including Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach and sensory-based desensitisation work) to the ARFID MDT, working alongside Psychology, Dietetics, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Paediatrics and Psychiatry within the structured, time-limited (6-8 session) treatment model.

Main duties of the job

? To independently manage a complex ARFID caseload proportionate to a 0.4 WTE role, prioritising according to clinical need and pathway capacity.

? To contribute to monitoring and evaluating the SLT contribution to the ARFID Pathway and provide progress reports as necessary.

? To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice from senior SLT and paediatric colleagues as appropriate.

? To work within defined departmental and national protocols/policies, RCSLT professional standards and code of conduct.

About us

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Job responsibilities

To work closely with paediatrics, dietetics, psychology, nursing, OT and other statutory and voluntary sector staff to ensure a high standard of client care.

To communicate complex, condition-related information from assessment, care plans and prognosis to clients, carers, families and members of the MDT/other professionals or agencies.

To contribute specialist SLT/sensory knowledge to MDT review meetings, discharge planning, case discussions and other meetings central to client care.

To demonstrate the ability to communicate the role of speech and language therapy within the ARFID Pathway to visitors, students, other professionals, carers, clients and the general public.

To work closely with clients, carers, families and other professionals in agreeing decision-making relevant to the child's care.

To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers, families and colleagues, ensuring effective communication is achieved, particularly where high anxiety around eating creates barriers to engagement.

Person specification

Education / Qualification/ Training

Essential

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
• Health Professions Council - License to Practice.
• Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Desirable

• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses.
• Membership of relevant Special Interest Groups / Clinical Excellence Networks.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of independently managing clients with dysphagia.
• Post-registration experience of working with adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Experience of teaching / education (planning, delivering and evaluating training to others).
• Experience of working successfully within a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a community setting.
• Experience of use and interpretation of video-fluoroscopy swallow assessment.
• Experience of assessment for and use of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
• Experience of supervising less experienced staff and SLT students.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including observation, listening and empathy skills.
• Negotiation and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrates good analytical and reflection skills.
• Good presentation skills, both written and verbal, including ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Good organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Demonstrates ability to be a good team member
• Awareness of the roles of other professionals relevant to the client group.