Mediplacements are looking to recruit a band 7 Speech and Language Therapist for a locum position with our client in Bedfordshire.

The pay for this position is £27-£35 per hour, and we are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible for an ongoing duration.

Job Purpose:
You will be a key member of the special school team, providing highly specialist clinical input to special schools in Bedfordshire. You will have day-to-day responsibility for coordinating a speech & language therapy service to special school children and independently manage the caseloads in these settings. You will work with the special schools team identifying areas for service improvement and development and support junior colleagues.

You will:
* Use highly 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 independently determine appropriate intervention for effective treatment.
* Assess children and provide written recommendations and ongoing support for implementation, for class teams.
* Be responsible for developing the school's Communication charter, identifying appropriate universal targeted and specialist levels of support within the schools.
* Provide guidance and whole school training in relation to functional communication including receptive, expressive, and interaction skills.
* Work with the schools to build on strength and identify gaps in communication support provision, developing a plan to address training needs as appropriate.
* Provide second opinions or support to junior colleagues as appropriate.
* 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.
* To contribute to relevant research, audit, and development work within the schools, relating to the Speech Language and Communication curriculum.
* To attend relevant meetings as required within school or as part of wider SLT team.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
* 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 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
* To make a differential diagnosis on the basis of evidence from assessment and design appropriate treatment based on analysis of profile of need.
* To devise care protocols for children with disabilities, including those with AAC and dysphagia requirements.
* To use skills and knowledge to generate appropriate strategies for caseload management for complex clinical issues.
* Able to plan, organise and prioritise own workload, clinical and non-clinical.

If you're interested in working as a locum speech therapist with Mediplacements, apply now!

When you work with Mediplacements, you will have access to a range of benefits that will support you in your role. Our dedicated one-to-one service ensures that you have the support you need to thrive in your role. Our fast-track registration process allows you to start your new role as soon as possible. The excellent rates of pay, and assistance with travel and accommodation are designed to make your transition as smooth as possible. We also offer weekly pay that is always on time, and access to exclusive NHS and private sector jobs. There is no registration fee, and you will have access to free online training.

If you are not available for this position, we encourage you to refer a friend and take advantage of our £250 referral bonus. T&C's apply.