Come and work for one of the longest-running charities and independent hospitals in the UK. Set in a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian building with big gardens, the RHN has specially adapted facilities such as gyms and kitchens for our residents, as well as music and art therapy spaces.

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability is more than a hospital – we are a community in which everyone comes together to help adults with neurological disability achieve the best possible quality of life.

Salary range: £39,108 – £51,580 depending on experience

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Putney, Southwest London

Closing date: 2nd December 2024

Benefits:

• Free counselling and therapy sessions and other mental wellbeing support through our partner CIC Wellbeing
• Get involved in our free on-site wellbeing programs, including weekly yoga, and monthly pottery club (we are the UK’s only hospital with its own kiln)
• Financial support services such as low-interest loans and help with savings accounts through our partnership with London Capital Credit Union
• Join our wellbeing networks to connect with people in our hospital; we have a Pride network, Women’s network, and our Race Equality network. We also have heritage events to celebrate the diversity of our workforce – most recently we had a South East Asian celebration.
• Free on-site parking (rare in London)
• More benefits: Cycle2Work scheme, tech purchase support scheme, Blue Light Card discounts, and more.

About the role

The RHN is a leading national centre of excellence, providing adult person-centred services that span the entire care pathway from post-acute rehabilitation services to end of life care, for people with complex Neuro-disability and their families, underpinned by a strong research and education programme.  

The Speech and Language Therapy Service at RHN comprises a team of thirteen Speech and Language Therapists and two SLT Technical Instructors working across a range of specialist units including our Brain Injury Rehabilitation service, Neuro-behavioural Service, Ventilator Unit, Huntington’s Disease Service, Young Adult PMLD Unit, and our Specialist Nursing Home

An opportunity has arisen for a motivated individual with proven clinical skills to join the Speech & Language Therapy team at the RHN. The post holder will be based initially in Continuing Care which delivers highly specialised care, rehabilitation and disability management to patients with a range of neurological conditions and complex disabilities.   Continuing Care includes the following services:  Neuro-Behavioural Rehabilitation Unit, Ventilator Unit, Young Adults Unit, Huntington’s Disease Unit and Specialist Nursing Home.  There is the possibility of rotation onto our Level 1 Neuro-rehabilitation service.

Main Objectives of the role

1. To be responsible for the communication and swallowing needs of a designated specialist clinical caseload, including tracheostomies.
2. To provide a clinical support role, advice and support to health care staff, SLT Technical Instructors, volunteers and clinical supervision to SLT students
3. To communicate complex condition related information from assessment to patients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions via attendance at multidisciplinary meetings, rehabilitation goal setting meetings and case conferences as required to enable a co-ordinated care plan.
4. To demonstrate the ability to identify own strengths and development needs and reflect on practice with peers/ supervisor/ Professional Lead SLT
5. To participate in service development projects within the speech and language and multidisciplinary teams.
6. Demonstrate an awareness of RHN’s objectives and contribute to achieving them appropriately.
7. Strive to improve efficiency in all areas of your work.

Person Specification

1. Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent; Health Care Professions Council license to practice; Certified member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists  ESSENTIAL
2. Specialist post graduate dysphagia training/ qualification   ESSENTIAL
3. Post graduate training in tracheostomy assessment and management   DESIRABLE
4. Post graduate training and competencies in working with patients on ventilators - DESIRABLE
5. Specialist clinical skills including knowledge and use of a wide range of assessments, diagnosis, evidence-based intervention and evaluation methods to support best practice.   ESSENTIAL
6. The ability to communicate complex, sensitive information and manage the emotional consequences of working with patients with a range of swallowing and communication impairments    ESSENTIAL
7. Knowledge of instrumental swallowing tools to assist in assessment and management of patients presenting with dysphagia   ESSENTIAL
8. Demonstrable ability for team-working   ESSENTIAL
9. Competent IT skills   ESSENTIAL
10. Proven experience of specialist range of therapeutic interventions in relevant field, demonstrating the evidence base for these approaches including selecting, setting & evaluating specialist treatment goals   ESSENTIAL
11. Good team member able to assume leadership responsibilities   ESSENTIAL

Candidates applying for a role at the Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and Influenza.

RHN is a care provider for vulnerable patients at extreme risk. In consequence, safeguarding patients will always be our highest priority.

RHN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer that respects and values the differences of our people to achieve their full potential. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our Resourcing Team at recruitment@rhn.org.uk