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Locum Band 7 Paediatric Dysphagia Speech & Language Therapist (Hybrid)

* £38 per hour

* Hybrid

* Part-time, 09:00-17:00

* 3-month contract

* Harlow, Essex

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Locum Band 7 Speech & Language Therapist specialising in paediatric dysphagia to join our dynamic healthcare team.

Part time work, for 3 months, working with children and young people, including neonates, on the dysphagia caseload alongside supervision of a Band 6 member of the team.

Hybrid working, including some face-to-face clinical work across the West Essex area.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in providing specialist assessment, diagnosis, and intervention services for children with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and associated communication impairments.

This locum position involves working within a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive dysphagia management in paediatric settings.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Assessment and Evaluation:

* Conduct comprehensive assessments of paediatric patients presenting with swallowing difficulties, including clinical swallowing evaluations, instrumental assessments (e.g., videofluoroscopy, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation), and communication assessments.

* Utilise standardised dysphagia assessment tools and clinical observations to establish baseline function and identify swallowing impairments.

Diagnostic Interpretation and Treatment Planning:

* Interpret assessment findings to formulate accurate diagnoses and differential diagnoses of paediatric dysphagia and associated communication disorders.

* Develop individualized dysphagia management plans based on assessment results, patient and family goals, and evidence-based practice guidelines.

Dysphagia Intervention and Therapy:

* Provide specialised dysphagia therapy and intervention to paediatric patients, including direct and indirect swallowing therapy, oral motor exercises, compensatory strategies, and mealtime modifications.

* Collaborate with families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to implement dysphagia management strategies in various settings (e.g., home, school, hospital).

Feeding and Swallowing Education:

* Educate parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals about paediatric dysphagia, including signs and symptoms, risk factors, and management strategies.

* Provide training on safe feeding practices, oral hygiene, positioning, and environmental modifications to support optimal swallowing function and safety.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

* Work collaboratively with paediatricians, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, and other professionals to coordinate holistic care for paediatric patients with dysphagia.

* Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case discussions, and care planning reviews.

Clinical Documentation and Record Keeping:

* Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic health records, documenting dysphagia assessments, treatment plans, interventions, progress notes, and discharge summaries.

* Ensure compliance with professional and regulatory standards for clinical documentation and record keeping.

Quality Improvement and Research:

* Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement projects, and research initiatives to enhance dysphagia management outcomes and advance evidence-based practice.

* Stay abreast of current research, guidelines, and best practices in paediatric dysphagia management through continuing education and professional development activities.

Qualifications and Requirements:

* Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Speech & Language Therapy.

* Current registration with the relevant speech and language therapy regulatory body.

* Extensive clinical experience working as a Speech & Language Therapist with a focus on paediatric dysphagia assessment and management.

* Specialist training and certification in paediatric dysphagia assessment and intervention.

* Advanced clinical skills in dysphagia evaluation, treatment planning, and therapy implementation.

* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

* Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

* Commitment to delivering family-centered, evidence-based care with compassion and empathy