Date: 2015 Job Title : Community Speech - Language Department : Medicine and Health of Older People Location : Waitemata District Health Board Reporting To : Allied Health Team Leader Direct Reports : Nil Functional Relationships with : Internal Inter-disciplinary team members SLT staff across Waitemata DHB Volunteer Stroke Scheme (VSS) Radiology Staff SLT Professional and Clinical Leader Allied health Head of Division Other Waitemata DHB staff Our Purpose, Values and Standards External Patients/clients/consumer, families, whanau General Practitioners & Practice Nurses Community and External Agencies & Suppliers Other health care providers Non-government organisations e.g. MNDA Students (all disciplines including nursing/medical) SLT training Universities At the heart of Waitemata DHB is our promise of better care for everyone. This promise statement is the articulation of our three-fold purpose to: 1. promote wellness, 2. prevent, cure and ameliorate ill health and 3. relieve the suffering of those entrusted to our care. At the heart of our values is the need for all of us to reflect on the intrinsic dignity of every single person that enters our care. It is a privilege to be able to care for patients, whānau and our community, a privilege that is sometimes overlooked in our day to day work. Our standards and behaviours serve as a reminder to us all about how we are with our patients and with each other. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 1
Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 2
Purpose of the role : To provide a client centred, evidenced-based approach to the assessment, management and treatment of a range of communication and swallowing impairments. KEY TASKS The provision of a high standard of Speech-Language Therapy to clients in the community environment. Quality Assurance. EXPECTED OUTCOMES Appropriate client assessments are conducted within specified timeframes and to agreed standards. Agreed intervention is based on the findings of the assessment and the client s needs and goals. Intervention is implemented according to best practice principles. Documentation standards are met and accurately demonstrate client care and progress. Measurable client goals are set within an interdisciplinary framework and are achieved within specified timeframes. Intervention/therapy is planned and implemented in collaboration with client & family/whanau and interdisciplinary team as appropriate. Intervention/therapy is provided in a culturally aware and sensitive manner/context. Boundaries of practice are identified / recognised and referral on occurs as appropriate. Utilises Volunteer Stroke Scheme to meet the needs of community clients as appropriate and fulfills community SLT role within VSS. Professional Standards of Practice are in accordance with Communicating Quality 3 Professional Standards for Speech Language s, adopted by NZSTA Supervision takes place on a regular basis with clinical supervisor (as per Allied Health Policy). Annual review follows performance development guidelines with objectives which are reviewed on a regular basis. Responsibility is taken for own learning by recognising training and skill needs and undertaking professional development activities on an ongoing basis. Professional Development Portfolio is developed and maintained, including a training record. Professional speech-language therapy standards are met. Participates in peer review. Contribution is made to development and review of best practice guidelines, policies and patient information sheets. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 3
Quality of service. KEY TASKS Service administration standards are met. Statutory & Treaty of Waitangi obligations To recognise Individual Responsibility for Workplace Health and Safety under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 EXPECTED OUTCOMES Provides training and education of students of own discipline (contributes to learning needs of students of other disciplines as appropriate). Completes WDHB mandatory training. Criteria for admission / prioritisation to service are followed. Active contribution to the functioning and development of the interdisciplinary team, including orientation of colleagues, meetings and case conferences There is participation in overall caseload management within the service, covering for other teams where necessary. Education to WDHB and external groups occurs in consultation with management. Professional networks with other Speech-Language s to enhance the service for clients, and own professional development. There is liaison with community groups to ensure excellent continuity of service for clients. Participates in the implementation of service developments, in conjunction with the SLT Professional and Clinical Leader. Provision of urgent SLT cover for any of the other community teams in consultation with the Allied Health Team Leader/ SLT Professional & Clinical Leader Accurate statistical information as per service requirements is maintained. Equipment and resource record is maintained WDHB resources are utilised effectively. Ensures the professional and political integrity of WDHB by carrying out all functions in compliance of the Treaty of Waitangi and by demonstrating a serious commitment to keeping the treaty alive. Shows sensitivity to cultural complexity in the workforce and patient population Company health and safety policies are read and understood and relevant procedures applied to their own work activities Workplace hazards are identified and reported, including self-management of hazards where appropriate Can identify health and safety representative for area Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 4
PERSON SPECIFICATION POSITION TITLE: Community Speech and Language Minimum Preferred Qualification Professional SLT qualifications Membership of NZSTA Driver s license Experience Relevant post graduate experience. Broad clinical experience Understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and its relation to practice. Demonstrates competencies as required by position and professional body. Minimum two years post graduate experience. Experience working with clients with a wide range of health and disability needs. Experience working in community practice. Knowledge and understanding of the local community networks. Experience working with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Some experience of working with clients with dysfluency, voice and intellectual handicap. Experience of working in private hospital & rest home settings. Skills/Knowledge/Behaviour Practice perspective is clientcentred and promotes quality of life. Commitment to continuous quality Improvement. Commitment to culturally safe practice. Good understanding of rehabilitation principles. Excellent communication skills. Good organisational and time management skills. Resilience and flexibility. Experience working with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Experience of videofluoroscopy. Experience of augmentative & alternative communication. Experience of group therapy with clients. Experience of working with volunteers. Experience of supervising SLT students. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 5
Professional attitude and standards. Non-judgmental. A positive contributing team member. Clear personal and professional boundaries. Enthusiasm for chosen field of work and practice. Willingness to explore new concepts. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 6