Date: June 2013 Job Title : Casual Speech and Language Therapist Department : Location : North Shore, Waitakere and Rodney Reporting To : Team Leader Direct Reports : Nil Functional Relationships with : Internal SLT professional Leader SLT clinical service Leader SLT staff across Waitemata DHB Team & Therapy Assistants, WDHB In-patient and Community Interdisciplinary Teams Radiology Staff Other Waitemata DHB Staff External Patients/Clients/Consumers, families/ whanau General Practitioners Other Health Care Providers Non government organisations e.g. MNDA External Agencies & Suppliers Students (all disciplines including nursing/medical) Purpose : To provide a client centred, evidenced-based approach to the assessment, management and treatment of a range of communication and swallowing impairments. The service may be provided across general medical, surgical, ICU, CCU wards, emergency in-patient and community areas to NSH, WTK and Rodney. Services are delivered in accordance with WDHB Strategic Plans Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 1
KEY TASKS The provision of a high standard of Speech-Language Therapy to clients in the community or in-patient environment. 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. Therapy intervention is planned and implemented in collaboration with client and interdisciplinary team as appropriate. 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 fulfils community SLT role within VSS Quality Assurance Professional Standards of Practice are in accordance with Communicating Quality 3 Professional Standards for Speech Language Therapists, adopted by NZSTA Supervision takes place on a regular basis with clinical supervisor (as per Policy). Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 2
KEY TASKS EXPECTED OUTCOMES Annual review follows performance development guidelines with annual review, and 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. Provides training and education of students of own discipline (contributes to learning needs of students of other disciplines as appropriate). Quality of service. Criteria for admission / prioritisation to service are followed. Participates in interdisciplinary meetings and case conferences. Contributes to the functioning and development of the interdisciplinary team. There is participation in overall caseload management within the service, covering for other case teams where necessary. Networks with other Speech- Language Therapists to enhance the service for clients, and own professional development. Assistance is given towards the orientation of multi-disciplinary team Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 3
KEY TASKS Service administration standards are met. EXPECTED OUTCOMES members. There is liaison with community groups to ensure excellent continuity of service for clients. Participates in the implementation of service development Education to WDHB and external groups occurs in consultation with management. Accurate statistical information as per service requirements is maintained. Equipment and resource record is maintained WDHB resources are utilised effectively. To recognise Individual Responsibility for Workplace Health and Safety under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 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
Behavioural Competencies Adheres to Waitemata District Health Boards 4 Organisational Values of: Every single person matters, whether a patient / client, family member or a staff member We see our work in health as a vocation and more than a job, We are aware of the suffering of these entrusted to our care. We are driven by a desire to relieve that suffering. This philosophy drives our caring approach and means we will strive to do everything we can to relieve suffering and promote wellness. We need to be connected with our community. We need to be connected within our organisation across disciplines and teams. This is to ensure care is seamless and integrated to achieve the best possible health outcomes for our patients/clients and their families. We seek continuous improvement in everything we do. We will become the national leader in health care delivery. Behavioural Competencies Communicates and Works Co-operatively Behaviour Demonstrated Actively looks for ways to collaborate with and assist others to improve the experience of the healthcare workforce, patients & their families and the community & Iwi. Is Committed to Learning Proactively follows up development needs and learning opportunities for oneself and direct reports. Is Transparent Communicates openly and engages widely across the organisation. Enacts agreed decisions with integrity. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 5
Behavioural Competencies Is Customer Focused Behaviour Demonstrated Responds to peoples needs appropriately and with effective results Identifies opportunities for innovation and improvement Works in Partnership to Reduce Inequality in Outcomes Improves health Works in a way that: Demonstrates awareness of partnership obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. Shows sensitivity to cultural complexity in the workforce and patient population. Ensures service provision that does not vary because of peoples personal characteristics. Work practices show a concern for the promotion of health and well-being for self and others. Prevents Harm Follows policies and guidelines designed to prevent harm. Acts to ensure the safety of themselves and others. VERIFICATION: Employee: Manager: Date: Review Date: Note: This job description forms part of an individual s contract of employment with WDHB and must be attached to that contract. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 6
PERSON SPECIFICATION POSITION TITLE: Community Speech and Language Therapist Minimum Preferred Qualification Eligibility for membership NZSTA 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 client- centred and Experience working with clients from a variety of Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 7
promotes quality of life. Commitment to continuous quality Improvement. Commitment to culturally safe practice Good understanding of rehabilitation principles. Excellent communication skills. An understanding of customer focus when working with others. Good organisational and time management skills Current driver s license. 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 PERSONAL QUALITIES Resilience and flexibility Professional attitude and standards Non-judgmental A positive contributing team member Commitment to culturally safe practice. 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 8