Directorate of Human Resources
Recruitment Team
Flat 3
Willow Drive
Kirkcaldy
Fife, KY1 2LS
Tel 01592 643355
Fax 01592 204611
www.show.scot.nhs.uk/faht
Date
Your Ref
Our Ref
As per postmark
Enquiries to
Extension
Direct Line
Email:
Recruitment
28706
01592 643355
Please see below
[email protected]
Dear Sir/Madam
POST REFERENCE: LY647/07/15AA
CLOSING DATE: 12 NOON ON 24th July 2015
Thank you very much for your interest in the above post. I have pleasure in enclosing an application
pack which includes, a job description, application form, terms and conditions, person specification and
procedure for the disclosures of criminal records. Please be advised that the application form must be
completed in full as unfortunately we cannot accept a CV enclosure.
When providing referees on the application form please be aware we require references to cover a
minimum of a three year period. If the period of time both referees have known you is less than three
years you will be required to provide additional referees. This can be indicated on an additional sheet of
paper and where possible please give us email addresses for contact.
Should you wish to make an enquiry to the Recruitment Team regarding a vacancy please ensure that
you quote the reference number.
Please be advised that if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then you have been
unsuccessful in your application.
May I take this opportunity to thank you for the interest that you have shown in NHS Fife.
Yours faithfully
Recruitment Team
Recruitment Team
Enc.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Post:
Advanced Speech & Language Therapist
Reference Number:
LY647/07/15AA
Pay Banding:
Band 7, £31,383 - £41,373
Hours of Duty :
37.5
Contract Type:
Permanent
Annual Leave:
27 days on commencement
29 days after 5 years service
33 days after 10 years service
Public Holidays:
8 fixed public holidays
The leave year extends from 1 April to 31 March.
Part time staff will receive a pro-rata entitlement for annual leave and public holidays combined
as per the Agenda for Change agreement.
Reckonable service may be credited for annual leave purposes in accordance with the Agenda
for Change Agreement.
Sick Pay
Entitlements to Statutory Sick Pay and Occupational Sick Pay will be determined in accordance
with the Agenda for Change Agreement. Reckonable service may be credited for Sick Pay
purposes providing there has been no break in service of 12 months or more at time of
appointment in accordance with Agenda for Change Agreement.
Superannuation
New entrants to NHS Fife who are aged sixteen but under seventy five will be enrolled
automatically into membership of the NHS Pension Scheme.
Our pension scheme is provided by Scottish Public Pensions Agency. This scheme is a
qualifying pension scheme, which means it meets or exceeds government’s new standards. All
benefits including life insurance and family benefits are explained on the SPPA website
http://www.sppa.gov.uk/. Contribution rates will vary from 5% to 14.5% depending on
pensionable earnings.
Once a year, (following 2 years qualifying service) a statement is available online
(http://www.sppa.gov.uk/ showing how much service has built up in your pension.
You can increase the amount you put in if you want by buying additional pension. For full details
please see the Factsheet “Additional Pension” available on the SPPA website
http://www.sppa.gov.uk/ .The amount contributed by the government in the form of tax relief
would also increase.
If you want to opt out of the pension scheme please follow the instructions in the enclosed fact
sheet.
Occupational Health Clearance
Any offer of employment is subject to satisfactory Occupational Health clearance. Should you
be invited to interview you will be asked to complete a Pre-Employment Health Questionnaire.
The Occupational Health Service (OHSAS) will make an assessment on your fitness to carry out
the post based on the information contained within the questionnaire. In certain circumstances
further information is required before clearance can be given and OHSAS may contact you by
telephone or request that you attend for an appointment. Clearance must be obtained before
any new employee commences employment within NHS Fife. Clearance may be subject to you
attending for a Post-Employment appointment and it is vital that you attend this appointment if
required.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, many people need not refer to
previous convictions which, after a certain period of time, are regarded as spent. Certain posts
within the National Health Service, however, are excluded from the provisions of this Act. All
potential employees must disclose on the application form any unspent convictions and certain
potential employees are required to inform us of any previous convictions which, for other
purposes, are “spent” under the provisions of this Act. Failure to disclose such information
could result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the organisation. Any information given will be
treated in the strictest confidence. Please refer to the NHS Fife Procedure for the Declaration of
Criminal Convictions for further information.
Disclosure Scotland / Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG)
A number of our posts are identified as requiring Disclosure Scotland clearance at a number of
levels including Standard or Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG). The PVG Scheme requires
an individual / personal membership to the scheme, if this is a requirement of the post, the
employer, NHS Fife, will meet the costs of this application. Existing members may require a
scheme update and the interview panel must be informed of this and again NHS Fife will meet
the cost associated with this.
No Smoking Policy
NHS Fife operates a No Smoking Policy and it is the case that staff are not permitted to smoke
on the premises or during working hours. It is a condition of employment that you comply with
these requirements.
Agenda for Change Implementation and Variations to Contract of Employment
Agenda for Change is a nationally agreed remuneration, job evaluation, personal development
and terms and conditions framework which will apply to all NHS Scotland staff (except very
senior managers and staff within the remit of the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body). This
means that you will be subject to the terms and conditions contained within this agreement and
also any subsequent national or local agreements or variations made in respect of Agenda for
Change. Such changes will automatically be applied to you and your contract of employment
will be deemed to have been amended on this basis.
Entitlement to Work in the UK
NHS Fife is legally obliged to ensure all its employees are legally entitled to work in the
United Kingdom. All applicants are required to confirm their right to work in the UK in
their application. If you are not a United Kingdom (UK), European Community (EC) or
European Economic Area (EEA) National please state the visa category under which you
are legally entitled to work in the UK on your application form and the expiry date of your
leave to remain in the UK.
Certificates of Sponsorship
If a candidate who requires Tier 2 Sponsorship is appointed to a post NHS Fife may make an
application for sponsorship providing applications are available and it can be demonstrated no
suitable candidate meets the minimum requirements for the post from within the EEA. This is in
keeping with current Home Office regulations which dictate that employers are not in a position
to offer employment to candidates requiring Sponsorship/Work Permit where it can be
demonstrated that EEA candidates meet the minimum requirements for the post.
Job Share
Unless otherwise stated within the job advert applications for this post may be considered on a
job share basis. Should you wish to apply on a job share basis please indicate this on a
covering letter attached to the application form.
Guidance for completing the NHSScotland
application form
If you need this, or any of the attached forms in large print or other
formats please call our recruitment office on 01592 643355 ext 28706
or 27906.
An electronic version is available at www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
General guidance

If you have any questions or need some help with completing the form, please call 01592
643355 ext 8706 or 7906 or email [email protected]. Please have the job
reference number handy if possible

If you are using the ‘hard copy’ version of our application form, please use black ink and
write clearly in BLOCK CAPITALS. This makes the form much easier to read and clearer
when we photocopy it

The job reference number can be copied from the job advert or the application pack

The job location will be on the job advert

The candidate number will be written in by us once you have returned the form to our
office

The people who look through your completed form (short listing or short leeting team) to
see if you have the skills and abilities needed for the job, will only see ‘Part C’ of the
form. They will only see your candidate number and all personal details will be
anonymous

Please do not send in a CV instead of, or as well as, the application form. We do not
consider CVs during the selection process

Please fill in all sections of the application form. If some parts are not relevant, write ‘not
applicable’ or ‘N/A’ in that space

If you need more space to complete any section, please use extra sheets of paper. Do
not put your name or any identifying information on it as it needs to remain anonymous.
Secure it to the relevant section, and we will add a candidate number to it when we
receive it

When you have completed all of the form, please send it to:
Recruitment Section
NHS Fife
Flat 3
Willow Drive
Kirkcaldy
Fife
KY1 2LS
Personal Details section

This gives us your contact details such as name and address. Under ‘title’ you would put
either Mr, Mrs, Ms, Dr or just leave blank if you prefer

We may need to contact you at some time throughout the recruitment process. Please
let us know the most suitable method of contacting you, for example email or phone call
and the most convenient time
Declarations

Please refer to the enclosed Procedure for the Disclosure of Criminal Convictions.
For certain posts you must tell us about all convictions and cautions regardless of how
long ago the offence may have occurred. Convictions from other countries must also be
notified. If in doubt please call our office at the help line number on page one of this
guidance

Please note that having a conviction will not automatically disqualify you from getting a
job with us. Careful consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it is found that you did not
reveal a previous conviction your employment may be terminated

Remember to read, consider and sign the declaration at the bottom of page 2
Qualifications section

Please tell us of any qualifications you have. This can include school standard grades,
GCSEs highers, or work based qualifications such as SVQs or NVQs

Remember to write down any ‘non formal’ qualifications or certificates that you think are
relevant to the job you are applying for
Present (or most recent) post section

If you are currently out of work, please write this in the ‘job title’ space

Please write your start date in month/year format MM/YYYY

Please tell us briefly about your duties (what you do or did in your job). You could tell us
your role, the main tasks, and any responsibility for supervising others. There is not a lot
of space here so continue on a separate sheet if you need to
Employment History section

This is where you write down all the jobs you have done previously

Remember that if a job you have done in the past supports or is similar to the job you
are applying for, please tell us more about it in your ‘support of application’ statement on
page 6 of the application form – use a separate sheet if you need more space
References section

Referees are people who know you at work. Please give the full names and addresses
of 2 referees, one of whom must be your present or most recent employer and can
confirm your job details

Your referees must cover a three year time period and should where possible be work
based references.

Please where ever possible provide an email address for your referee.

You should check that the people you have put on your form are happy to be referees

Your referees will not be contacted unless you are a ‘preferred candidate’ after
interview. A preferred candidate is someone who is the preferred choice for the job,
subject to satisfactory checks where appropriate
Driving Licence

You only need to complete this if the job requires you to drive. Please check the job
description or person specification. For example, some jobs with the Ambulance Service
require you to be able to drive class C1 and D1 vehicles
Statement in support of your application

This is one of the most important parts of the form. In here you say why it is you want
this job, and can list all your skills and abilities that you think help to match up you
against the ‘person specification’. In here you could describe how something you have
done in a non work setting (for example, planning and leading a group outing) shows
planning skill and some leadership qualities
Where did you see the advert section

Please try to remember where you heard about this job, and tick the relevant box. The
information you give will help us find out how good our advertising is
Equal opportunities monitoring

Please note that all details on this section (Part D) will remain totally anonymous. It will
be detached from the rest of the form as soon as we get it and remain anonymous

We want to ensure that there are no barriers to joining our workforce. As an employer,
NHSScotland is as fully inclusive as possible. One way we can ensure this is to analyse
all the data provided in this section and ensure that job opportunities are being accessed
by as wide a community as possible.
Please send the completed form to the following address:
[email protected]
or post your hard copy to:
Recruitment Section
NHS Fife
Flat 3
Willow Drive
Kirkcaldy
Fife
KY1 2LS
Support into Work

Have you experience of a mental health problem?

Want help with the application process for a post with NHS Fife or Fife
Council?

Would you benefit from some support even after you start work?

Are you unemployed and live in Fife?
Then Support into Work can provide free, independent and confidential support through the
whole process of applying for a job with either NHS Fife or Fife Council and, if successful, for
the first few weeks after starting work.
Support into Work is a two-year pilot funded by the Scottish Executive to increase access to
employment for unemployed people experiencing mental health difficulties who live within Fife.
The service is provided by Fife Employment Access Trust (FEAT) a well-respected voluntary
organisation with 10years experience or supporting people with mental health problems into
employment.
FEAT is independent of both NHS Fife and Fife Council and the fact that someone has received
support will not adversely affect the recruitment outcome.
For more information on the support available or if you would like to take advantage of the
service contact:
Fife Employment Access Trust
Collydean Cottage
6/7 Hanover Court,
Glenrothes, Fife KY7 5SB
Tel: 01592 759371
Email: [email protected]
Please do not send completed application form to this address
PROCEDURE FOR THE DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL RECORDS
1.
Introduction
NHS Fife complies fully with the Code of Practice, issued by Scottish Ministers, in connection
with the use of information provided to the registered person and other recipients of information
by Disclosure Scotland Part V of the Police Act 1997, for the purposes of assessing applicants’
suitability for positions of trust.
We undertake to treat all applicants for positions fairly and not to discriminate unfairly against
the subject of a disclosure on the basis of conviction or other information revealed.
2.
Spent Convictions
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 enables some criminal convictions to become ‘spent’
after a rehabilitation period. The length of the rehabilitation period depends on the sentence
given and not the offence committed. For custodial sentences the rehabilitation period is
decided by the original sentence and the length of time actually served is irrelevant. Custodial
sentences of more than 2.5 years can never become spent.
3.
Disclosing Spent and Unspent Convictions
In line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 for any post within NHS Fife you are
required to disclose any “unspent” convictions.
If you are applying for any posts listed below you are also required to provide us with any
information in relation to all “spent” convictions.









4.
Clinical Posts (including Nursing, Medical, Dental and AHP posts)
Director of Finance & Heads of Finance Department
Ward Clerks
Public Health Posts
Health Promotion Posts
Porters
Volunteers
Hairdressers
Catering & Domestic Posts within Inpatient Areas
Disclosure Scotland (SCRO)
The aim of the Disclosure Scotland Service is to enhance public safety and to help employers
nd voluntary organisations in Scotland to make safer recruitment decisions. Any offer of
employment to a post identified as requiring “spent” convictions to be disclosed will be subject to
a satisfactory Disclosure Scotland check.
5.
Procedure for Disclosing Convictions
If you have an unspent or spent conviction and you are required to disclose this to NHS Fife you
should do this by completing the section “Convictions” within Part B of the application form
giving details of the following:


6.
The Nature of the offence
The Sentence given
The Date of the Offence
Interview
If you are selected for interview, members of the interview panel will not be aware of any
declaration you have made. Should you be selected as the preferred candidate following
interview we will undertake to ensure an open and measured discussion on the subject of any
offences or other matters that might be considered relevant for the position concerned. We
guarantee that only those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process will only see this
information.
7.
Failure to reveal information
Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to
withdrawal of an offer of employment. If you are offered employment such a failure may result
in dismissal or disciplinary action.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with NHS Fife. This will
depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your
offences.
8.
Queries
If you have any queries on this matter then please contact our recruitment office who will be
able to assist you.
Auto Enrolment Fact Sheet 2
What is happening?
The UK Government’s aim is for more people to have another income, on top of the state
pension, when they come to retire. The basic state pension is intended to be a foundation and
you may want more.
Employers are now required to enrol their workers automatically into a pension scheme to make
it easier for people to start saving. You will therefore be automatically enrolled into the NHS
Pension Scheme from your date of commencement with us.
What does this mean for you?
Our pension scheme is provided by Scottish Public Pensions Agency. This scheme is a
qualifying pension scheme, which means it meets or exceeds the government’s new standards.
All benefits including life insurance and family benefits are explained on the SPPA website
http://www.sppa.gov.uk/
Once a year, (following 2 years qualifying service) a statement is available online
(http://www.sppa.gov.uk/) showing how much service has built up in your pension.
You can increase the amount you put in if you want by buying additional pension. For full details
please see the Factsheet “Additional Pension” available on the SPPA website
http://www.sppa.gov.uk/ The amount contributed by the government in the form of tax relief
would also increase.
From 1 April 2015, the member contributions are calculated as follows:
Tier
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Pensionable Pay Band (whole time
equivalent) in 2015/16
Up to £15,828
£15,829 to £21,601
£21,602 to £27,089
£27,090 to £49,967
£49,968 to £71,337
£71,338 to £111,376
£111,377 and above
Contributions Rate in
2015/16
5.2%
5.8%
7.3%
9.5%
12.7%
13.7%
14.7%
Pension contributions are taken off salaries before tax.
In addition, NHS Fife currently contributes 14.9% to an employee’s pension.
Please note, these contribution rates may be revised. Any changes will be posted on Dispatch
when they become available. On your payslip, the figure you will see is your contribution.
The NHS Pension Scheme
After 2 years of membership, an annual online statement will be available from SPPA showing
how much pension you have accrued. More information on the scheme can be found at
www.sppa.gov.uk
How to opt out
To opt out, you can obtain the relevant opt out form from SPPA’s website
http://www.sppa.gov.uk/Documents/NHS/NHS%20Useful%20Resources/NHS%20Forms/Opting
%20out/OPTOUT%20NHS%202013%20V.1.pdf
Once you have completed it, send it to the Payrolll Dept (see payslip for details).
If your completed opt out form is received within 1 month of your start date you will be removed
from the pension scheme with effect from your start date. Any payments you have already
made will be refunded and you will not have become an active member of the scheme on this
occasion.
If you want to stop making payments at any time after 1 month of commencing employment you
can do so by completing the opt out form. Repayment of pension contributions and the
calculation of preserved benefits will be arranged by SPPA. Further information on refunds is
available on www.sppa.gov.uk - see NHS factsheet.
If you encounter any difficulties in accessing this form, please contact either your Line Manager
in the first instance or a member of the HR Department.
HMRC Protection
If you are one of the relatively small number of people who applied for, obtained and still hold a
Fixed Protection certificate from HM Revenue and Customs (which protects the total value of all
pension benefits you can have at £1.8 million without triggering an excess benefits tax charge)
or an Enhanced Protection certificate then you may lose the Fixed or Enhanced Protection if
you opt to remain in the scheme. If you currently hold HMRC Fixed or Enhanced Protection you
may wish to consider the consequences of further accrual of benefits as this may invalidate your
protection. Further information is available from HMRC
A regular reminder
Anyone who opts out will be automatically enrolled back into a pension scheme at a later date
(usually every three years). This is because your circumstances may have changed and it may
be the right time for you to start saving. We will contact you when this happens, and you can opt
out if it’s still not right for you.
A commitment from us
If you are under 75, work or usually work in the UK, and earn over £10,000 a year (the amount
set by the government for this):
- we must by law continue to maintain your membership of a scheme that meets certain
government standards; and
- if your membership of such a scheme ends (and it is not because of something you do or fail
to do), we must by law put you into another scheme that meets government standards
straightaway.
Questions you may have:
Will the amounts paid into my pension change?
Yes, the amounts will automatically increase or decrease accordingly if your earnings (exclusive
of overtime payments) go up or down.
If I opt out or stop making payments, can I rejoin a workplace pension scheme at a later
date?
Yes, you can rejoin a workplace pension scheme. To do so, contact your payroll contact (see
payslip for details) in writing by sending a letter, which has to be signed by you. Or, if sending it
electronically, it has to contain the phrase “I confirm I personally submitted this notice to join a
workplace pension scheme”.
What if I want to pay more into my pension?
You can increase the amount you put in if you want by buying Additional Pension. For full
details please see the Factsheet “Additional Pension” available on the SPPA website
http://www.sppa.gov.uk/ The amount contributed by the government in the form of tax relief
would also increase.
What is tax relief?
The government takes tax off your income. You can see this on your payslip. Tax relief means
some of your money that would have gone to the government as tax now reduces the actual
cost of contributing into the pension scheme. www.direct.gov.uk/workplacepensiontaxrelief
Where can I get further information?
If you have any questions about the pension scheme, contact:
SPPA
7 Tweedside Park
Tweedbank
Galashiels TD1 3TE
Telephone 01896 893000
www.sppa.gov.uk
If you have any questions about your enrolment or contribution levels, contact your payroll
contact (see payslip for details).
For information on pensions and saving for later life visit: www.direct.gov.uk/workplacepension
A booklet explaining pension auto enrolment together with Frequently Asked Questions has
been published by the Pension Regulator and can be found at
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/workplace-pensions-faq.pdf
FLYING START NHS: - DEVELOPING CONFIDENT, CAPABLE HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

Are you applying for your first post since registering?

Are you within your first year of practice?
If this is you- did you know that;
NHS Fife supports all first year practitioners from Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health
Professions (including bank staff), through the Flying Start NHS Programme
What is Flying Start?
The Flying Start NHS® programme is a self-directed, web-based development programme for all
newly qualified Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals (AHP) working within NHS
Scotland, who are in their first year of practice.
Flying Start was produced by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) in 2006 and developed in line
with research findings that confirmed that a period of preceptorship bridges the theory-practice
gap and supports recruitment and retention.
It provides self-directed learning through ten learning units. You select activities most
appropriate to your learning needs and area of work. These are:

Communication 

Clinical Skills


Policy
Equality &
Diversity
Research for Practice


Safe
Practice
Team Work

CPD

Reflective Practice

Careers
What are the benefits of Flying Start?
Other newly qualified practitioners have said that it:
 “Provides a flexible structure to support your learning”
 “Builds skills for your future career”
 “Increases confidence in your abilities”
 “Supports interaction with other professionals/disciplines”
What are the expectations within NHS Fife for Flying Start?
There is an expectation within NHS Fife that staff should complete 2/3 of the activities as close
to the twelve month period as possible. The ten learning units correspond with the Knowledge
and Skills Framework (KSF). This provides a structure against which the newly qualified
practitioner (NQP) can formulate their Personal Development Plan (PDP) and support their
progression through the KSF foundation gateway.
What support is available for me?
Every individual is responsible for registering on the website, getting started and working
through the programme, however:
 You will be allocated a mentor, who will offer you support, feedback and guidance during
your first year in practice
 Information/support sessions are offered throughout NHS Fife by the Practice & Professional
Development Department (Nursing and Midwifery Practice Education Facilitators and the
AHP Practice Education Lead). These sessions offer you support and guidance about
getting started with Flying Start, as well as putting you in touch with other practitioners
participating in the programme.
How do I access Flying Start?
Further details on how to register for Flying Start can be found on the NHS Fife intranet- search
for Flying Start. Guidelines and templates to support Flying Start can also be accessed here.
The general website can be accessed on the following link www.flyingstart.scot.nhs.uk
JOB DESCRIPTION
Speech & Language Therapy
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Advanced Speech & Language Therapist
Responsible to:
Speech and Language Therapy Professional Manager
Department:
Speech and Language Therapy (Area Wide Managed Service)
Health & Social Care NHS Fife Community Services
Partnership:
Job Reference:
LY647/07/15AA
Last Update:
June 2015
2. JOB PURPOSE
Fife Rehabilitation Service (FRS) provides a Fife wide consultant led specialist assessment and
rehabilitation service to individuals with physical and/or cognitive impairment in the 16-64 year
age group. A wide spectrum of disability is encountered, and the Service aims to address the
physical, psychological and social implications of disability.
The Service provides
interdisciplinary rehabilitation programmes to inpatients, outpatients and community. The
service is based in the Sir George Sharp Unit at Cameron Hospital.
To coordinate a small team of Speech and Language Therapy staff and to deliver the SLT
service within the FRS.
To manage a highly specialist caseload of adults with communication and swallowing disorders
as a result of acquired brain injury and neurological conditions.
3. DIMENSIONS

This is a hospital based post and the postholder provides a service to clients, primarily
as in and out patients and less frequently in clients’ and residential homes.

The postholder operates as a member of the FRS team and the speech and language
area service. As part of the FRS management team the postholder will lead, participate
/ contribute to policy making, service development and training within the unit as
appropriate. As part of the SLT service the postholder will co-ordinate the SLT service
within the FRS and contribute to speech and language therapy Fife wide planning and
initiatives.

Client groups covered include: adults with cognitive, communication and/or eating or
drinking difficulties associated with stroke, brain injury (traumatic and non-traumatic)
multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and progressive neurological conditions
(some of which may be rare and complex).

There are 14 speech and language therapists in NHS Fife providing a service to adults
with acquired disorders in hospitals and in the community. At times of maternity leave,
holiday periods and vacancy there is an expectation that they provide a level of cover
particularly for patients with Dysphagia (eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties) as
required across Fife.

The postholder interacts daily with a wide range of people e.g. families, carers, other
Allied Health Professions, hospital medical staff and frequently with primary care medical
personnel, social work, district nursing staff, the voluntary sector (eg Chest, Heart and
Stroke Association) and agencies and health authorities from outside Fife.

The postholder is frequently required to facilitate other professionals and carers to
implement communication and eating and drinking strategies.

The postholder is frequently required to devise, produce and deliver formal training
programmes to other professionals, volunteers and carers.

The postholder will advise, support and mentor less experienced staff and Support
Practitioners as required about the clinical management of individual cases and
caseload.

The postholder may be a facilitator in the department’s formal peer support system.

As a senior member of the speech and language therapy department the postholder will
contribute to Fife wide service planning and have delegated responsibility to interpret
and implement national policies for the local department.
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Speech & Language Therapy Manager
POSTHOLDER
Other Speech and
Language Therapists in
the FRS (inexperienced
and experienced)
Advanced Speech and
Language Therapy Peers
Support Practitioner
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
Speech and Language Therapy is an area wide integrated service. The main client groups
supported by Speech and Language Therapy are adults with acquired neurological difficulties,
adults with voice disorders, adults with head and neck cancer and adult stammerers; families
and children with speech, language, fluency or communication difficulties, some of whom will
have associated other diagnoses and adult with learning disability. In addition many of these
people will have swallowing difficulties. The Service works in acute hospitals, community
hospitals, day centres, care homes, people’s own homes, social service premises and education
premises. Clinical governance standards are area wide. The service benefits from skill mix
having an increasing number of support practitioners as well as qualified speech and language
therapists. The service uses care aims as its main clinical decision making methodology. It
provides high quality, effective and equitable speech and language therapy care. The service
works with multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams but increasingly is also developing strong
links with the third sector to support early intervention and health promotion practices.
Key responsibilities of the service are
o To assist individuals to attain their maximum communication potential whilst at the
same time assisting parents, carers and other professionals to achieve a greater
understanding of the individual’s needs.
o To raise public awareness of the needs of people with a communication difficulty, the
preventable / avoidable causes of communication difficulty and the role of the speech
and language therapy profession.
o To provide training and education to a wide range of carers and professionals.
o To work collaboratively with education services, hospital services, social work,
community medical services, the third sector and other agencies within public and
private sector.
o To develop practices that deliver the intended outcomes of national drivers; for
example EYC, Key to Life, Dementia Strategy and the Quality Patient Indicators for
Head and Neck Cancer.
o To develop, implement and manage a clinical governance strategy for the department
that reflects NHS Fife’s clinical governance strategy.
Through the above, the department contributes to meeting the health, social and educational
needs of the population of Fife.
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Clinical Duties
1. To assess, diagnose and manage adults (from aged16 years) with a wide range of highly
complex cognitive, communication and eating/drinking difficulties (who are referred to
FRS) and subsequently develop, implement and evaluate programmes of highly
specialist care.
2. To take a lead in the multi-disciplinary management of clients with cognitive,
communication and/or eating & drinking difficulties as appropriate.
3. To take a key role in the diagnosis of patients with severe brain injury in order to aid
interdisciplinary planning/development of appropriate clinical management.
4. To act as second opinion/specialist advisor for specialist peers.
5. To employ a wide range of highly specialist working practices to meet the complex needs
of this client group.
6. To empower client(s) to fulfil their potential in independent communication e.g. returning
to employment, future choice of where to live, participation in rehabilitation goal settings,
going out socially, through skilful therapeutic management
7. To facilitate other professionals and carers to implement strategies e.g. linguistic
strategies, AAC that support the development of communication, language, speech and
safe swallowing.
8. To develop the level of knowledge, skills and understanding of key personnel through
skilled negotiation, demonstration and training to allow them to engage and be active
participants in the therapeutic process.
9. To collaborate with colleagues within multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams to ensure
appropriate care and provision of services for the clients which meet individual needs.
This will include contributing to the discharge planning process as required.
10. To provide appropriate information to clients and colleagues when discharged from
hospital setting to community services.
11. To demonstrate sophisticated and sensitive negotiation skills in working with others to
manage the complex needs of individual cases and the caseload.
12. To manage independently the post’s caseload within the boundaries of a defined clinical
decision making tool (Malcomess Care Aims) and national, professional standards from
the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, Health and Care Professions
Council, and the Commission for Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
13. To provide regular, factual, concise and informative verbal or written specialist reports as
an integral part of client management. These may also be used to inform the decision
making of other professionals / agencies and to aid diagnosis.
14. To record and maintain, legible, professional, timeous, concise and informative case
notes. These are required to adhere to the standards determined by the Health and Care
Professions Council, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and NHS
Fife and FRS system of multi-disciplinary note keeping.
15. To contribute to the identification of training needs of the adult care group.
16. To advise medical staff and lawyers on ability of patients to understand and actively
participate in legal procedures/processes (eg Power of Attorney/Transfer of Funds), and
to translate contents of legal documents in such a way as to enable patients to
understand and express their opinion/decision/consent.
Clinical Governance Duties
1. To attend formal training in clinical decision making (Malcomess Care Aims) and use this
knowledge to manage cases and caseload.
2. To participate and take a lead role in the development of the department’s clinical
governance initiatives and activities.
3. To facilitate a group of mixed grade therapists within the department’s formal peer
support system when required.
4. To comply with the mandatory processes of:





Knowledge, Skills Framework Process
Continued Professional Development
Reflective Practice
Adherence to the Health and Care Professions Council, Royal College of Speech
and Language Therapists and NHS Fife Standards.
Fire, CPR, HAI and Manual Handling Training.
5. To adhere to all professional and NHS policies and procedures as required and adapt
working practices accordingly.
6. To participate in and undertake audit / research.
Professional Duties
1. To adhere to National and Professional standards as determined by the Royal College of
Speech and Language Therapists and the Health and Care Professional Council.
2. To record and maintain legible, professional, timeous, concise and informative
casenotes. These are acquired to adhere to the standards determined by the Health and
Care Professions Council, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and
NHS Fife.
3. To support and mentor less experienced therapists.
4. To supervise and contribute to the development of the speech and language therapy
support practitioners.
5. To have a regular commitment to the training and assessment process for speech and
language therapy undergraduates through the provision of clinical placements. This
includes contribution to final honours degree classification.
6. To take experiential students from other disciplines.
7. To identify and negotiate the training needs of other key personnel e.g. social work staff,
voluntary sector staff, nursing staff and from this to develop, deliver and audit the
effectiveness of formal training.
8. In conjunction with FRS Management team:
 formulate, implement & monitor protocols, and procedures within the team in response
to local and national directives .
 develop, implement and evaluate practice and change within the inpatient and
outpatient brain injury programmes in line with national directives and guidelines, incl
CARF.
 to lead and participate in the development of interdisciplinary audit projects.
9. To lead and participate in initiatives identified by the adult care group (area-wide speech
& language therapy group of staff who work with adults with acquired disorders), eg
development of protocol for transition of patients within the service; developing patient
satisfaction questionnaires, dysphagia management protocol.
10. To lead and participate in development of Fife Rehabilitation Service’s interdisciplinary
audit projects within the hospital or community
11. To contribute to and possibly lead in policy development and strategic planning within the
adult service.
12. To represent the Speech & Language Therapy department or the FRS at a service
level in designated meetings with other departments and agencies.
13. To attend speech and language therapy meetings and contribute in an informed and
highly competent manner.
14. To attend weekly FRS management team meetings and actively participate in work /
projects organised to maintain the accreditation status of rehabilitation facilities.
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
The following equipment may be used:Assessment Tools –
Standardised and informal assessments.
Therapy Resources –
Worksheets, computer programmes, low tech alternative and augmentative communication e.g.
picture boards and high tech alternative and augmentative communication.
Electronic Equipment
Computers, tape recorders, mini discs and video recorders (to record, transcribe and analyse
speech, language and communication), digital cameras (e.g. for objects of reference), high tech
communication aids, digital projector etc.
Office Equipment
Computers, printers, e-mail, internet, telephones etc.
Presentation Materials
Flip charts, data projector.
Therapists will ensure that any high tech AAC equipment being used by other staff groups or by
families / carers is used appropriately and safely / taken care of and eventually returned to the
speech and language therapy department.
7b. SYSTEMS

Maintaining individual client records to the standards of Royal College of Speech &
Language Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council.

Submitting, accurate monthly statistical returns on client contacts and waiting times
timeously.

Completing forms associated with the Care Aims, Clinical Decision Making framework
to ensure accurate caseload information for area wide audit purposes.

Completing forms for in-patient and out-patient input and outcome for FRS audit
purposes.

Responding to occasional requests for caseload information from NHS Fife / Speech
and Language Therapy Managers also for audit purposes.

To contribute on a regular basis to other agencies’ systems / paperwork.

Computer Software packages.

E-mail to ensure efficient timeous communication with colleagues.

Internet / Intranet.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
1. A significant proportion of the workload is generated from the highly complex caseload
that is managed independently by the postholder.
2. Work is also generated from the clinical and professional objectives of the Fife
Rehabilitation Service and the initiatives arising from the adult care group’s strategic
planning.
3. In addition work will arise from the co-ordination of the FRS SLT Team.
4. The postholder will be involved in the FRS and SLT department’s responses to NHS
Fife’s clinical governance agenda and the changing needs and demands of other public
agencies.
5. In addition the postholder is expected to contribute to local and Fife wide service
initiatives and may lead on projects within clinical specialism.
6. The postholder will attend and participate in regular Adult Care Group meetings with the
speech and language therapy management team to progress service strategy.
7. The postholder will meet his/her Speech and Language Therapy Manager as part of the
formal PDP process, appraisal and objective setting system and for other meetings as
required. The formal process is annual and includes a shadow visit by the Manager and
follow up / review six months later and a casenote audit.
8. The postholder will also have additional duties generated from FRS such as co-ordinating
the weekly FRS in-service programme.
9. The postholder will be involved in FRS CPD Strategy implementation
10. All speech and language therapists are required to comply with the competencies set
down by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The postholder is an autonomous clinician who is expected to predict and manage the problems
emerging
from their cases / caseload. This includes triage of referrals, acceptance/rejection of referrals
assessment and diagnosis of communication and/or swallowing disorder in adults with acquired
difficulties. This includes management of risk, contributing to multi-agency case planning, devising
implementing and monitoring treatment plans and deciding on discharge in partnership with client /
carer.
As a member of the FRS management team the postholder is required to take a leading role in all
aspects
of the strategic and operational planning for this multi-disciplinary service.
As a highly specialist member of the speech and language therapy department the postholder
may have delegated responsibility to interpret national policies for the local department, judging
what is relevant given the NHS Fife context and the available resources within the speech and
language therapy department.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
The most challenging aspect of this post is the fundamental requirement for sophisticated and
sensitive negotiation and multi/interagency partnership working.
This is made more complex by the.

Expectations of clients and carers and other professionals in the therapeutic process.

Variable knowledge level of others of impact of communication difficulties.

Complexity of case / caseload.

Unpredictable changes in clinical risk which may demand immediate and unplanned
responses.

Barriers created by clients’ severe communication impairments.

Adherence to various health and safety policies within different environments.
The post holder frequently works with clients who present with behaviours which are highly
complex, challenging and unpredictable and may include physical/verbal aggression directed at
the postholder.
The post holder plays a significant role in the consent process determined by the Adults with
Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. The postholder’s assessment and report informs medical
decision making of capacity in relation to consent to medical treatment, Guardianship Orders
and financial matters.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The postholder will communicate and negotiate daily with a wide range of individuals namely
Health, Social Service, Voluntary Sector, Carers and Families.
Communication will be about and include

Management of eating / drinking / communication strategies for individual clients at home, in
day centres and in hospital.

Management of the caseload.

Policy and strategy development within the service and across agencies.

Good and innovative practice through the delivery of training.
Challenges to effective communication are

Different working practices / cultures and legislative frameworks within health and social
services.

The severity of speech and language difficulties experienced by adults with acquired severe
and complex needs.

In many instances the challenging behaviours of this client group.

The level of physical and cognitive difficulties experienced by the clients.

The highly complex and highly sensitive nature of the information on diagnosis, prognosis
and intervention that has to be communicated to the clients, their carers, families and other
professionals.

The varying levels of knowledge and expertise among professionals and the expectations of
patients / families.

The differing opinions held by other professionals over diagnosis, prognosis, intervention
and discharge.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical
1. The postholder will be required to drive as the post covers a number of working locations.
2. He/she will be required to use a computer (keyboard skills) for material preparation, reports,
e-mail etc.
3. The post holder will be expected to move therapy materials and training equipment from
location to location (minimum 5 kgs maximum 10 kgs.).
4. The postholder may be expected to move patients in wheelchairs several times daily.
5. The postholder will assist others in transferring patients as required e.g. chair to chair.
Environmental
1. As the postholder works in a variety of different settings the availability of suitable
accommodation will vary.
2. The postholder will be exposed to saliva when managing clients with eating, drinking and
swallowing difficulties.
3. The postholder may encounter poor personal and oral hygiene, challenging behaviours, and
a few clients with highly infectious conditions such as Hepatitis B, MRSA and gastric
infections.
Mental
1. Working with people with communication impairment when the onus is on the therapist to
expand and interpret the clients conversation and the process of speech and language
therapy (assessment and analysis, diagnosis, developing and implementing therapy
programmes) both require frequent periods of mental effort and intense concentration.
2. The frequency of interruptions is variable depending on where the service is being delivered
e.g. working on a ward / nursing home = frequent interruptions (people), working in office /
clinic room few interruptions (mainly phone).
3. The ethical and legal consideration in dealing with Dysphagia (swallowing disorders)
requires a high level of decision-making and concentration.
Emotional
1. The emotional demands of a young adult caseload are high. Clients, families, carers and
other professionals may have high expectations of progress and outcome of treatment. The
therapist will be required to give professionally accurate information, which will often be
unwelcome. Inevitably within any one caseload, there will be a proportion of clients
experiencing social isolation, emotional / psychological difficulties and family breakdown. In
addition adults with acquired disorders and their families may be grieving and extremely
sensitive to therapists clinical decision-making and judgements. The postholder will be
expected to respond in an empathetic and professional manner.
2. The emotional demands of working with clients with progressive neurological disorders over
a period of time to the palliative stage and death can be highly distressing.
3. In addition the therapist will encounter: 
Verbal aggression (clients, carers, relatives)

Challenging behaviour associated with patients with head injury
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
The postholder requires to be a qualified Speech and Language Therapist and registered with
the Health and Care Professions Council and be a member of the Royal College of Speech and
Language Therapists.
The postholder will require to have










A first degree qualification in Speech and Language Pathology and Therapeutics.
A portfolio detailing the development of own knowledge base as evidenced by a range of
learning experiences and outcomes including study and experience up to and including
masters level in clinical areas and in non-clinical areas such as leadership and
supervision courses.
Extensive experience as a speech and language therapist, some of which demonstrate
evidence of experience of working with adults with acquired disorders.
Knowledge of low and high tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication devices.
Evidence of regular attendance on short specialist courses.
Knowledge of research methodologies with associated experience / skills in their
practical application.
An applied knowledge of the relevant professional and health service legislation and
policies (National and Local).
Established and excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
A developed awareness of one’s own emotional intelligence, its impact on other people
and evidence of an ability to modify behaviour as appropriate.
Experience and skill in formal presentation.
Postgraduate certificate in Dysphagia.
14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder to
whom the job description applies.
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION STANDARDS
PERSON SPECIFICATION FORM
Post Title/Grade:
Advanced Speech & Language Therapist, Fife Rehab Service
Department:
Speech & Language Therapy Service
Date:
June 2015
ESSENTIAL
Experience
Extensive experience
as a speech and
language therapist,
some of which must
include experience of
working with adults
with acquired disorders
following stroke, brain
injury (traumatic & non
traumatic), MS & MND.
Experience of working
within a multidisciplinary / agency
team.
DESIRABLE
Previous experience
of working within
both acute and
community settings.
MEASURE
Application form
and Interview
Experience of
implementing care
aims.
Experience of
supporting /
coaching others.
Experience of
delivering in-service
training.
Qualifications/
Training
First degree
qualification in Speech
and Language Therapy
Pathology and
Therapeutics.
Postgraduate
Certificate in
Dysphagia.
Formal qualifications Application form
in
and Interview
 AAC,
 Clinical
approaches
 Presentation
 Leadership &
Team Building
 Research &
Development
Evidence of regular
attendance on short
specialist courses.
Knowledge
A specialist knowledge
of the full range of
adult acquired
disorders and other
communication
impairments including
rare and complex
neurological
Knowledge of care
aims.
Application form
and Interview
conditions.
A portfolio detailing the
development of own
knowledge base as
evidenced by a range
of learning experience
and outcomes
including study and
experience up to and
including masters level
in clinical areas and in
non clinical areas such
as leadership and
supervision courses.
An applied knowledge
of low and high tech
AAC.
Knowledge of research
methodologies.
Knowledge of relevant
professional and
Health Service
legislation and policies
Skills
Clinical skills relating to
all steps of the care
pathway from prereferral to postdischarge.
Application form
and Interview
Established and
excellent interpersonal
and negotiation skills.
Coaching and
influencing skills.
Skill in formal
presentation.
Aptitude
A developed
awareness of one’s
own emotional
intelligence, its impact
on other people and
evidence of an ability
to modify behaviour as
appropriate.
Self motivated.
Application form,
Interview
Other
e.g. Team Player,
Be able to travel
Ability to be both a
team player and leader
as circumstance
requires.
Ability to travel.
KEY 1. Does not meet minimum requirements
Above average
4. Very good
Application form,
Interview
2. Meets minimum requirements
3.