Speech & Language Therapist

To provide evaluation and treatment to patients of all ages with speech, language, cognitive-communicative, voice and swallowing disorders. He/ She will assume delegated responsibility for delivering clinical governance and service development including settling priorities for this area of service in collaboration with their line manager.

2.2 The post holder will be an autonomous practitioner providing highly specialized Speech and language therapy services on a caseload of clients with complex needs. A significant proportion of these clients will use Arabic as their first language and possibly English as an additional language (EAL).

2.3 He/ She will be expected to manage their own caseload, providing second opinions and specialist advice. He/ She will work alongside multidisciplinary staff to ensure highly specialist therapy programs and care plans are in place for the clients under their care.

2.4 He/ She will be expected to lad collaborative working with patients/ clients, parents/ cares, in planning and delivery of services.

2.5 The post holder will participate in team meetings, routinely leading audit and research projects, they will plan, deliver and evaluate specialist training to other professional and patients / cares on all aspects of swallowing, speech, language and communication.

Responsibilities

3.1 Undertake duties in accordance with the philosophy, business practices and policies of NMCRH-KC, and practicing within the standards and ethics of the Speech and Language therapist profession.

3.2 Working as a professional member of a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation team and actively participating in team meetings.

3.3 Effectively communicating with staff members, health professionals, clients and family with regards to provision of services.

3.4 Contributing to, and participating in, education programs for residents, relatives and staff of NMCRH-KC.

3.5 Participating in continuing education and courses updating Speech and Language therapy techniques and information.

3.6 Ensuring Speech and Language therapy treatments are based on sound evidence of benefit.

3.7 Ensuring all adverse clinical events are recorded and reported.

3.8 Assisting in the on-going maintenance of a safe work place through involvement in the implementation of safe systems of work.

3.9 Identifying and reporting hazards in the workplace.

3.10 Participating in NMCRH-KC Quality Management System and commitment to processes of continuous improvement activities, including auditing, surveys and needs analysis.

3.11 Other duties as directed by the HOD or the Medical team.

3.12 Is expected to hold an appropriate qualification and be registered with their professional and/or statutory registration/authorizing professional organizations. SLP’s are also required to hold a license from the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD).

3.13 Must maintain and update professional knowledge and skills to screen, assess and treat patients with communication and swallowing disorders.

3.14 If the SLP has a dual qualification that includes Audiology he / she may screen, evaluate the hearing status of the residents.

3.15 Must develop and implement linguistically and culturally appropriate strategies and tools to work with patients.

3.16 Must engage in at least the following appropriate strategies to manage Arabic first language speakers:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill sufficient to analyze and manage the phonetics, linguistics and social use of the Arabic language parameters (cf. dialectically relevant to at least Emirati national citizens);
• Engage the services of a suitably trained translator.

3.17 Quality, Health, Safety and Security:

• Adheres to the requirements of the Environment Health and Safety Management System.
• Adheres to the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines and Infection Control Guidelines.
• Understands and adheres to emergency preparedness, fire safety and code policies/plans.
• Complies with all OSH and infection control policies, standards and procedures and cooperates with hospital management to comply those requirements.

3.18 Comply with all OSH and infection control policies, standards and procedures and cooperate with hospital management to comply those requirements.

3.19 Work accordance with the documented OSH procedures and instructions, specific responsibilities.

3.20 Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures.

3.21 Notifying OSH Hazards, incidents, Near misses and issues and assistance with the preparation of risk assessments, incident reports.

3.22 Comply with Waste management procedures and policies.

3.23 Attend applicable OSH/Infection control training programs, mock drills and awareness programs.

3.24 Use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safety systems.

Qualifications

4.1 Graduate from an approved College or University in Language Therapy.

4.2 Current license in country of origin with HAAD license to practice in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

4.3 Minimum 2 years’ experience of practice in speech and language therapy.

4.4 Excellent command of oral and written English. Arabic language advantageous/desirable but not essential.

4.5 Ability to work in cordial conditions in group practice in a hospital set up and as a member of a team.

4.6 Knowledge of the range and type of services available for aged/disabled person.

4.7 Ability to work with minimal supervision.

4.8 Ability to review procedures and implement new models of service delivery to satisfy client and organizational requirements.

4.9 Demonstrated commitment to quality outcomes and ability to consult with staff regarding continuous improvement.

4.10 Sound computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.