Speech and language therapists work closely with infants, children and adults who have various levels of speech, language and communication problems. They also work with people who have swallowing difficulties. Therapists assess the clients' needs before developing individual treatment programmes to enable each client to improve as much as possible. Treatment plans often involve those with whom the client has a close relationship, for example, family, carers or teachers.
identifying children's developmental speech and communication difficulties/disorders
assessing and treating swallowing and communication difficulties arising from a variety of causes, e.g. congenital problems (such as cleft palate) or acquired disorders after a stroke or injury
devising, implementing and revising relevant treatment programmes
advising carers on implementing treatment programmes and training other professionals in therapy delivery
assessing communication environments
monitoring and evaluating clients' progress
working with clients on a one-to-one basis, and in groups, to deliver therapy
writing and maintaining confidential client case notes and reports, as well as information for clients, carers and other professionals
managing a caseload taking account of priority cases, waiting lists, successful outcomes, referral and discharge of service users
working with others to improve the effectiveness of service delivery
Therapists operating at more senior levels may be involved in the following:
conducting personal development reviews with colleagues
supporting/supervising newly qualified speech and language therapists and speech and language therapy assistants
setting organisational and personal objectives
planning and delivering training sessions
contributing to the implementation and evaluation of projects and developments
undertaking clinical audit through the collation of statistical, financial and other data relating to service delivery
participating in research projects
Contact the Healthcare Division Team
Email the Healthcare Division at healthcare@stafffinders.co.uk.