Highly Specialised Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a motivated Speech and Language Therapist to lead services for adults with learning disabilities. The role involves overseeing clinical pathways and managing a diverse caseload. Candidates should be qualified in Speech and Language Therapy and ideally have experience in dysphagia management. The position is full-time and offers opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Hybrid work options available

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing dysphagia and communication caseloads.
• Experience in service development and multidisciplinary teamwork.
• Ability to work under pressure and independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the speech and language therapy service for adults with learning disabilities.
• Manage SLT referrals and ensure clinical governance.
• Provide supervision and training to junior clinicians.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication assessment tools

Dysphagia management

Team collaboration

Education

Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Registered with HCPC

Post-graduate dysphagia certification

Tools

Systm One

Job description

Job summary

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced speech and language therapist to lead the speech and language therapy services for adults with learning disabilities in the London borough of Hillingdon. We welcome and encourage applications from band 7 applicants, or band 6 with experience looking to progress to band 7.

This is a rare opportunity to take the lead in the development of a safe and efficient speech and language therapy service for adults with learning disabilities. This dynamic role requires strong skills in leadership and innovation, in addition to previous experience of service development and delivery. We are looking for applicants who have a passion and commitment to working with people with Learning Disabilities and their carers.

Hillingdon is vibrant, multicultural area and is very easily accessible from central London on the Jubilee and Metropolitan Lines, taking around 35 minutes to Baker Street station.

Opportunity to work virtually for 2.5 days.

The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings.

Main duties of the job

As the local lead for Speech and Language Therapy within the Learning Disability Team, you would be responsible for the development and oversight of SLT clinical pathways, supervising and training junior clinicians, in addition to managing a diverse and wide-ranging clinical caseload. As a part of the multi-disciplinary team you would provide advice and support to colleagues working with people with learning disabilities across the MDT and neighbouring services.

Candidates should have extensive experience of autonomously managing both dysphagia and communication caseloads. Relevant experience of service development and working as part of a multidisciplinary team is also required. Ideal candidates would preferably have some experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, though we would welcome applications from experienced therapists from other clinical areas who have a genuine interest in learning disabilities and are looking to develop their skills in this area. You would receive regular supervision and support from the Speech and Language Therapy Professional Lead in Learning Disabilities within CNWL, in addition to peer supervision with other LD SLT team leads.

Band 6 appointees will be supported to progress to band 7 level through an agreed developmental framework which will be overseen and agreed with the Professional lead for learning disabilities, and the Hillingdon community team manager. Please see job description for more information.

About us

Come and join us and be one of the 1500 Therapists / AHPs in CNWL. We work in many different teams in both physical and mental health, as well as many specialist areas. You could have a career for life with us.

Personal and professional development is a high priority for the profession this enables us to invest in the development of our staff by providing excellent internal training as well as commissioning specialised external training and providing quality supervision. This ensures all our therapists / AHPs reach their full potential at every stage of their career. Our commitment to research, audit and evidence-based practice is made possible by our strong links with local universities and our CNWL AHP Research Network.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are a priority for us in CNWL we expect staff to be culturally competent, reflective and open to culturally diverse CPD opportunities. We are working hard to support the recruitment and development of staff from all protected characteristics and welcome applications from any interested applicants.

Band 6 and 7 staff enrich teams and the service with their managerial and clinical expertise. We recognise this and therefore view them as staff we are committed to fully supporting in their clinical and managerial development. There will be opportunities to lead on trust wide projects, shadow senior managers and become a clinical specialist through an ACP programme or advanced training.

Details

Date posted: 05 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £51,883 to £58,544 a year per annum incl. HCAS

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 333-G-HM-0710-C

Job locations: Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW

Job responsibilities

You should be highly skilled in the delivery of assessment, advice and intervention around communication and dysphagia for people referred to the service, their families and wider support systems. You should be able to independently manage your clinical caseload and have excellent clinical governance skills.

As the local lead, you would be responsible for managing all SLT referrals to the team, including appropriate triage and allocation within the timelines outlined by the service. You will also be responsible for ensuring safe service delivery and caseload management across the SLT service, and will provide regular supervision to more junior colleagues. There will also be opportunity for recruitment and interview experience for vacant SLT posts within the team.

We are committed to supporting continued development of clinical specialisms in areas of interest relevant to this post e.g. autism, dementia, dysphagia, AAC, mental health, positive behaviour support etc. There is also scope for shadowing and training opportunities across neighbouring services including acute SLT services at local Hospitals and Adult Community SLT services. You will be expected to contribute to the development of the wider community learning disability service, including input to new clinical pathways and Care Quality Improvement projects.

Please see job description for further details.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications: Essential

• Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Registered with HCPC
• Registered with RCSLT as a qualified practitioner
• Post-graduate / intermediate dysphagia certification or relevant experience

Desirable

• MSc or equivalent post graduate study and training in specialist area
• Learning Disabilities, communication and dysphagia workshops and short courses
• Membership of relevant Clinical Excellent Network or equivalent

Previous experience Essential

• Experience of carrying out highly specialist communication and swallowing assessments and intervention
• Experience and skills in working with people with complex health needs such as epilepsy, respiratory difficulties, postural needs and dementia
• Experience in participating in audit / research projects
• Experience in leading and/or developing a service/component of a service
• Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers and mainstream services in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users

Desirable

• Significant post qualification experience in working with adults with learning disabilities
• Knowledge of the Positive Behaviour Support Framework
• Experience and skills in working with people with behaviour that challenges

Skills, Knowledge and abilities

• Highly developed skills in the assessment and management of complex dysphagia
• Knowledge and skills in using a range of communication assessment tools relevant to the client group
• Skills in using a variety of communication interventions including high and low tech visual communication aids, Makaton signs, Intensive Interaction
• Ability to work autonomously, on own initiative and under pressure to meet deadlines; and to make and action decisions independently within agreed time frames
• Excellent communication skills i.e. written, verbal, listening and proficient use of up to date systems of communication i.e. IT systems, e-mail, telephone etc.
• Computer skills (ECDL) to be able to complete electronic patient records such as Systm One, reports and presentations as appropriate to role
• Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills
• Effective leadership skills through the management of designated projects, audits and research
• Ability to implement a range of therapy outcome measures, evaluate outcomes and apply to service improvement
• Skills in supervising others including SLT students
• Skills in producing timely, accurate and informative reports and notes
• Excellent organisational skills to manage the demands of the role, including prioritisation of workload, delegation skills
• Highly developed written and verbal presentation skills
• Skills in developing and delivering training
• Ability to regularly identify and undertake appropriate learning and development opportunities as part of ongoing CPD
• Ability to ensure the application of risk assessment and risk management strategies which facilitates a service user's management
• Ability to identify and effectively manage performance of self and others
• Ability to maintain effective partnership working with resources both internal and external to the Trust.
• Knowledge and application of national policies and procedures (relevant to the client group)
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
• Experience in the application of the principles of clinical governance
• Ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Civic Centre

High Street

Uxbridge

UB8 1UW