Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join its community-based service. The post requires HCPC registration, RCSLT membership, and advanced dysphagia skills, with evidence of specialist training and multi-setting experience.

You will work across adult clients, assess and manage swallowing and communication disorders, participate in training, and liaise with other professionals.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration and RCSLT membership are essential.

Skills

HCPC registration

Dysphagia advanced

RCSLT membership

Multi-setting experience

Clinical governance

Interprofessional collaboration

Education

SLT qualification

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trust's values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• An appropriate qualification to practise as a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Health and Care Professions Council licence to practise.
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Dysphagia-trained to an advanced level.
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses and/or relevant experience up to Master's degree equivalent.
• Membership/attendance at relevant Special Interest Groups

Experience

Essential criteria

• Highly specialist experience of the management of dysphagia in multiple settings.
• In depth knowledge of a broad range of assessment tools relevant to the adult client group including dysphagia/dysarthria/dyspraxia/dysphonia/dysfluency/ dysgraphia/dyslexia/dementia.
• In depth knowledge of appropriate therapeutic interventions and an ability to analyse comparative benefits for clients (as above).
• In depth knowledge of the management of people with neurological conditions in multiple settings.
• Experience in the provision of training to a wide range of groups/people.
• In depth knowledge of the range and applications of communication aids.
• Well-established knowledge of RCSLT standards of practice including record keeping.
• A good understanding of the roles of other professionals.
• In depth knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to adults.
• In depth knowledge of research and audit systems relevant to profession and ability to apply to practice/service.
• In depth knowledge of the principles of clinical governance.
• Knowledge of and experience in the application and protocol for use of videofluoroscopy.

Skills

Essential criteria

• Able to demonstrate the application of in depth, new and ongoing learning and experience to clinical practice.
• Excellent presentation skills in both verbal and written form.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Highly developed negotiating and influencing skills.
• Excellent ability to independently integrate complex information to manage individual patients.
• Excellent ability to prioritise and organise own workload and that of others.
• Highly developed hearing, auditory discrimination, concentration and perceptual skills.
• Highly developed skills in transcribing and analysing speech phonetically.
• Highly developed skills in delivering training to others.
• Excellent analytical and reflection skills to problem solve and develop own performance and that of others.
• Excellent ability to demonstrate the application of in depth, new and ongoing learning and experience to clinical practice.
• Proven ability to be an effective team member and assume leadership responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills including observation, listening, empathy and sensitivity.
• Proven ability to manage the emotional consequences of working with patients with distressing conditions.
• Proven ability to self-monitor and seek support/advice as appropriate.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work clinically, professionally and within the organisation.
• Proven ability to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and tact.

Other

Essential criteria

• Demonstrates an ability to be an effective team member.
• High level of interpersonal communication skills including observation, listening, empathy and sensitivity.
• Ability to manage the emotional consequences of working with patients with distressing conditions.
• Ability to analyse, reflect on and develop own performance.
• Ability to seek support/advice as appropriate.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work clinically, professionally and within the organisation.

Desirable criteria

• As this is a community-based role, with travel between patient homes, there is a requirement to hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

We review all applications carefully to ensure fairness and verify references. At interview, you will be asked about your experience, so be honest and ensure all information is accurate. The use of AI during interviews is not permitted.

If you use AI or other tools to support your application, it must reflect your own skills, knowledge, and experience. Supporting information should be in your own words and include your personal insights. AI can assist with drafting but may produce generic or inaccurate content. Applications that rely heavily on AI may lack authenticity and reduce your chances of success.

CLCH Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

CLCH is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for providing exceptional patient care. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining talent from all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident employer, we pledge to:

• Guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role.
• Provide reasonable adjustments to support diverse needs throughout the recruitment and employment process.
• Challenge misconceptions about disability and foster an inclusive culture for everyone.

We are committed to building a workplace where all staff feel valued and have the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about our equal opportunities policy on our website: Equal opportunities: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust