Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in DysphagiaBand 7

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust; Sutton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Sutton is seeking a dedicated Children's Community Highly Specialist SLT in Dysphagia to join a supportive team. This role involves managing complex clinical cases autonomously and providing training, while also working closely with other healthcare professionals. Candidates should be HCPC registered, with strong communication skills and experience in handling dysphagia. The position offers ongoing training and NHS benefits.

Benefits

NHS benefits

Ongoing training and CPD opportunities

Clinical supervision from external experts

Qualifications

• Is HCPC and RCSLT registered with relevant postgraduate training in dysphagia.
• Has experience in the assessment and management of complex eating and drinking difficulties.
• Brings excellent communication skills and a person-centred approach.

Responsibilities

• Managing a specialist and highly complex clinical caseload as an autonomous practitioner.
• Carrying out dysphagia assessments.
• Providing advice, support and training to families and professionals.

Skills

Excellent written and oral presentation skills

Good analytical, problem-solving and reflection skills

Good IT Skills: word, database, email, internet

Education

Degree / Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy

Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council

Job description

Job overview

Are you passionate about supporting children and families to live healthier, happier lives? Do you enjoy working closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to make a real difference in your community? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

For this 1-year fixed term post we are looking for a dedicated Children’s Community Highly Specialist SLT in Dysphagia to join our small and friendly team.

What makes this role special

• You’ll be part of a small and supportive team which includes another Highly Specialist SLT in Dysphagia
• You’ll work closely with our Dieticians, Occupational Therapists, and Physiotherapists
• The opportunity to work alongside the team and service leads to develop and promote the service.
• Training opportunities at Epsom and St Helier, so you can keep your skills sharp.

Main duties of the job

A typical week might include…

• Managing a specialist and highly complex clinical caseload as an autonomous practitioner.
• Carrying out dysphagia assessments
• Providing advice, support and training to families and professionals
• Completing relevant paperwork including eating and drinking passports
• Supporting SLT colleagues in the management and care of children with eating and drinking difficulties.

Working for our organisation

Why join us?

This role gives you the autonomy to manage your own caseload, backed up by the support of a close-knit team. We’ll support you with :

• Ongoing training and CPD opportunities through in-service training and peer supervision.
• Clinical supervision through an external consultant SLT in dysphagia
• A collaborative, friendly MDT environment.
• NHS benefits, discounts and wellbeing support.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We’re looking for someone who :

• Is HCPC and RCSLT registered with relevant postgraduate training in dysphagia
• Has experience in the assessment and management of complex eating and drinking difficulties.
• Additional experience of working with infants under 1 year is highly desirable
• Brings excellent communication skills and a person-centred approach.
• Is confident working independently but enjoys being part of a team.
• Shows a creative and flexible approach
• Has good IT and organisational skills

If you’re excited about using your skills to improve the lives of children and families in Sutton, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today – or if you’d like to find out more, meet the team, or arrange an informal visit, please get in touch with Sian Owen, SLT Team Leader 020 8296 4140.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential criteria

• Degree / Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Desirable criteria

• Registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Attendance at relevant SIG

Experience

Essential criteria

• Relevant experience at undergraduate / post graduate level
• Experience of working with children with complex dysphagia

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience of working with infants under 1

Knowledge and Skills

Essential criteria

• Excellent written and oral presentation skills
• Good analytical, problem solving and reflection skills
• Good IT Skills: word, database, email, internet

Desirable criteria

• Working knowledge of NHS systems e.g. EMIS

Your recruitment team

The NHS South West London Recruitment Hub is your dedicated recruitment team, here to support you at every stage of the process. If you have a query, please contact us :

E :

Your application

Please ensure your supporting statement clearly reflects the job description and person specification, as shortlisting will be based on these criteria.

Please refer to the latest UKVI guidance and ensure you have the appropriate right to work before applying for this role.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to draft your application. We value authentic, individual responses that reflect your own experience and communication style.

References

Please provide a minimum of 3 years’ employment and / or education history, including professional email addresses (not personal accounts such as Hotmail or Gmail). If you cannot provide these, please inform the interview panel to avoid delays in pre-employment checks.

Closing date

To help us manage recruitment efficiently, some vacancies may close early once we have received a sufficient number of applications.

Shortlisting

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be contacted by email or SMS from the South West London Recruitment Hub. Please check your registered TRAC email regularly.

Application feedback

If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Safeguarding and DBS Checks

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. For roles with direct access to these groups, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. All staff are expected to understand and uphold their safeguarding responsibilities as part of their role.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This vacancy may have an application cap, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. Ensure your supporting statement clearly shows how you meet the job specifications.

Documents to download

Further details / informal visits contact

NameSian Owen
Job titleTeam Leader, Speech and Language Therapy
Email address@
Telephone number020 8296 4140