Rotational Speech and Language Therapist

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Band 5 Rotational Speech and Language Therapist. The post supports rotations in stroke, neuro and general acute services; ideal for a patient-centred and enthusiastic SLT.

The department supports CPD and service development, with access to senior SLTs and a wide range of specialties in a tertiary hospital setting. The role also offers opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within an MDT framework.

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy and HCPC registration.
• Evidence of holistic approach to treatment.
• Ability to cope with unpredictable events and varying pressures.
• competence in eating, drinking and swallowing assessments and interventions is required or underway.
• Demonstrated listening and communication skills for MDT work.
• Commitment to CPD and service development.
• Desirable involvement in audits or research is welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Acute and Stroke SLT team in band 5 rotations.
• Provide communication assessment and therapy to patients with complex needs.
• Provide swallow assessment and therapy; progress dysphagia competencies.
• Represent the SLT service within the acute service and MDTs.
• Be innovative in patient care and service delivery while supporting MDT initiatives.
• Provide training, supervision and support to less experienced SLTs and other staff.
• Be available to cover bank holidays and weekend work with senior staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Clinical reasoning

Patient-centred care

Education

Bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Therapy

HCPC registration

Dysphagia competencies within 18 months

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Rotational Speech and Language Therapist

Fixed Term Contract End Date: August 2027

Purpose for Fixed Term: Covering a secondment backfill

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.

Main duties of the job

We are delighted to be advertising this exciting and rewarding band 5 rotational Speech and Language Therapist role. Our band 5 programme currently offers rotations in stroke, neuro and general acute.

This post is ideal for a patient-centred, friendly and enthusiastic SLT who is keen to work in a stimulating environment alongside skilled colleagues from a range of professions.

The department of dietetics and speech and language therapy employs approximately 130 staff, with clinical experts working across the range of specialties, providing acute services in both adults and paediatrics. As a tertiary hospital, we have senior SLTs in a wide range of specialist areas.

There is access to regular CPD sessions, and opportunities to engage in service development and research.

The onsite Wellbeing Hub is an excellent resource for staff complete with a café, various meeting spaces, a free gym and changing facilities.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

If you are the successful candidate, you will:

• Work as part of the Acute and Stroke SLT team, in one of our band 5 rotational areas.
• Provide regular communication assessment and therapy to patients with complex needs.
• Provide regular swallow assessment and therapy if competent/ be supported to complete your dysphagia competencies
• Continually represent the SLT service within the acute service.
• Be innovative in your approach to patient care and service delivery, whilst being part of MDT service initiatives.
• Offer training, supervision and support to less experienced SLTs and other staff.
• Be available to cover bank holidays and provide weekend working alongside more senior staff.

If You Are

• Experienced in working with patients with communication and swallowing difficulties as a result of a range of acute diagnoses,
• Experienced in representing SLT in an MDT setting, and effectively advocating for patients’ needs,
• Experienced in working in an acute hospital, and
• Experienced in planning, delivering and evaluating clinical audits, service evaluations and/or research,

we would love to hear from you.

Please note the interviews will contain a practical element and therefore be in-person.

For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Degree or equivalent in Speech and Language Therapy
• HCPC (Health and Care professions Council) registered speech and language therapist
• Within 18 months of appointment to be able to complete dysphagia competencies
• Demonstrate a holistic approach to treatment.
• Evidence of ability to cope with unpredictable events and varying clinical and non-clinical work pressures
• Evidence of highly developed auditory and perceptive skills
• Completion of relevant training and evidence of competence will be required prior to any activity carried out around eating, drinking, and swallowing.

Desirable criteria

• Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and relevant specialist groups
• Ability to cover “out of hours” commitments on agreed occasions

Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together