Rotational Speech and Language Therapist - Band 5

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare institution in Southampton is offering an exciting role for a Rotational Speech and Language Therapist - Band 5. The ideal candidate will work within an acute setting, providing communication assessments and therapy to patients with complex needs. Opportunities for training and development are provided, making this an ideal position for a motivated and enthusiastic professional looking to thrive in a supportive environment. Salary ranges from £31,049 to £37,796 annually, pro rata.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience with patients with communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Experience working in an acute hospital setting.
• Ability to advocate effectively for patients’ needs.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Acute SLT team in band 5 rotational areas.
• Provide communication assessments and therapy to patients.
• Support and train less experienced SLTs.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Patient assessment

Dysphagia competency

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

HCPC registration

Job description

Rotational Speech and Language Therapist - Band 5

Closing date: 19 December 2025

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

Please see below for a detailed job description for the role.

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.

UHS offers fantastic training and development giving you the best possible opportunities to achieve the career you want. Development of our staff is central to the delivery of high quality, safe and effective care. We can offer opportunities to develop within a supportive environment.

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the 'Job Description and Main Responsibilities' section below. To understand the day‑to‑day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

About us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

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.

Specific to this role we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what's possible for the role and service.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Job responsibilities

• Work as part of the Acute SLT team, primarily 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.

Required experience and skills

• 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.
• Experienced in planning, delivering and evaluating clinical audits, service evaluations and/or research.

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

Person Specification

Trust Values

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Skills and competencies

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• 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.
• Ability to communicate information fluently, confidently and effectively to a diverse range of people: e.g. with patients, carers, managers and other health care professionals.
• Ability to demonstrate a practical and sensitive approach, and flexibility in working style when applying clinical judgement to complex clinical issues.
• Ability to create rapport and professionally manage relationships with colleagues, patients and carers and the emotional challenges this presents.
• Demonstrate a holistic approach to treatment.
• Evidence of ability to cope with unpredictable events and varying clinical and non‑clinical work pressures.
• Demonstrate ability to independently plan and prioritise own workload in order to meet deadlines.
• 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.
• Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and relevant specialist groups.
• Ability to cover "out of hours" commitments on agreed occasions.

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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

£31,049 to £37,796 a year (PA) Pro Rata