Senior Speech and Language Therapist

Integrated Care System; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Birkenhead is seeking a Senior Speech and Language Therapist to join the Community Paediatrics Team. The ideal candidate will assess and treat children's communication and swallowing difficulties. Responsibilities include managing a caseload, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring comprehensive documentation in a dynamic healthcare environment. The position requires a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and current HCPC registration.

Qualifications

• Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Managing own caseload with minimum direction.
• Experience in evidence-based practice or audit.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, and deliver individualized intervention programs.
• Manage complex dysphagia caseload with support.
• Produce timely and accurate clinical reports.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Dysphagia competencies

IT literate

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Current HCPC registration

Registered member of the College of Speech and Language Therapists

Job description

Go back Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Senior Speech and Language Therapist

The closing date is 14 August 2025

We have an exciting opportunity for a Speech & Language Therapist (Band 6) to join our Community Paediatrics Team, based at St Catherine's Health Centre. We are looking for a dedicated Speech & Language Therapist who is passionate about using their skills to contribute to the assessment and therapeutic care of children in Community Paediatrics on the ND pathway.

The post-holder will have experience in working with children of all ages who are experiencing difficulties in any aspect of communication and/or associated swallowing problems.

A recognised qualification in Speech & Language Therapy and HCPC registration are required, along with membership of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.

Main duties of the job

oUtilise communication and motivation skills to engage in therapeutic process.

o To organise and carry out specialist Speech & Language Therapy in various settings.

o To ensure timely and comprehensive documentation.

o Utilise dysphagia skills to assess patients working closely with the MDT.

o Manage complex dysphagia caseload with support.

o Work closely with the multi-disciplinary team for the management of patients with communication and swallowing difficulties.

About us

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first time they make contact with us. We are described as "competent and caring staff" by our patients.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.

We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising of the Wirral's only Emergency Department. We provide a high quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.

We have approximately 855 beds trust-wide and our financial turnover is in excess of £337m.

The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach to the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.

Job responsibilities

• As a skilled clinician, assess, plan and deliver individualised programme of intervention evaluating the effectiveness for patients presenting with diverse and complex problems. Giving advice to patients and their carers when required.
• Prioritise and plan own caseload according to needs of the patient and resources available. Gain advice and support from a Senior Speech and Language Therapistwhen required, clinical work is not routinely monitored by others.
• Working with the Team Leader proactively contribute to the discussions on service.and policy development and implement in the workplace as directed.
• Be responsible for the effective manual and computer recording of patientinterventions accurately and appropriately, following Service/ Trust Policy.
• Be responsible for the collection/input of clinical information and statistics for patients.
• Be responsible for producing timely, accurate and informative clinical reports for other agencies as required.
• Identify the current and potential future needs of the patient and be responsible for initiating appropriate referrals to a variety of internal and external agencies.
• Undertake evidence based audit projects making recommendations and where appropriate implement agreed, specific changes to practice within the team.
• Responsible for own competency to practice through CPD maintaining a professional portfolio, including reflective practice and participating in the supervision and appraisal process.
• Deputise for senior staff in their absence, taking responsibility for operational management of the team, allocating and organising the work of junior and support staff to meet service priorities on a daily basis and to be responsible for the clinical work of the Team leader in their absence when appropriate.

Please see attached Job Description for further information about the Senior Speech and Language Therapist position available at WUTH.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

• Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Current HCPC registration
• Registered member of the College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Recognised study at post graduate level
• Appropriate level of Speech and Language therapy experience, in a range of relevant specialities
• Managing own caseload with minimum direction/ support
• Experience of a variety of assessment techniques suitable for adults
• Has experience of working with complex cases alongside or with supervision from a highly specialist therapist
• Experience in evidence based practice or audit.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Completion of dysphagia competencies
• IT literate
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of current trends in the management of communication and / or swallowing
• Knowledge of Total Communication
• Good level of understanding of patient needs and customer care
• Knowledge of key NHS initiatives and goals
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance/audit
• Knowledge of relevant national policies and procedures

Personal Attributes

• Able to work in difficult, distracting environments, with challenging clients and where intense levels of concentration are required
• Ability to work as an integral member of an MDT

Other Requirements

• Membership of an appropriate clinical excellence network

Personal Attributes

• Professional appearance and attitude
• Can convey ideas and information in a confident and easily understood manner, both written and verbal

Other Requirements

• Ability to be flexible and meet the needs of the service.

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.

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust