Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Greater London seeks a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist to deliver high-quality care for adult inpatients with communication and swallowing disorders. Candidates must possess a degree leading to RCSLT licence and HCPC registration. The role entails independent management, videofluoroscopy participation, and development of training programs for staff. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary of £46,419 to £55,046 per annum, with opportunities for professional development within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in managing adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders.
• Evidence of CPD to specialist level.
• Membership of Clinical Excellence Networks (CEN).

Responsibilities

• Provide independent management of acute inpatients with communication/swallowing disorders.
• Participate in videofluoroscopic examinations and report findings.
• Develop communication/swallowing training programs.

Skills

Independent clinical management

Training delivery

Videofluoroscopy

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Diploma/Degree leading to RCSLT licence to practice

Registered member of HCPC

Job description

Job summary

Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Adult Acute Inpatients

Band 6 | Full time | Permanent post

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join the acute in‑patient service at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The post will join our existing team of 29.2 WTE SLTs and 1.4 WTE SLT assistants. You will be based at St Thomas' Hospital and be responsible for delivering high‑quality care to adult inpatients with communication and/or swallowing disorders on the acute medical and surgical wards.

Suitable applicants will have experience of working at a postgraduate level, independently managing adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders. Experience of instrumental assessment is essential. Teaching is a significant part of the role; you will participate in nurse and medical education, and provide external talks and presentations as needed.

About the team

There is a strong ethos of clinical support, supervision and development within the team. The service offers excellent supervision and peer support, with an emphasis on team working. Quality improvement projects and research ideas are strongly encouraged, within SLT and in the multi‑professional teams. We have regular team meetings and opportunities for continuing professional development through in‑house training, clinical excellence networks and external courses.

Job responsibilities

• Provide independent clinical management of acute inpatients requiring assessment and rehabilitation of complex communication and swallowing disorders, aiming to restore optimum function or offer compensatory strategies. Assess patients’ needs for alternative/augmentative communication where appropriate.
• Regularly participate in videofluoroscopic examinations of swallow, analyse and report findings to the MDT regarding implications for management and design specialised therapeutic programmes of care.
• Act as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapy resource for members of the MDT in the management of communication/swallowing disorders.
• Participate in team meetings, ward rounds and family meetings as a core MDT member. Where appropriate, propose and assist in the implementation of policy/service development.
• Develop training programmes relevant to communication/swallowing disorders and deliver these as part of ongoing training for the MDT on the acute wards.
• Take a lead as appropriate in organising training for nursing staff on the acute wards and train staff and carers to facilitate patient communication and swallowing skills, including the use of alternative and augmentative communication.

Person Specification – Knowledge / Qualifications

• Diploma/Degree leading to RCSLT licence to practice.
• Registered member of HCPC.
• Evidence of CPD to specialist level.
• Membership or regular attendance of CEN.

Person Specification – Previous Experience

• Experience working with adults with acquired disorders in an acute hospital and/or rehabilitation/community setting, including independent management of dysphagia.
• Significant experience as an integrated member of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Experience working on acute inpatient wards.
• Experience working with assistants, junior colleagues and/or volunteers.

Person Specification – Skills

• Evidence of development and delivery of training to other professionals.
• Experience performing and evaluating videofluoroscopy.
• Supervision and teaching of SLT students.
• Previous participation in clinical governance activities (audit, quality improvement).
• Good, reliable team worker, able to work effectively on own initiative.
• Exposure to/experience with FEES.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Information on the UK Visas and Immigration requirements, and guidance for criminal record checks for overseas applicants, can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website and NHS Careers website.

Employment Details

• Employer: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
• Job location: St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE17EH
• Reference number: 196-LIS10135D
• Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: 6
• Salary: £46,419 to £55,046 per annum (inc HCA)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time