Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional health service provider in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a part-time Speech & Language Therapist to deliver high-quality therapy to patients with communication and swallowing difficulties. The role involves comprehensive assessments, developing care plans, and working closely with patients and healthcare teams. The ideal candidate will have a recognized degree in Speech & Language Therapy and experience in acute hospital settings. This fixed-term position offers a salary range of £53,751 to £60,651 a year pro rata.

Benefits

Supportive professional development environment

Wellbeing resources and support

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of SLT practice post-graduation with adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders.
• Competent in the areas of Dysphagia, Dysphasia and Dysarthria.
• Relevant SLT practice within an acute hospital environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide a specialist evidence-based Speech & Language Therapy service to the medical and surgical wards.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the clinical area of dysphagia.
• Apply specialist knowledge to inform sound clinical judgments in decision-making for case management.

Skills

Specialist SLT skills in the area of Dysphagia

Specialist SLT skills in Stroke and Neurology

Ability to formulate independent clinical decisions underpinned by evidence-based practice

Education

Recognised degree or equivalent in Speech & Language Therapy

Registered with the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT)

Postgraduate qualification in Dysphagia

Job description

Job summary

To provide an effective and evidence-based Speech & Language service to patients with communication and swallowing difficulties. The post-holder will work as a specialist, autonomous practitioner, and participate in the development and monitoring of the SLT service to the medical and surgical wards and the SLT In‑Patient team.

The post-holder will also be expected to continue to develop their specialist skills and to deputise for the Principal SLT as requested. Supervision/management of other SLT teams during periods of sickness or annual leave may also be required.

Main duties of the job

• Provide a specialist evidence-based Speech & Language Therapy service to the medical and surgical wards, for patients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the clinical area of dysphagia and acquired conditions underpinned by current evidence‑based practice and outcome measures.
• Demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge and skill in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with acquired communication and swallowing disorders.
• Apply specialist knowledge to inform sound clinical judgments in decision‑making for case management, developing clear care plans based on best practice.
• Work closely with patients, carers and families to agree a plan of management/goal setting and regularly monitor and review plans/goals.

About us

Development and staff wellbeing

Your growth and personal happiness matter to us. After all, we can't expect the best from you if we don't invest in your development and nurture your wellbeing. From the moment you join us, we’re committed to fostering your professional and personal development within a supportive, empowering environment.

We actively support colleagues to take part in research, quality improvement and innovation, whatever their role or level in the organisation.

To support your wellbeing, we offer an extensive range of resources, including an on‑site staff nursery at Kingston Hospital, wellbeing practitioners, regular wellbeing classes, a dedicated staff physiotherapist, comprehensive occupational health services, a 24/7 employee assistance programme, and a range of other support and activities.

We also take every opportunity to thank and recognise the work our teams do, through weekly “shoutouts”, patient feedback, monthly and annual awards.

Wherever you work across our organisation, we look forward to welcoming you.

At KRFT we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.

Details

Date posted: 01 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £53,751 to £60,651 a year pro rata pa, incl. HCAS

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Part‑time

Reference number: 396-7621345-DE-GV-Z

Job location: Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, Norbiton, KT2 7QB

Person specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Recognised degree or equivalent in Speech & Language Therapy
• Registered with the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health Professions Council (HCPC)
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc/postgraduate diploma or certificate at Intermediate or Advanced level) in Dysphagia

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc/postgraduate diploma or certificate) in Videofluoroscopy

Experience (Essential)

• Extensive experience of SLT practice post‑graduation with adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders
• Competent in the areas of Dysphagia, Dysphasia and Dysarthria
• Relevant SLT practice within an acute hospital environment

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience of leading a Videofluoroscopy clinic

Skills (Essential)

• Specialist SLT skills in the area of Dysphagia
• Specialist SLT skills in Stroke and Neurology
• Ability to formulate independent clinical decisions underpinned by evidence‑based practice

Skills (Desirable)

• Specialist SLT skills in Tracheostomy

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name: Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, Norbiton, KT2 7QB

Website: https://www.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/