Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Central London Community Health Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking a Speech and Language Therapist to work with adults in their homes and outpatient clinics across West Hertfordshire. You will manage acquired communication and swallowing disorders, book appointments, write reports, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Independent assessments and evidence-based care planning are required, with opportunities to develop expertise in dysphagia and equipment trials.

Qualifications

• Dysphagia competencies are essential.
• HCPC registration required to practice.
• Experience delivering speech and language therapy in community/home settings.

Responsibilities

• Manage adults with acquired communication and swallowing needs across homes, clinics and care settings.
• Book and plan patient appointments and reviews; attend SLT team meetings.
• Independently complete specialist assessments and develop evidence-based care plans.
• Adapt care plans as goals change; determine group vs. individual therapy.
• Assess need for communication equipment and coordinate trials or purchases.
• Support Band 5 Speech and Language Therapists.

Skills

Dysphagia management

Clinical assessment

Care plan development

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Therapy

HCPC registered

Job description

You will work with adults in their own homes and outpatient clinics across West Hertfordshire, supporting people with a range of medical conditions and acquired communication and swallowing disorders, including voice difficulties. Working across a varied caseload will give you the opportunity to further develop your knowledge and expertise in acquired speech, language and swallowing disorders., You will manage adults with acquired communication and swallowing needs across clinics, care homes and patients' homes in West Hertfordshire. You will book patients from the waiting list, plan follow-up appointments and reviews, attend Speech and Language Therapy team meetings and work closely with the multidisciplinary team and other professionals, including writing clinical reports.

You will independently complete specialist assessments, use your clinical knowledge to make appropriate decisions and differential diagnoses, and develop evidence-based care plans covering treatment, advice, review, discharge and communication with patients, carers and colleagues. You will adapt care plans as patients' needs and goals change and determine when individual or group therapy is most appropriate.

You will also assess the need for communication equipment, including high- and low-tech aids, coordinate trials or purchase where appropriate, support patients and carers to use equipment, and support Band 5 Speech and Language Therapists.

Dysphagia competencies and experience of managing dysphagia are essential to this role.

As this is a community-based role, with travel between patient homes, there is a requirement to hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

We are proud to be one of the largest community healthcare providers in the country, with more than 4,500 colleagues caring for over four million people across London and Hertfordshire. Every day, our teams bring their skill, compassion, and determination to the people who depend on us.

What inspires us is at the heart of who we are: when we work together, we can help people move forward in ways that truly matter. Our teams support children as they take their first steps in life, and they stand beside adults as they rebuild strength, confidence, and independence. From newborn health visiting to community nursing, stroke rehabilitation, and palliative care, we are there for people through some of life's most important moments.

Joining Central London Community Healthcare means becoming part of a community that lifts each other up. It means working in an organisation that values compassion, welcomes new ideas, and believes in the potential of every colleague. Your development matters here. Your wellbeing matters. Your voice helps shape the future of the care we provide.

We offer a competitive employment package because the work you do matters. At Central London Community Healthcare, you will join an inclusive organisation that invests in its people, supports development, and helps you thrive while delivering high-quality care.