Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Weston-super-Mare; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Weston-super-Mare is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. This role involves managing patients with communication and swallowing difficulties in an inpatient setting. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree, be HCPC registered, and have advanced dysphagia skills. The position offers a range of training opportunities and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Access to training and CPD opportunities

Flexible working hours

Well-being support

Qualifications

• Educated to degree or equivalent in SLT.
• HCPC registered and a member of RCSLT.
• Recent experience working with adults with dysphagia.

Responsibilities

• Manage a defined caseload of patients with dysphagia.
• Provide expert information to colleagues and staff.
• Plan educational sessions for healthcare professionals.

Skills

Advanced dysphagia skills

Effective communication

Strong organizational skills

Information Technology Skills

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

HCPC registration

Recent CPD evidence

Tools

Videofluoroscopy

FEES

Job description

Go back University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

The closing date is 12 October 2025

Do you have a passion for supporting patients with communication and swallowing difficulties in an inpatient setting?

Are you looking for a friendly and dynamic team to support you in taking your next career step?

Then look no further!

We are looking for a Therapist who is keen to continue developing specialist skills and knowledge in managing adult inpatients with general medical, neurological and age-related conditions. Post-graduate dysphagia qualification (or equivalent experience) is essential. We run a weekly onsite videofluoroscopy clinic and have access to a FEES service.

You will be part of our large team of 30 Speech and Language Therapists working across UHBW sites. We are a friendly and inclusive team, focused on delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for the communities we serve. We have a strong culture of support, development and leadership including:

• Support in accessing a wide range of training and CPD opportunities to ensure you flourish in your role
• A rolling in-service training programme with brilliant teaching from team members and multi-disciplinary colleagues
• Regular 1:1 and peer supervision
• Commitment to our flexi-time policy to support your work-life balance
• A wealth of wellbeing support and strong team spirit

For more information on our team, please see: https://www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/your-hospitals/other-services-in-bristol/speech-and-language-therapy/

Main duties of the job

• Demonstrate expertise in oropharyngeal dysphagia and communication difficulties in patients with progressive neurological, general medical and age-related conditions, and be responsible for managing a defined caseload
• Act as a source of expert, evidence-based information and support for SLT colleagues, healthcare professionals, staff and carers about the SLT issues of patients
• Plan and co-ordinate the content and delivery of education/training sessions to healthcare professionals
• Develop and monitor specialist programmes of care to be carried out by SLT Assistants

About us

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 13,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as 'Good' overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward- thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.

Job responsibilities

For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Educated to degree or equivalent - SLT
• HCPC registered/RCSLT Member
• Recent evidence of CPD in communication & swallowing problems in adults

Knowledge and Experience

• Recent experience of working with adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties
• Specialised knowledge & experienced of a wide range of therapeutic models of working with communication disorders & dysphagia
• Experience of working as core member of MDT
• Knowledge & experience of working with augmentative & assisted communication
• Experience of planning & implementing training to others & / or giving presentations
• Experience using & interpreting videofluoroscopy & implementing findings into practice
• Experience using & interpreting FEES & implementing findings into practice
• Experience of supervising junior staff and students

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to review & reflect on own skills & knowledge, and to lead own CPD in conjunction with supervisors & peers
• Advanced dysphagia skills: Independent working with patients with complex dysphagia relating to a range of aetiologies in acute, outpatient or community settings
• Demonstrates highly developed auditory & perceptual skills in the assessment, diagnosis & treatment of adult patients
• Ability to recognise own professional boundaries & accept support/ seek advice as appropriate
• Knowledge of clinical governance & audit
• Competent Information Technology Skills, including use of MS office tools, Outlook, Word, Excel
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to challenge & influence members of MDT
• Ability to communicate effectively & sensitively with a wide range of people
• Ability to manage own time appropriately & to prioritise task
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to meet deadlines & work under pressure

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 Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)