Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Community Stroke

NHS; Colchester; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist within the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Service. The role involves working with stroke survivors and patients with neurological conditions, providing essential therapy and support in the community.

Benefits

Flexible working

Generous pension scheme

Annual leave

NHS discounts

Staff Wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Experience in various settings and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Managing own caseload, including dysphagia cases.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist services to adults with communication and/or swallowing difficulties following a stroke.
• Deliver community-based services in North East Essex, including home visits.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Assessment Skills

Education

RCSLT recognized degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Registered with RCSLT

HCPC registration

Job description

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Service for a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist to join our team.

This role is suitable for those with experience working with adults with acquired communication and swallowing issues, stroke survivors, and patients with neurological conditions, or those with transferable skills such as dysphagia competencies.

The Community Stroke Rehabilitation service provides Early Supported Discharge and support for individuals with new therapeutic needs post-stroke, aligned with the integrated model for stroke services.

You will join a multidisciplinary team including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and experienced Associate and Assistant practitioners.

You may be required to travel across Essex, Suffolk, and Tendring. A full UK driving license and access to a car are essential.

Main Duties

1. Provide specialist services to adults with communication and/or swallowing difficulties following a stroke.
2. Deliver community-based services in North East Essex, including stroke beds at Harwich Community hospital, involving home visits and travel across the area.
3. Manage junior staff, assistants, students, and volunteers.
4. Work as part of an integrated team to deliver seven-day therapy, aiming to maximize patient independence and promote self-management in daily activities.

About Us

We are ESNEFT, providing hospital and community health services to nearly one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our staff work across hospitals, clinics, and patients' homes.

We employ over 12,000 staff and offer extensive training, flexible working, a generous pension scheme, annual leave, NHS discounts, and a Staff Wellbeing programme.

We are committed to improving patient care through digital transformation, including implementing the Epic electronic patient record system.

If you are passionate about patient care and professional development, we want to hear from you. Learn more about living and working here.

Details

• Posted on: 09 May 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: 6
• Salary: £37,338 - £44,962 per annum (pro rata)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time/Part-time
• Location: Colchester Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL

Job Responsibilities

For full details, see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• RCSLT recognized degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Registered with RCSLT
• HCPC registration
• Independent Dysphagia practitioner (achieved dysphagia competencies)

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Specialist course attendance (e.g., Maggie Lee Huckabee)
• Membership of specialist groups/forums

Experience (Essential)

• Experience in various settings and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Liaising with other agencies/staff
• Experience working with stroke survivors or neurological conditions
• Managing own caseload, including dysphagia cases
• Supervising students/assistants

Experience (Desirable)

• Teaching or training staff
• Experience with voice disorders or community settings

Knowledge and Skills (Essential)

• Knowledge of communication and swallowing issues in neurological patients
• Outcome measures and evidence-based practice
• Assessment skills, including standardized tests
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good administrative skills
• Driving license and ability to travel

Knowledge and Skills (Desirable)

• Involvement in audit or clinical governance

Additional Information

This role is subject to DBS checks, UK registration, and sponsorship requirements as applicable. Further details are available in the original job posting.