Specialist Speech & Language Therapist

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust's Adult Speech and Language Therapy Department at Stoke Mandeville Hospital is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to provide expert assessment and management of adults with acute communication and swallowing difficulties in the Emergency Department and front-door services as part of the REACT team.

You will manage an independent clinical caseload, interpret diagnostic results, develop individualized therapy plans, and implement evidence-based

Qualifications

• Independent assessment of complex clinical presentations using evidence-based practice.
• Manage caseload priorities and document care plans per Trust standards.
• Provide specialist guidance for dysphagia, communication, and cognitive challenges.
• Contribute to audits, service development, and clinical governance.

Responsibilities

• Independently assess complex presentations and formulate differential diagnoses.
• Maintain comprehensive clinical documentation and care plans.
• Provide tailored guidance for cognitive, language, and behavioural needs.
• Lead operational aspects and organisational workloads when required.
• Coordinate workforce development and supervise student placements.
• Contribute to governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Caseload management

Evidence-based practice

Advanced clinical expertise

Dysphagia knowledge

Education

HCPC registration

RCSLT membership

Postgraduate dysphagia qualification

Tools

VFS (Videofluoroscopy)

FEES

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust to join the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Department at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. You will be responsible for providing specialist assessment and management of adults presenting with acute communication and swallowing difficulties within the Emergency Department and front-door clinical services as part of the REACT team. You will be managing an independent clinical caseload, interpreting diagnostic results, medical histories, and multidisciplinary team input to develop appropriate treatment plans and implement individualised therapy programmes. You will also be supporting high-risk patients through timely interventions and evidence-based recommendations, prioritising cases according to clinical urgency and severity. Working closely with medical, nursing, and allied health professional colleagues, you will contribute to service development and hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving patient care, clinical outcomes, and the overall experience of people during hospital admissions., As a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, you will be responsible for applying advanced clinical expertise to address complex eating, drinking, swallowing, and communication disorders, ensuring that appropriate specialist techniques are used to meet individual clinical requirements. You will be managing and contributing to instrumental investigations, including Videofluoroscopy and Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), alongside the wider Speech and Language Therapy team at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. You will be supporting individuals with communication difficulties to express their preferences and participate meaningfully in decisions regarding their care and advance care planning. You will also be responsible for providing specialist advice to colleagues, patients, and carers, while contributing to clinical audits and quality improvement projects to strengthen service standards. Additionally, you will be supporting the professional development of Speech and Language Therapy and wider healthcare colleagues through clinical leadership, shared learning, joint working, and training activities.,

• To independently assess complex clinical presentations, formulate differential diagnoses, and evaluate specialist treatment outcomes using evidence-based practice and appropriate outcome measures. To manage caseload priorities efficiently, arrange clinical cover when required, and seek or provide second opinions to support sound clinical decision-making.
• To maintain comprehensive clinical documentation, specialist care plans, and reports in accordance with RCSLT professional standards and Trust policies. To ensure accurate clinical activity records, protect sensitive information, and communicate complex information sensitively to support informed consent and patient participation.
• To provide tailored guidance to individuals with cognitive, language, learning, or behavioural difficulties, ensuring their needs are considered when discussing clinical matters. To facilitate access to appropriate health and social care services, offer empathetic support to patients and carers, and respond constructively to initial complaints or concerns.
• To undertake operational leadership responsibilities by deputising for the Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist when required. To organise team workloads, allocate staff according to service priorities, contribute to competency and performance reviews, identify service pressures, and advise the line manager on operational requirements.
• To coordinate professional learning by identifying workforce development needs, organising training activities, and mentoring junior Speech and Language Therapists. To supervise student placements, develop and evaluate educational programmes for healthcare professionals and students, maintain a personal CPD portfolio, and participate in relevant professional development activities.
• To contribute to clinical governance and strategic planning by initiating audits, participating in research projects, analysing service data, and recommending improvements to policies and working practices. To monitor clinical risks, promote health and safety and infection control, maintain equipment security and stock levels, and ensure compliance with national guidance, Trust procedures, and professional standards.
  Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree and HCPC registration.
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
• Accredited postgraduate dysphagia qualification or equivalent competencies.
• Significant acute Speech and Language Therapy experience, including acute medicine and ENT.
• Experience managing complex dysphagia and communication needs, with knowledge of VFS and FEES.
• 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.