Speech and Language Therapist

Integrated Care System; North East; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Speech and Language Therapist to join their team in County Durham. The successful candidate will develop dysphagia and communication rehabilitation skills in various settings. This permanent role offers support through a preceptorship program and access to professional development opportunities. Ideal for those looking to enhance their career in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Access to up-to-date technology

Qualifications

• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Ability to travel independently across the county.
• Understanding of procedures for diagnosing and remediating communication disorders.

Responsibilities

• Supervise students and contribute to teaching programs.
• Provide access to second opinions and peer supervision.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of community professionals.

Skills

Knowledge of health, education, and social care policies

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Planning and organizational skills

Ability to communicate complex information

Commitment to ongoing professional development

Education

Degree in Speech & Language Therapy or equivalent

Job description

Go back County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Speech and Language Therapist

The closing date is 18 August 2025

Team CDDFT Speech and Language Therapy is pleased to advertise an exciting permanent post for a Speech and Language Therapist, which includes several development opportunities in the community based at University Hospital North Durham within our well-supported Speech and Language Therapy team. The fixed-term 12-month Band 5 post will be supported by senior staff to ensure that the successful applicant develops a broad range of dysphagia and communication competencies that meet the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy standards. The successful candidate will also benefit from additional support as part of the CDDFT Preceptorship programme.

The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated care providers in England, serving a population of around 600,000 people. We are a high-performing organisation with a successful track record.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a well-organised therapist who wishes to develop post-basic dysphagia and communication rehabilitation skills with an interesting neurological caseload in various settings, including hospitals, nursing and residential homes, domiciliary visits, and outpatient clinics. The successful candidate will hold a degree in Speech and Language Therapy, be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, and be committed to continuing professional development. We offer professional development opportunities to support career growth and the completion of NQP competencies. Applications from both existing Band 5 staff and Newly Qualified Practitioners about to qualify are welcome. The Trust also offers a preceptorship programme proven to support and develop new staff with a range of CPD opportunities.

About us

If you are being interviewed, you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged this with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates listed as essential in the person specification to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites—Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. Our services also include a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland, community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield, and Weardale, as well as over 80 community-based settings and home care.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as these groups are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions are available in the adverts supporting documents.

Over-reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged, as it may reduce the applicant's chances of success.

For the most current information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to see if you can apply.

From April 9th, 2025, Healthcare Assistants must have at least two years of NHS experience to be considered for sponsorship (consideration for sponsorship is only if you meet this criterion and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Job responsibilities

The Speech and Language Therapy Service offers a supportive team of experienced colleagues, providing access to second opinions and ongoing peer supervision to ensure evidence-based practice. You will help supervise students and contribute to teaching programs for community professionals to enhance patient care.

This challenging and rewarding role includes:

• Clinical supervision
• Monthly staff meetings, regular management supervision, and peer support groups
• In-Service Training
• A well-resourced department with up-to-date technology
• Good access to communication aids, iPads, and apps
• Mobile working with a laptop and mobile phone
• Professional Lead in Speech and Language Therapy and Clinical Leads in all specialist areas
• Weekly SLT-led VFSS/FEES
• Good IT access

If successful, a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. A copy of the Code of Practice is available upon request.

This position requires a DBS check, and you must be able to provide written references covering at least 3 years of previous employment or training.

Please apply via www.jobs.nhs.uk quoting the job reference number.

We expect all employees to demonstrate our core values of Quality, Care, Respect, Leadership, and Achievement, details of which are available on our website.

We welcome applications from all community sections and actively promote equal opportunities.

Unfortunately, we cannot respond to all applicants; if you are not contacted within 6 weeks, your application was unsuccessful.

Person Specification

Experience

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech & Language Therapy or equivalent recognized by RCSLT

Statutory Registration

• Health and Care Professions Council License to Practice

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel independently across the county

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of health, education, and social care policies and practices
• Understanding of procedures for diagnosing and remediating communication disorders
• Ability to make judgments based on analysis of facts
• Planning and organizational skills for managing complex activities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including persuasion, negotiation, and empathy
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information
• Commitment to ongoing professional development

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to a DBS check, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 per annum, pro-rata