Speech & Language Therapist

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Colchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Colchester is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. The role focuses on assessing, planning, and delivering interventions to service users with communication and dysphagia needs. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Speech and Language Therapy, be state registered with HCPC, and demonstrate strong evidence-based practice skills. This position involves working within a multidisciplinary team and maintaining professional standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy required.
• Must have state registration with HCPC.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for service users.
• Manage a defined caseload with evidence-based practice.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Assessment and Diagnosis

Evidence-based Practice

Communication Skills

Time Management

Leadership Skills

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

State Registration with HCPC

Membership of the RCSLT

Job description

Overview

Role summary and responsibilities for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist within the ELDP; focus on assessment, planning, and delivery of SLT interventions to service users with communication and/or dysphagia needs, working within a multidisciplinary team and maintaining professional standards.

Responsibilities

• To assess, diagnose and develop treatment plans for service users within the ELDP, including those with profound learning disabilities, additional sensory and/or physical disability, mental health diagnosis and/or challenging behaviour.
• To be responsible for managing a defined caseload.
• To select and apply SLT assessments for a designated caseload, addressing communication needs; to manage a defined caseload using evidence-based, person-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
• To provide SLT services to service users who present with communication and/or dysphagia difficulties.
• To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team.
• To review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.
• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and reliable attendance.
• To demonstrate basic leadership skills.
• To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff as appropriate.
• To apply knowledge and skills to make decisions in the absence of senior staff, and to participate in planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols.
• To participate in the delivery of the SLT development plan.
• To ensure Health & Safety Regulations and Data Protection Act Regulations are observed and instituted.
• To take part in Risk Assessment and to attend mandatory training sessions.
• To critically appraise and review current literature on relevant topics.
• To take part in the annual appraisal process and develop a personal development plan.
• To undertake professional and educational activities to develop knowledge and ensure maintenance of professional and clinical standards.
• To apply increasingly complex skills and knowledge to establish professional competence and fitness to practice as a Specialist SLT.
• To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.
• To comply with the HCPC and RCSLT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and Trust procedures.
• To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and contribute to a service sensitive to these needs.
• The postholder will have access to vulnerable people and may be subject to Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions in line with legal requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
• State registration with HCPC.
• Member of the RCSLT.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – professional portfolio, specialist knowledge and application of SLT assessments and interventions.
• Detailed knowledge of evidence-based practice and its contribution to practice governance.
• Planning and coordination of treatment packages.
• Experience of managing a caseload.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working in the field of Learning Disabilities or other relevant transferrable settings (e.g., older adults, long-term neuro).
• You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Note: This description avoids boilerplate content and focuses on responsibilities and qualifications; it does not include external trust marketing material.