Speech & Language Therapist

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

on-site Nursery

Beach Hut access

Wellness Centre (gym and pool)

Staff networks including LGBTQ, Race,

Awards ceremonies

Job summary

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is seeking a Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist to join the Acute SLT team on a fixed-term maternity cover basis. You will provide specialist assessment and management of dysphagia and communication disorders in adults across acute inpatient and outpatient settings.

The post requires HCPC registration, RCSLT recognition, and postgraduate dysphagia training. You will work with a multidisciplinary team, deliver care to diverse patients, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Qualified Speech and Language Therapist with HCPC registration.
• RCSLT registration and accredited dysphagia qualification (level C).
• Experience with adult dysphagia and communication disorders.
• Evidence of multidisciplinary team working.
• Post-graduate training in relevant caseload areas.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist assessment and management of adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties.
• Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to clinical decision-making.
• Support safe oral intake recommendations and communication strategies.
• Deliver training and advice to patients, families, carers and healthcare staff.
• Contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support and supervise junior staff and students as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with Trust and professional standards.

Skills

Clinical reasoning

Teamwork

Communication skills

Problem solving

Self-motivated

Education

HCPC registration or license

RCSLT membership

Accredited dysphagia post-graduate qualification (level C)

SLT degree qualification

Tools

Video fluoroscopy experience

Job description

Speech & Language Therapist

The closing date is 28 September 2026

NHS Band 6 Salary: £39,959 - £48,117 per annum

Hours Per Week: Full Time, 37.5 hrs (part-timeapplications considered)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Maternity Cover

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Speech andLanguage Therapist to join our dynamic Speech and Language Therapy team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Band 6 SLT to workacross Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, providing specialistassessment and management of adults with communication and swallowingdisorders. The successful candidate will work as part of a supportivemultidisciplinary team, delivering high-quality patient-centred care across a range of acute inpatient and outpatient settings.

Main duties of the job

Job Purpose:

• To work as an autonomous practitioner, assessing diagnosing, and providing timely intervention and management of communication and/or swallowing problems as a member of the Acute SLT team
• To be flexible in providing cover to clinical areas across PHUT depending on skill and service need.
• To collaborate and liaise with MDT colleagues to provide co-ordinated care to patients.
• To provide clinical support, where appropriate to other colleagues, including students.
• To complete competencies in line with RCSLT guidance.
• To contribute to patient information, manage priorities, organise equipment/resources and liaise with community SLTs about continuing care following discharge.
• To contribute to the prioritisation and triage of referrals to ensure that priority , high risk, patients are seen urgently, following locally devised systems / timescales
• To be flexible in providing cover across in patient settings where most needed, as directed by clinical leads.
• To contribute, wherever possible, to the administrative processes that ensure the most efficient service delivery for patients

About us

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we areproud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We areranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education andtraining across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. Wehire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes ourhospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting itright for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home atPortsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront ofeverything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for thoselong summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimmingpool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality andDisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements.

• on-site Nursery
• access to our free Beach Hut for thoselong summer days
• our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimmingpool
• access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality andDisAbility
• awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring interms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, genderidentity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veterans' status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

Job responsibilities

The role will involve assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of adults presenting with dysphagia and communication difficulties resulting from a variety of medical conditions. You will work closely with medical, nursing and allied health professional colleagues to support patient recovery, optimise nutrition and hydration, and promote effective communication.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide specialist assessment and management of adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties.
• Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to clinical decision-making.
• Support safe oral intake recommendations and communication strategies.
• Deliver training and advice to patients, families, carers and healthcare staff.
• Contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support and supervise junior staff and students as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with Trust and professional standards.

About You

We are seeking a clinician who:

• Holds a recognised Speech and Language Therapy qualification.
• Is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Registered member of the RCSLT
• Accredited dysphagia post-graduate qualification or equivalent to level C (RCSLT dysphagia competencies)
• Has experience managing adult patients with complex dysphagia and/or communication difficulties.
• Demonstrates excellent clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Has strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
• Demonstrates our trust values: Working Together For Patients with Compassion as One Team Always Improving

What We Offer

• A supportive and experienced Speech and Language Therapy team.
• Regular supervision and opportunities for professional development.
• Access to a wide range of learning and training opportunities.
• Opportunities to work across diverse clinical areas within a large acute teaching Trust.
• Flexible working arrangements where service needs allow.

Informal Enquiries

Informal discussions are welcomed and encouraged. We would be pleased to discuss the role and opportunities available within the team.

For full job details and person specification please refer to enclosed Job Description.

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrates ability to be a good team member
• Demonstrates good analytical and reflection skills
• Sensitivity to a broad range of clients
• Supportive excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills
• Proven skills in prioritising and being flexible and adaptable to meet competing priorities
• Efficient and dependable working practices
• Good organisational skills
• Self-motivated, assertive, diplomatic and tactful
• Literate and numerate in English
• Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Negotiation and problem solving skills
• Recognises when change is needed
• Relevant post-graduate training in areas relevant to caseload
• Motivating.

Qualifications

• Registered member RCSLT
• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent
• HCPC License to Practice
• Accredited dysphagia post-graduate qualification or equivalent to level C.
• Video fluoroscopy experience and competencies

Experience

• Experience of receiving clinical supervision
• Experience of a broad range of adult/acute communication and swallowing impairments/disorders.
• Experience of working in a changing environment
• Experience of integrated working in multi-disciplinary teams
• Training and presentation experience.
• At least 2 to 3 years working as a qualified SLT preferred.

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.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust