Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Overview

We are excited to announce an opening for a motivated Speech and Language Therapist to join our Community Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service in the Ealing borough of London, at Band 7 level. We seek an enthusiastic therapist with demonstrated experience in working with adults facing neurological conditions in a community setting. You will be part of a dynamic and friendly team, collaborating with a Band 8a SLT, other Band 7, Band 6, and Band 5 SLTs, as well as SLT Assistants, to assess, manage, and treat patients in Ealing who experience swallowing or communication difficulties.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your leadership and supervision skills. Candidates must have experience in assessing and managing swallowing and communication disorders in adults with acquired neurological conditions, including stroke, head injuries, progressive neurological diseases, frailty, dementia, and other medical conditions. Highly specialized skills in dysphagia management and relevant postgraduate qualifications are essential.

The Speech and Language Therapy team is part of the larger multidisciplinary team (MDT) known as the ENable Team, which includes Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Rehabilitation Assistants, Nursing staff, and Specialist Nurses for Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. There are significant opportunities for collaborative work, joint goal setting, and regular in-service training.

Main Duties

This role is situated within the Ealing Community Adult SLT Team, which operates from two locations: Ealing Day Treatment Centre and Clayponds Hospital. The Ealing Adult SLT service encompasses various areas, including Clayponds Rehabilitation Hospital, Enable Long Term Conditions Team, Community Stroke Team, Nursing Home Service, and Outpatient SLT. Close collaboration with SLT colleagues across all teams and with members of the wider MDT is essential to ensure seamless patient care and adherence to high-quality care pathways.

The successful candidate will receive robust support and clinical supervision from the 8a Community Adult SLT Team Leader, and peer supervision will be available with other Band 7 SLT leads. Whether you are a Band 7 therapist looking to consolidate or expand your skill set, or a Band 6 therapist seeking your first Band 7 position, we are committed to nurturing, facilitating, and empowering you to reach your full potential in this role.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge within this clinical specialty, supported by current evidence-based practice.
• Independently manage a complex and specialist caseload, demonstrating sound clinical judgment and outcome measures.
• Reflect on practice with peers to identify strengths and needs.
• Provide specialist second opinions and advice to junior colleagues and other professionals.
• Write appropriate reports and case notes reflecting specialist knowledge.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with clients and caregivers regarding assessment findings, diagnoses, and therapy intervention plans.
• Negotiate with clients and other professionals regarding case management and resolve potential conflicts.
• Handle initial complaints sensitively to avoid escalation.
• Employ excellent communication and advocacy skills to assist clients and caregivers in accessing statutory agencies.
• Attend and contribute to relevant Speech and Language Therapy Team meetings and lead small team projects.
• Take a proactive role in team-building within multidisciplinary teams.
• Supervise and plan the work of assistants and volunteers.
• Manage day-to-day operations of staff groups.
• Lead inter-agency teamwork.
• Represent the SLT department in meetings with other agencies.
• Contribute to the induction and support system for new staff.
• Mentor and supervise junior Speech and Language Therapists.
• Provide full student placements for Speech and Language Therapy.
• Advise the line manager on service delivery issues.
• Monitor stock levels in the specialist service area and request new equipment as needed.
• Ensure the security, care, and maintenance of equipment, adhering to infection control and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate case notes in line with professional standards and local trust policies.
• Share information while observing data protection guidelines.
• Work independently within defined departmental and national protocols and professional codes of conduct.
• Monitor various aspects of client communication and identify strategies to enhance communicative effectiveness.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• Registration with the Health Professions Council as a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Recognized Speech and Language Therapy Degree qualification or equivalent.
• Registered member of RCSLT.
• Evidence of successful completion of courses equivalent to a Master’s degree.

Experience

• Substantial postgraduate SLT experience, including some NHS experience.
• Extensive dysphagia management skills, with experience in the clinical specialty.
• Advanced knowledge of a broad range of assessment tools relevant to the clinical specialty.
• Awareness of trends and best practices within the clinical specialty.

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the clinical specialty.
• Excellent organizational skills and presentation abilities, both written and verbal.

This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Check, and applicants must have current UK professional registration. We welcome applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK, which will be considered alongside all other applications.

Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s

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