Band 5/6 - Rotational Speech and Language Therapist in Watford

Contract: Permanent. Band 5/6 developmental post. Full time, flexible working, 37.5 hours per week.

Location: Watford General Hospital, Watford.

Salary: £33,677 – £50,387 pa incl. HCA. Salary period: Yearly. Closing: 05/07/2026 23:59.

Job Overview: We have an opportunity for a Band 5 Rotational speech and language therapist to work on the acute and stroke ward. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self‑motivated individual, to work with a friendly team of 7 speech and language therapists. This would be an excellent role for a newly qualified speech therapist wishing to increase their knowledge, skills, and experience in a stimulating and supportive environment. At a band 5 level this would be a developmental post. You would be supported to successfully complete a set of competencies over 12‑18 months prior to obtaining the band 6 post. This timeframe may be reviewed depending on any previous time spent working at a band 5 level. Training and supervision would be provided by the speech team.

Main Duties of the Job: The post provides an exciting opportunity to develop skills and knowledge within the areas of acute and stroke and developing your skills in management of dysphagia within agreed competencies. You will have the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled and experienced colleagues. The post would also offer the candidate the opportunity to participate within service development projects.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities: The post holder must be able to demonstrate an ability to work under pressure, in a busy acute environment, as part of a team and as an autonomous practitioner. The speech and language therapy department at West Hertfordshire provides both acute and stroke services to this busy acute hospital. There are excellent opportunities for personal development and there is a robust CPD programme in place, with regular senior support and supervision, being readily available.

Person Specification:

• Education and Qualifications: Degree in Speech and Language Therapy. Registration with HCPC. Evidence of continuing professional development. Accredited dysphagia training or willingness to undertake.
• Knowledge: Specialist knowledge and application of speech and language therapy assessments and interventions. Range of clinical experience and ability to demonstrate application of clinical skills. Experience of delivering care to dysphagia service users living within the acute settings. Experience of supervising junior staff and students. Post registration experience in a relevant clinical setting. Clear communication through written, verbal and non‑verbal modes. Broad base of clinical experience assessment and management. Knowledge of the range and applications of communication aids. Knowledge of professional standards including record keeping. Good understanding of the roles of other professionals in acute settings. Well‑established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to adults. Good understanding of the application of research and audit systems. Understanding of the principles of clinical governance. Management of dysphagia in acute/stroke settings. Experience in the provision of training for others. Knowledge of the application and protocol for use of video fluoroscopy.
• Experience: Experience relevant to an adult caseload. Able to demonstrate the application of in‑depth, new and ongoing learning and experience to clinical practice. Well‑established knowledge of a range of relevant therapeutic interventions for the client group. Well‑established knowledge of the management of people with progressive neurological conditions. Knowledge of the range and applications of communication aids. Knowledge of professional standards including record keeping. Good understanding of the roles of other professionals in acute settings. Well‑established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to adults. Good understanding of the application of research and audit systems. Understanding of the principles of clinical governance. Management of dysphagia in acute/stroke settings. Experience in the provision of training for others. Knowledge of the application and protocol for use of video fluoroscopy.

Working for our Organisation: With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is excellent patient care, together, and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

Employer Certification / Accreditation Badges: You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.