Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (Run-Through 5-6 post)

This Band 6 position encourages applications from Newly Qualified Therapists and Band 5 therapists who can develop to Band 6 once competencies are achieved. The role is based at Whittington Hospital, a teaching hospital, and covers all medical wards.

Main Duties

• The post holder will deliver a comprehensive therapy service to patients, families and carers of adults with neurological, respiratory or surgical conditions, rehabilitation and elderly patients referred to the speech and language therapy department.
• The role includes assessment, differential diagnosis, rehabilitation and treatment of communication difficulties, and swallowing difficulties.

Key aspects of the role:

• Deliver a full therapy service across a defined caseload.
• Work autonomously within professional boundaries and seek advice where indicated.
• Collaborate closely with a clinical supervisor and the adult SLT team to optimise patient care and service delivery across the patient pathway.
• Support SLT students and provide training across the multidisciplinary team.
• Pursue further competency development in dysphagia, VFSS, tracheostomy, critical care and FEES as part of a bespoke trajectory.

Person Specification – Education & Qualifications

• BSc in Speech and Language Science or equivalent (including Dip. CST).
• HCPC licence to practice and eligibility for the full RCSLT register.
• Successful completion of specialist short courses relevant to adults with acquired speech, language, communication and/or eating and swallowing disorders.

Person Specification – Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of one year’s post‑registration experience relevant to disorders seen in an acute adult caseload.
• Experience of working in a team.
• Knowledge of specialist assessment tools and procedures for communication, speech and language skills in acute adults.
• Understanding of key characteristics for a specialist differential diagnosis of acquired communication and swallowing disorders.
• Knowledge of specialist therapeutic interventions for acquired communication disorders, with awareness of the evidence base.
• Understanding of dysphagia assessment and treatment options, both informal and formal techniques.
• Awareness of local cultural, linguistic and demographic factors affecting client management.
• Knowledge of multidisciplinary team approaches and mentoring less experienced SLTs and support staff.
• Basic understanding of clinical governance principles.
• Ability to support clients and carers with challenging behaviour, mental health needs or high levels of distress.
• Skill in delivering presentations and training, adapting style to diverse audiences.

Person Specification – Skills & Abilities

• Communicates complex, sensitive information effectively.
• Uses information from multiple sources to understand the wider picture and demonstrates holistic thinking.

Person Specification – Personal Qualities

• Flexibility.
• Ability to reflect on practice.
• Negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
• Organisational skills.
• Effective self‑management.

Safeguarding Children and Adults

• In line with the Trust’s safeguarding policies, staff must:
• Familiarise themselves with and comply with the London Child Protection Procedures and protocols.
• Familiarise themselves with and comply with the London Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Pan‑London Procedures.
• Comply with local protocols and systems for information sharing.
• Know the appropriate contact numbers and reporting lines.
• Participate in required training and supervision.
• Adhere to professional boundaries and codes of conduct.

Equal Opportunities

Whittington Health serves a diverse population and is committed to fair and equal access to all services. We value differences in age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups. The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on any protected characteristic.

Other Requirements

• Applicants must have appropriate UK professional registration.
• The role may require a subject to disclosure, as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.