Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Successful applicants will be required to demonstrate alignment with the Trust's values & the behaviours aligned to those values - Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment, alongside fulfilling the duties detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Degree and Licence to Practise from the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
• Current registered membership of HCPC and RCSLT

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of competency level C of the RCSLT Dysphagia Competency Framework
• Advanced dysphagia qualification /post graduate paediatric dysphagia training e.g. Manchester Post Basic Dysphagia Course
• Evidence of completion of highly specialist short courses in dysphagia management
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses up to Masters degree or equivalent
• Membership of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs)

Skills

Essential criteria

• Demonstrates analytical and reflection skills
• Able to synthesise and present complex information at a service level
• Understanding of National Service Frameworks and NICE guidance relevant to care setting and its application across health care services
• Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of National Policies and Procedures relevant to Health, Social Services and Education
• Knowledge of standards of record keeping and ability to audit this in own team
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation skills and ability to facilitate these skills in others
• Well established knowledge of a broad range assessment tools relevant to the specialist client group
• Knowledge of general developmental and SLT specific milestones
• Religious, Cultural and Linguistic issues impacting upon caseload management
• Knowledge of and adherence to professional standards as set out by HCPC

Key Attributes

Essential criteria

• Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
• Highly developed negotiation and problem-solving skills in complex situations and ability to facilitate these skills in others
• Demonstrates the ability to be a good team member
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals and the principles of partnership working with key stakeholders in the service area
• Responsive to change and ideas and adaptive and creative within new systems
• Pro-active in identifying change to progress service delivery, negotiating with others for an action plan and completion
• Ability to deal with and resolve conflict
• Sensitivity to others' differing needs
• Demonstrates excellent analytical and reflection skills
• Well-developed concentration skills
• Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
• Good auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically
• Manual dexterity sufficient to carry out physical swallowing assessment, use high- and low-tech assessment equipment and signing
• IT literate and able to use a range of specialist programmes

Experience

Essential criteria

• Post graduate paediatric dysphagia experience including non-oral feeding
• In-depth experience within specialist area/area of service delivery and dysphagia
• Experience of multi-disciplinary and inter agency working
• Experience of providing a range of care planning necessary to address the dysphagia and complex needs of children and young people
• Experience of assessment to identify the communication needs of children and young people on the caseload
• Experience of planning, organising and delivering training programmes
• Experience of supporting children, families and schools in line with the Children and Families Act 2014 including contribution to statutory assessments (Education Health and Care Plan Needs Assessments), contribution to the annual review process and delivery of SALT provision as specified in Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

Desirable criteria

• Experience working as a specialist speech & language therapist in relevant clinical specialism in last 12 months

We review all applications carefully to ensure fairness and verify references. At interview, you will be asked about your experience, so be honest and ensure all information is accurate. The use of AI during interviews is not permitted.

If you use AI or other tools to support your application, it must reflect your own skills, knowledge, and experience. Supporting information should be in your own words and include your personal insights. AI can assist with drafting but may produce generic or inaccurate content. Applications that rely heavily on AI may lack authenticity and reduce your chances of success.

Due to high application volumes, this vacancy may close early. Please apply promptly if you meet the Person Specification. Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the criteria will be shortlisted. Interview details will be emailed after the closing date - please check your inbox regularly.

CLCH Trust does not recommend relying solely on AI when completing your application.

CLCH Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

CLCH is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for providing exceptional patient care. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining talent from all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident employer, we pledge to:
• Guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role.
• Provide reasonable adjustments to support diverse needs throughout the recruitment and employment process.
• Challenge misconceptions about disability and foster an inclusive culture for everyone.

We are committed to building a workplace where all staff feel valued and have the opportunity to thrive. Simply let us know how we can support you.

Learn more about our equal opportunities policy on our website: Equal opportunities: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust