Speech & Language Therapist
Closing date: 07 May 2026
We are looking for a Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our Acute Inpatient Services during maternity leave cover. The role is based full‑time in the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service within University Hospitals of Leicester, providing input to the acute inpatient services at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital, Glenfield Hospital and Preston Lodge as needed. Flexible working options will be considered.
The successful candidate will work alongside an Operational Lead Speech and Language Therapist and will lead a team of Band 5 and Band 6 Speech and Language Therapists and a developing Speech and Language Therapy Advanced Support Worker. A key focus is to provide clinical support across UHL sites and to lead in the development of junior staff through RCSLT competency pathways, particularly in dysphagia.
An ability and willingness to travel across UHL sites is essential.
Responsibilities
* Work independently with adults with a range of acquired and often complex communication and swallowing disorders, their carers and the multidisciplinary team.
* Support morning processes and caseload prioritisation discussions.
* Contribute to regular team meetings.
* Lead dysphagia competency training for junior staff.
* Line‑manage the team.
* Provide clinical supervision.
* Undertake clinical audit and service development projects.
* Support the wider service by providing a community videofluoroscopy clinic on rota.
* Work closely with specialist Speech and Language Therapy colleagues in stroke, neurology, critical care and head and neck cancer.
* Support patients with dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, respiratory conditions, cancer and infectious diseases.
Qualifications & Experience
* Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent.
* Registration with the Health and Care Professionals Council.
* Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
* Leadership/management training.
* Competencies in videofluoroscopy and/or tracheostomy care.
* Experience in acute care with complex dysphagia.
* Evidence of lead or line‑management experience.
* Experience in contributing to policy, planning, and service development.
* Knowledge of clinical governance, audit, and research principles.
* Strong interpersonal, analytical, organisational, negotiation and presentation skills.
Physical Requirements
* Travel independently across UHL sites.
* Frequent sitting in a restricted position at a workstation for periods of the day.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check to confirm there are no previous criminal convictions.
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