Band 7 – Speech and Language Therapist, Speech Therapy
The closing date is 23 April 2026.
We are looking for an experienced Speech & Language Therapist for a full‑time role in the Acute Inpatient wards at Watford General Hospital.
The successful candidate will work with a friendly team of seven Speech and Language Therapists and will lead and support a team of Band 5 and 6 therapists in managing the caseload of stroke and acute patients.
Working knowledge and experience of Videofluoroscopy and Tracheostomy are highly desirable for this role.
You will work closely with other Speech and Language Therapists and the wider multidisciplinary team.
Main duties
The post‑holder must be able 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 provides both acute and stroke services to this busy hospital and supports continuous professional development and clinical governance.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
* An appropriate qualification to practise as a Speech and Language Therapist.
* Health and Care Professions Council licence to practice.
* Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
* Dysphagia‑trained to an advanced level.
* Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses and/or relevant experience up to master’s degree equivalent.
* Membership/attendance at relevant Special Interest Groups.
Knowledge
* In‑depth knowledge of a broad range of assessment tools relevant to the adult client group including dysphagia, dysphasia, dysarthria, dyspraxia, dysphonia, dysfluency, dysgraphia, dyslexia, dementia.
* In‑depth knowledge of appropriate therapeutic interventions and an ability to analyse comparative benefits for clients.
* In‑depth knowledge of the management of people with neurological conditions in stroke settings.
* Experience in the provision of training to a wide range of groups and people.
* In‑depth knowledge of the range and applications of communication aids in stroke settings.
* In‑depth knowledge and experience in videofluoroscopy.
* Well‑established knowledge of RCSLT standards of practice including record keeping.
* A good understanding of the roles of other professionals in stroke, rehabilitation and community settings.
* In‑depth knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to adults.
* In‑depth knowledge of research and audit systems relevant to the profession and ability to apply to practice/service.
* In‑depth knowledge of the principles of clinical governance.
* Experience working with patients with tracheostomy.
* In‑depth experience and knowledge of FEES.
Experience
* Substantive experience in the area of adult work.
* Highly specialist experience of the management of dysphagia in stroke/acute settings.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net. 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.
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 three weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Please note that this advert is active until 23 April 2026.
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