Adult Speech and Language Therapist Development Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for two experienced B6 Speech and Language Therapists (or B5 to B6 Development role) to join our Adult SLT Service. One post is based at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, working on our Hyper Acute Stroke Unit. The other post is based in our Community Team (East and North Herts). Our service is unique in that we cover Acute, Acute Stroke, Inpatient Neuro-Rehab and Community so this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from a large team of experienced therapists across different specialisms. You will be supported by Clinical Lead SLTs and work with SLTs and SLTas. There is potential for this role to be rotational.
We welcome applications from more experienced therapists and those already working at Band 6 level as well as B5 SLTs and newly qualified graduates who have an interest in adult-acquired conditions. These roles can be offered as developmental Band 5 to Band 6 roles. Newly qualified SLTs will be supported to complete a competency framework, then once achieved will be transferred to a Band 6 role without the need for additional recruitment. We will support you with your dysphagia competencies by sending you on an external accredited dysphagia course and in-house training.
The Stroke Service offers a 7 day service therefore the applicant may be expected to work on a 7 day rota.
*Proposed interview date: 14-Nov-2025*
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will need:
* A degree in Speech & Language Therapy or soon to qualify
* HCPC Registration or waiting registration
* At Band 6 - experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist with individuals with adult-acquired disorders e.g. Stroke, TBI, progressive neurological conditions, Voice, Dementia.
* At Band 6 - experience of dysphagia, evidence of completion of post graduate dysphagia competencies
* If required at Band 5 Level - Commitment to undertake post graduate Dysphagia training to be able to practice dysphagia autonomously across acute and community settings
* At Band 5 - knowledge of and an interest/experience in working as a Speech and Language Therapist with acquired disorders e.g. progressive neurological conditions, Stroke, TBI, Voice, Fluency, Dementia, Dysphagia
* Knowledge of relevant local and national policy and directives
The Speech and Language Therapy Service in East & North Hertfordshire is an integrated acute and community service covering community clinics, inpatient Neurological Rehabilitation and the Acute and Stroke teams based at the Lister Hospital.
About us
A big thank you for considering joining us at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. You'll find it a great place to work with many benefits offered to you as a member of our staff. We put our patients, their families and carers at the centre of our vision - Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities.
Our staff are proud to be Innovative, Caring and Agile in their work to help achieve the Trust vision. We welcome diversity in our workforce and are interested in applicants from all backgrounds.
We don't want you to miss out so we'd like you to know that if we have a high level of interest in this role, the vacancy may close prior to the advertised closing date, so please make your application as soon as possible - Apply now
You've made a great decision to apply to join to HCT - we're looking forward to taking the next steps of the journey with you.
Job responsibilities
The SLT service offers the following:
* Regular whole service and local team meetings
* Multidisciplinary team working
* Regular clinical supervision and annual appraisal
* Access to clinical leads for advice/support ENT/Head and Neck Cancer, Fluency, Dysphagia, Progressive Neurological disorders, Stroke, Dementia
* In-service training, CPD support and opportunities for development
* Encouragement to participate in service development projects
* Excellent AAC provision and links to regional Hubs
* Use of SystmOne as electronic patient record and mobile working
* 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service) plus bank holidays (pro rata where applicable)
* One of the UK's best pension schemes
* Special Leave for family and personal reasons
* NHS Car Lease Scheme
* Eye Care Vouchers
* Employee Assistance Programme
* NHS Discounts
* Hertfordshire has good transport links to London and the surrounding areas
We value our staff and see clinical supervision as a priority both through senior supervision and peer support models. Annual appraisal and personal objective setting is a Trust priority.
The post-holders will work closely with the Speech and Language Therapy team and the wider Multi-Disciplinary Team to provide assessment, diagnosis and management of adults with acquired communication and swallowing needs and demonstrating effective clinical practice through continued learning, reflective practice and supervision. The post-holders will also be involved in providing support for more junior members of the team including newly qualified SLTs and SLTAs.
Full details in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
A full valid driving licence and access to a car to use regularly for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
Whilst it is not a legal requirement, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust encourages and supports all staff to be vaccinated as this remains the best line of defence against COVID-19.
Word versions of documents are available if needed to allow for any adaptations to be made i.e. font, colour, background, convert to read aloud.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
* Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree
* Health Professions Council licence to practise
* Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
* Achievement of Dysphagia competencies
* Evidence of successful completion of specialist post graduate short courses relevant to the adult caseload
* Membership/attendance Special Interest Groups relevant to the post
Skills
* Good presentation skills in both verbal and written form
* Good organisational skills including prioritisation
* Ability to independently integrate complex information to manage individual clients
* Highly developed hearing, concentration and perceptual skills
* Ability to transcribe/analyse speech phonetically
* Ability to negotiate with and influence people
Experience
* Experience relevant to an adult caseload
* Management of dysphagia in acute, rehabilitation, community, OP settings
* Able to demonstrate the application of in depth, new and ongoing learning and experience to clinical practice
* Well-established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to an adult client group including: Dysphagia/Dysphasia/Dysarthria/ Dyspraxia/Dysphonia/Dysfluency/Dysgraphia/ Dyslexia/Dementia
* Well-established knowledge of a range of relevant therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group (as above)
* Knowledge of professional standards including record keeping
* Well-established knowledge of the management of people with progressive neurological conditions
* Knowledge of the range and applications of communication aids
* Knowledge of the application and protocol for use of videofluoroscopy
* A good understanding of the roles of other professionals in acute, rehabilitation and community settings
* Well-established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to adults
* Attainment of Videofluoroscopy competencies
Personal Qualities
* Demonstrates an ability to be an effective team member
* High level of interpersonal communication skills including observation, listening, empathy and sensitivity
* Ability to manage the emotional consequences of working with patients with distressing conditions
* Ability to reflect on, analyse and develop own performance
* Ability to self-monitor and seek support/advice as appropriate
* Flexible and adaptable approach to work clinically, professionally and within the organisation
Other Requirements
* A full valid driving licence and access to a car to use for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
* Willingness to uphold the Trust's values
* Eligible to live and work in the UK
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£38,682 to £46,580 a yearper annum pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time,Flexible working,Home or remote working
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