Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist
The closing date is 29 April 2026
The post holder will be responsible for delivering specialist speech and language therapy support within the Family Integrated Care model to infants and families on the neonatal unit and the paediatric ward at The Princess Alexandra Hospital. The role involves the assessment, differential diagnosis and management of early communication and feeding challenges associated with prematurity and health conditions of babies admitted to the neonatal unit and children within Dolphin Ward. The post holder will work as an integral member of the neonatal/paediatric multidisciplinary team, working closely alongside Neonatal Consultants and Nursing Teams, the Infant Feeding Team, Allied Health Professionals and Psychology Team (local and ODN), and families to provide evidence‑based care.
Main duties of the job
* Provide specialist assessment and management of feeding, swallowing, and early communication difficulties in neonates and children.
* Develop and implement therapy programmes based on current evidence and clinical knowledge.
* Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic care planning and timely discharge.
* Communicate effectively with families, often around complex and emotionally sensitive issues.
* Participate in developmental care practices and contribute to service development and audit.
* Deliver training and supervision to junior SLT staff and other MDT members.
* Maintain professional standards and competencies in line with RCSLT and HCPC guidelines.
* Identify and manage feeding difficulties, swallow dysfunction and dysphagia in neonates.
* Conduct autonomous assessments and provide specialist advice and treatment.
* Support the MDT in recognising early communication needs and planning interventions.
* Maintain comprehensive knowledge of neonatal conditions and their impact on feeding and communication.
* Liaise effectively with internal and external professionals to ensure integrated service delivery.
* Ensure safe and effective use of SLT equipment and contribute to policy development.
* Participate in strategic planning and service evaluation with Unit Leads and Head of Therapies.
* Lead and contribute to audits, research projects and service improvement initiatives.
* Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to data collection and reporting.
* Uphold clinical governance, health and safety and risk management standards.
Key working relationships
* Paediatric Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy team
* Neonatal staff (support staff, nurses, doctors and consultants)
* Other Allied Health Professionals, departments and services within the Trust
* Paediatric/neonatal staff from local acute and community services
* Social Services, GPs and other community and voluntary agencies
* Higher Education Institutions
* Professional bodies and the Neonatal Operational Delivery Network (ODN)
Qualifications
* Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent
* RCSLT Registration
* HCPC Registration
* Post‑qualification training in paediatric dysphagia
* Experience working at Paediatric Dysphagia Competency Level C
* Completion of HEE modules (Introduction to Neonatal Care and Speech Language Therapy modules)
* Membership of relevant clinical excellence networks (CENs) e.g.,
* Experience working at Paediatric Dysphagia Competency Level D
* Experience working at Neonatal Dysphagia Competency Level C
Experience
* Experience working with neonates and infants and/or children with complex needs
* Experience of independently managing feeding and swallowing difficulties associated with a neonatal or paediatric caseload
* Experience of working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
* Knowledge of processes and policies relating to work in a neonatal setting
* Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to neonates for assessment, diagnosis, planning and treatment of swallowing difficulties
* Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills
* Ability to recognise own training and supervision needs and use these to further enhance clinical skills
* Ability to interpret and apply evidence‑based practice in clinical work
* Understanding of the roles of other professionals working on the neonatal unit
* Knowledge of standards of record keeping
* Experience working in a neonatal or acute setting
Benefits
* Development opportunities
* Flexible working
* Strong focus on wellbeing
Equity and Diversity
As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
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