Speech and Language Therapist Specialist in Adult Community, Band 7
Closing date: 06 July 2026.
We are a small, friendly and supportive team providing speech and language therapy to adults in the community based at Hadleigh Clinic (near Southend on Sea) in South East Essex. We are looking for an experienced, confident, and motivated Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist to assess and treat people with a range of acquired and progressive neurological conditions, non‑neurological conditions, and voice disorders.
Applicants must be fully dysphagia trained, have at least 4 years of experience as a qualified speech and language therapist, hold current HCPC registration, and be able to travel across the Trust by car with a valid UK driving licence.
Main Duties
* Provide assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing disorders in adults.
* Plan and deliver programmes of therapy activities, demonstrating techniques to patients, families and staff.
* Participate in telephone triage and adapt to face‑to‑face, clinic, home or hybrid working as required.
* Support, supervise and mentor less experienced therapists and assistant practitioners.
* Maintain accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local guidelines.
* Submit activity data using SystmOne regularly and promptly.
* Ensure smooth handover of care and provide reports to other health professionals.
* Use appropriate outcome measures to evaluate clinical effectiveness.
* Participate in service risk management, quality standards setting and audit projects.
* Adopt a person‑centred approach, adapting practice to meet needs of patients and carers, including disability, culture and education.
Education and Qualifications
* Recognised speech and language therapy degree or equivalent.
* Health & Care Professions Council registration number.
* Completion of RCSLT dysphagia competencies.
* Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
* Successful completion of a post‑basic dysphagia course recognised by the RCSLT.
Knowledge
* Specialist knowledge of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions for adult neurological speech and language disorders.
* Specialist knowledge of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions for adult neurological swallowing disorders.
* Knowledge of national policies, procedures and current research relevant to caseloads.
* Awareness of principles of clinical governance and audit.
* Awareness of record‑keeping and confidentiality standards.
* Understanding of cultural and linguistic issues in a multi‑cultural caseload.
Skills & Experience
* At least 3 years experience working with a specialist adult caseload.
* Experience as part of a multidisciplinary team and good team‑working skills.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, sensitivity, observation, listening and empathy.
* Negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
* Analytical and reflective skills.
* Strong written and verbal presentation skills.
* Ability to work independently and take initiative.
* Ability to prioritise workload demands.
* Experience of supporting and supervising less experienced therapists and students.
* Time‑management skills.
* Composure in emergency situations.
Additional Requirements
* Physical ability to move, sit and stand in various positions to deliver treatment.
* Current full UK driving licence and access to a car to travel across Trust sites.
Benefits
* Season Ticket Loans.
* NHS discounts for staff.
* Excellent training facilities and opportunities.
* Leaving and buying annual leave scheme.
* Opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge in other areas.
* Salary sacrifice schemes including lease cars and cycle to work.
* Day‑one flexible work arrangements.
* Flexible working options from first day.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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