Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to join the Paediatric Ward and Neonatal Unit at Northwick Park Hospital (NWPH).
In this role, you will be an embedded member of the neonatal multidisciplinary team, working closely with AHPs, nursing, and medical staff. You will contribute to day-to-day care and decision-making for preterm infants and their families in supporting their feeding and early communication journey.
You will also have the opportunity to lead and contribute to quality improvement projects within the neonatal unit and maintain close links with the Operational Delivery Network (ODN) and the wider neonatal therapist network.
This role includes a supervisory element in supporting the develop of community dysphagia therapists, contributing to the growth of clinical expertise across settings.
The role also involves the assessment and management of dysphagia and communication for the inpatient Paediatric Ward.
Northwick Park Hospital serves a culturally rich and diverse population, and our multidisciplinary teams proudly reflect this diversity. We are committed to providing equitable, inclusive care and welcome applicants who share this ethos.
Main duties of the job
•Providehighlyspecialistassessment, differentialdiagnosis, andintervention for pre-term infants, baby’s, children and young people (BCYP)with complex communicationand swallowing needs in the acute setting.
•Demonstrate flexibilityandindependently prioritiseclinicalneedsandmanage time effectively to ensure a timely and responsive service, including attendance at ward rounds.
•Provideinformation andhighlyspecialist advicetoBCYP,theirfamilies,and other professionals involved in their care.
•Participate inmultidisciplinaryplanning andmanagement toachieve BY goals
•Handlecomplexissuesskillfully,negotiatingwhennecessary,andgenerating informed, evidence-basedsolutions tosupport thebest outcomes for BCYP and their families.
•Adaptpracticetomeetindividual BCYP'scircumstances,withdue consideration for cultural and linguistic differences.
•Applyhighlyspecialist skillsintheassessment andmanagement ofBCYP with feeding and swallowing difficulties.
•Maintain astrongcommitment todevelopingexpertiseinacutepaediatric and neonatal dysphagia, ensuring practice isunderpinned bythelatest evidence- based research.
•Takealeadingroleinservicedevelopmentwithintheacutesettingand contribute to the design and delivery of specialist training
Working for our organisation
CNWL's Harrow Speech and Language Therapy Team:
•CNWL's Team of the Year (2023-24)
•A large, supportive, and sociable MDT team with over 35 Paediatric Therapists
•Committed to staff well-being
•Easily accessible via public transport from central London
•Providing services across both community and acute settings
We offer:
•A warm welcome
•Flexible working arrangements
•A structured induction programme
•Excellent levels of support and supervision
•A wide range of CPD opportunities
•Easy access to clinical specialists across all areas
•Opportunities to participate in innovative project work across acute and community settings
•We especially welcome applications from individuals who identify as Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we strive to improve representation.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Education & Qualifications (Essential)
1. Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent
2. Evidence Neonatal SLT competencies
3. Postgraduate training in Paediatric Dysphagia (Level 5/C Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework)
4. Health and Care Professions Council registration – License to Practice
5. Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
6. Membership in relevant CEN groups
7. Evidence of CPD and relevant short courses in paediatric/infant feeding and children with complex communication needs, special needs, or disabilities
Experience
8. Proven postgraduate training and experience with BCYP’s and their families managing dysphagia within an acute setting.
9. Experience working within a multidisciplinary team
10. Assessment, treatment, and management of BCYP with complex communication difficulties and swallowing needs
11. Collaborating with parents, carers, and families
12. Clinical documentation: Writing clinical notes and reports
13. Experience managing own caseload, teaching professionals and parents, conducting clinical audits, supervising SLTs and SLTAs, training SLT students, and leading audit/research projects
Knowledge & Skills
14. Knowledge of relevant assessment tools for premature neonates, infants, and children with complex medical conditions
15. Expertise in therapeutic interventions relevant to this client group
16. Strong interpersonal skills, including observation, listening, and empathy, ensuring effective communication with BCYP and families
17. Excellent written and spoken English with strong verbal and written presentation skills
18. Competent IT skills
19. Problem-solving and negotiation skills
20. Strong analytical and reflective skills
21. Organisational skills, with the ability to work in an unpredictable environment and prioritise workload independently
22. Understanding of multidisciplinary team roles in an acute setting
23. Cultural awareness when working with non-English-speaking service users and diverse backgrounds
24. Knowledge of national policies and procedures, particularly safeguarding children, SEN and Disability Act for children, the Children and Families Act 2014, UNICEF BFI, and FIC
25. Understanding of clinical governance and audit principles
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download