Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist – Care Home Support Team, Hillingdon
We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic, and highly motivated Speech and Language Therapist to join the Care Home Support Team in Hillingdon, supporting residents of care homes.
The successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team, including GPs, Matrons, Care Home Pharmacist, Care of the Elderly Consultant and Dietitian, with borough-wide support.
Responsibilities:
* Manage a caseload of patients referred to the service for management of swallowing or communication difficulties.
* Work closely with all members of the multi‑disciplinary team to prevent hospital admission and contribute to advanced care planning.
* Provide specialist assessment and intervention for swallowing and communication disorders in care home residents.
* Deliver training/teaching to carers, health professionals, and students, with an emphasis on dysphagia management.
* Conduct regular swallow‑safety audits to support and drive excellence in swallow management.
* Co‑supervise junior Speech and Language Therapists and students as needed.
* Co‑lead the Adult SLT service in the management of dysphagia in the community and triage referrals.
* Help develop care protocols, training packages, and a resource bank for assessment and treatment of adult neurological patients in care homes.
CLINICAL
* Use highly specialist clinical skills to manage a complex caseload of adults with communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
* Provide specialist assessment, formulate a hypothesis, and develop interventions to be delivered in patient’s homes.
* Provide appropriate specialist intervention and evaluate outcomes.
* Write comprehensive reports for professional audiences.
* Develop clear care plans and advise based on best practice.
* Involve patients and/or carers in care planning and prioritize meaningful outcomes.
* Provide advice and training to others regarding safe management of swallowing and communication difficulties.
* Work collaboratively with a wide range of professionals across locations and agencies.
* Adapt practice to meet individual patients’ circumstances, considering cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
* Reflect on patient’s communication and identify appropriate strategies to enhance effectiveness.
* Demonstrate clinical effectiveness using evidence‑based practice and outcome measures, and maintain knowledge of current literature.
* Use high‑ and low‑technology communication aids.
* Interpret videofluoroscopies on care home residents as required.
* Manage risk for residents with swallowing difficulties and contribute to ethical decision‑making about feeding choices.
* Co‑supervise students clinically.
TEAM WORKING
* Attend multidisciplinary team meetings and actively promote MDT working.
* Support MDT when undertaking capacity assessments for supported communication techniques.
* Collaborate with MDT on advanced care planning for residents on risk‑acknowledged feeding plans.
* Assume delegated tasks and participate in policy development and interagency team building.
* Work closely with patients, carers, and community healthcare professionals where appropriate.
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
* Employ excellent communication skills to convey complex information.
* Collaborate with clients, carers, and families, ensuring shared decision‑making.
* Use counselling and listening skills when discussing clinical and emotional aspects of care.
* Demonstrate empathy and overcome barriers to communication.
* Use augmentative or alternative communication and interpreter services as needed.
* Demonstrate negotiation skills in the management of conflict.
* Deal with complaints sensitively and seek support to resolve conflicts.
* Build links with local support and community groups.
* Facilitate continuity of care through liaison with relevant agencies.
* Provide training to various audiences on Speech & Language Therapy and specialism areas.
MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE
* Co‑lead the Adult SLT service for dysphagia management in the community.
* Triage and direct referrals to appropriate services.
* Help develop and collate a bank of resources for adult neurological patients.
* Advising line manager on service shortfall or pressure.
* Monitor stock levels and request new equipment as required.
* Ensure safety, maintenance, and infection control of SLT equipment.
* Record loan of equipment and communication aids to patients.
* Evaluate own delivery and be accountable for professional action.
* Work independently within an Individual Performance Review framework.
* Attend specialist short courses, CENs, and advanced training.
* Enhance clinical expertise through self‑reflection and analysis.
* Provide mentoring, advice, and support to junior therapists and others.
* Facilitate development of problem‑solving and negotiation skills within peer review.
* Provide support to students from other health professional groups.
* Offer insights into the role of Speech & Language Therapists at visits and to volunteers.
* Contribute to Team and Departmental meetings and identify training needs.
Please note that this advert closes on Monday 6 Apr 2026.
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