About the Organisation
NHS Orkney is committed to delivering excellent care to our 22,000 residents. Whether you’re new to the NHS or bringing experience from elsewhere, your skills will make a real difference.
About Orkney
With over 70 islands – 20 of them inhabited – Orkney offers a unique blend of natural beauty, close‑knit community and an opportunity for adventure. From dramatic coastlines and rare wildlife to rich cultural traditions and active lifestyles, it’s a place where compassion thrives and every day brings something new. Regularly named one of the UK’s best places to live, Orkney offers a lifestyle that’s both fulfilling and inspiring.
The Position
This post is the Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for the adult population in Orkney. The post holder is responsible for leading, developing, and delivering a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapy service. There are established links with Grampian SLT and other services for management of specific conditions and clinical pathways.
The post holder is required to work across a number of different settings including The Balfour, care homes, patient homes, and other community settings. Developing and delivering training is expected in both acute and community settings.
The Speech and Language Therapy Team in Orkney has 5.35 WTE SLT staff for adults and children. The post holder works collaboratively with the Lead Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapist, to lead and manage the Speech and Language Therapy department. You will be supported in your role by the Lead AHP for Adults.
The Candidate
The role requires highly specialist knowledge of complex dysphagia and communication difficulties across a variety of conditions including stroke, progressive neurological conditions, dementia and voice disorders.
The successful candidate will have:
* A degree or equivalent in Speech and Language Therapy/Pathology.
* Master’s level post‑registration training and/or qualifications in dysphagia management.
* At least three years’ experience working at a senior level.
* Excellent communication skills and ability to work autonomously and flexibly.
* Access to transport and a full driving licence (or reasonable adjustments if unable to drive).
* Experience with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (desirable).
Location, Working Pattern and Contract Duration
Based at The Balfour.
Full Time – 36 hours per week.
Permanent. Fixed term, secondment or hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Condition: Must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post.
Benefits and Salary
Salary: Band 7.
Distant Islands Allowance: £1,719 pro rata per annum (if residing on Orkney).
NHS Orkney also offers an attractive pension scheme, work‑life balance policies, employee assistance programme, and various discounts to local and national retailers.
Further Information
We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. For more guidance, refer to our Candidate Application Pack.
To learn more about the opportunity, contact Fay Morrice, Lead Adult Speech and Language Therapist, (01856) 888329 or email fay.morrice@nhs.scot.
Equal Opportunities
NHS Orkney is an equal opportunities employer committed to advancing equality and particularly welcomes applications from groups underrepresented within the workforce. We are a committed participant in the Disability Confident Leader Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for our vacancies.
Other
Applicants should provide original and authentic responses to all application questions. Use of AI or third‑party assistance is strongly discouraged. Failure to comply may result in application withdrawal. This advert may close early if sufficient applications are received. This post is eligible for relocation assistance.
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