Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Annex 21)
The closing date is 05 June 2026
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Complex Rehabilitation
Band 6 (Annex 21 will be considered)
22.5 hours per week
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, person-centered speech and language therapist with a passion for rehabilitation. We have an exciting opportunity for a band 6 speech and language therapist looking to develop specialist skills in the rehabilitation of complex communication and swallowing disorders, within a close interdisciplinary team at Seddon Specialist Rehabilitation Unit. We would also consider a development opportunity for an experienced band 5 therapist looking for an opportunity to progress to a band 6 post within complex rehabilitation.
We are looking for a speech and language therapist that is committed to delivering quality, person-centered rehabilitation to maximise independence and help people to rebuild their lives following complex illness or injury. As part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network (CMRN), we provide individually tailored intervention programmes to suit the needs of patients who have suffered traumatic and life-changing diagnoses. We are a motivated, forward-thinking interdisciplinary team that is led by a Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine.
The JD & PS are currently under AfC review and are subject to change.
Main duties of the job
The role involves working with adults with acquired and progressive neurological conditions, and requires knowledge and understanding of the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. The role also involves a complex dysphagia caseload and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop skills in swallowing rehabilitation and dysphagia management alongside a band 7 speech and language therapist. Opportunities to develop skills in videofluoscopy will also be provided.
The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and listener with a compassionate nature and commitment to delivering outstanding patient care, be willing to go the extra mile and think outside of the box. A flexible approach is essential to meet the demands of the service. You will be keen to develop your assessment and intervention skills for patients with complex communication and swallowing disorders and be able to work as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team.
We offer an excellent staff supervision system enabling our team to develop both the service and themselves. Support from a Band 7 Speech and language therapist will be provided as well as opportunities for CPD within MWL and across CMRN.
All posts are subjected to medicals and enhanced CRB checks. Please note that if you are successful you will be expected to pay for the cost of the enhanced CRB disclosure which is £44 and will be deducted from your first salary.
About us
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 10,500 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
Our services:
Acute Care
Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.
Primary Care
Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.
Community Services
Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.
Specialist Regional Services
We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.
Achievements:
* Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
* Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
* National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme.
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
* To be professional and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients/clients in your care.
* To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients/clients under your care, and support more junior staff to do likewise.
* To undertake a comprehensive assessment of patients/clients including those with diverse or complex presentations/multi pathologies; use specialist clinical reasoning skills and appropriate assessment techniques to provide an accurate diagnosis of their condition
* Formulate and deliver an individual treatment programme using assessment, reasoning skills and treatment skills based on a sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options. Formulate an initial diagnosis and prognoses in order to recommend best course of intervention and develop comprehensive discharge plans
* To take delegated responsibility from the Band 7 clinician for managing patients/clients with particular conditions and be responsible for providing specialist assessment and treatment plans for patients with these conditions.
* Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes as required
* To have the ability to undertake self-directed/lone working in a variety of locations
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Degree in Speech & Language Therapy
* HCPC registration
* Clinical Educators Certificate or equivalent/experience (Annex 21)
Experience
* Advanced clinical knowledge relevant to the care environment and evidence of evidence based practise in relevant health setting (Annex 21)
* Substantial experience working with adults with acquired swallowing and communication disorders. (Annex 21)
* Experience of working with patients with complex neurological conditions.
* Awareness of own strengths and limitations
* Knowledge of relevant national policies and guidance and relevant assessment tools
* Evidence of effective working within an MDT
* Experience of Service development (Annex 21)
* Demonstrate experience of problem solving approaches
* Demonstrates continuous Professional Development
* Audit and research in a clinical area (Annex 21)
Skills
* Knowledge of evidence-based assessment tools and therapeutic interventions relevant to acquired speech and language disorders in adults
* Knowledge of evidence-based assessment tools and therapeutic interventions relevant to acquired swallowing disorders in adults
* Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
* Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
* Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of settings
* Accurate record keeping, report writing and IT skills including presentation skills
* Have a flexible approach to working with good time management
Other
* Ability to travel various hospital locations by own car/ assisted driver
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
£39,959 to £48,117 a yearper annum pro rata
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