Senior Speech & Language Therapist

NHS; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 59,000; Part time

Job description

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, passionate and driven Band 7 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join us on a part-time basis, in our Community Adult Speech and Language Therapy Team, based in Hounslow. This post is ideal for a Band 6 therapist looking to progress to a specialist level, or an experienced Band 7 therapist who is considering a part-time role. We are seeking inspired and enthusiastic therapists to be a part of our close-working team, and who can help to drive the future of our service. You will be joining a professional, friendly, and experienced team at the Heart of Hounslow, who can provide a range of opportunities for learning and development. We are an innovative team, with a specialist community neuro and voice service, close links to local hospitals with invitations to attend outpatient VFSS, and service development opportunities including group therapy, nursing home training and roll-out and audit of Biozoon.

Main duties of the job

You will develop and apply your specialist skills and knowledge in the management of a mixed communication and dysphagia caseload, of adults with neurological, non-neurological and progressive conditions. You will work closely with another full-time band 7 and lead the speech and language therapy team, contributing to the planning, development and delivery of an effective and efficient service. You will hold responsibility for your own caseload and provide support and guidance to more junior staff in this area. You will lead the speech and language therapy team, in the evaluation and audit of practice, implementation of specific changes to practice or contribute to service protocols/care pathways and liaise with other involved agencies and with clients and carers to provide an integrated service.

In this role, you will provide specialist communication and dysphagia assessment and therapy as an autonomous practitioner, and at times jointly with wider members of the MDT. You will develop and build on skills in the management of progressive neurological conditions, such as MND, PSP and HD, with opportunities to engage in voice-banking, close working with dietetics in complex dysphagia/feeding, and specialist AAC service Compass. Alongside the rest of the team, you will provide shared support to the Hounslow Neuro-Timely service, where patients are offered intensive therapy 3 times per week for up to 6 weeks.

About us

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.

The Trust is rated as 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.

Date posted

17 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£51,883 to £58,544 a year per annum pro rata inclusive of HCAS (Outer)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

222-HCS-610

Job locations

Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health

92 Bath Road

Hounslow

TW3 3LN

Job description Job responsibilities

The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• Diploma or degree leading to RCLST Certificate to practice
• Registered member of RCSLT and Health and Care Professions Council
• Advanced Postgraduate dysphagia training
• Postgraduate training in the area of neuro-rehabilitation

Experience Essential

• Advanced knowledge and skill in the assessment and management of Dysphagia for neurological conditions and for frail and elderly patients including those with Dementia.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in the assessment and management of communication difficulties from a range of Neurological conditions including Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, MS etc.
• Experience of working in a community team and awareness of the issues
• Supervision and support for junior SLT's/staff and students
• Preparing and presenting informal/formal training to other professionals
• Clinical lead for all complex patient care
• Examples of leading and running audits with clear outcome measurement

Desirable

• Experience of working with Voice clients
• Experience with tele-therapy / video consultations
• Experience in managing a team

Skills and abilities Essential

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to the West London core values (Togetherness, Responsibility, Excellence, Caring)
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills
• Ability to teach specific SLT treatment packages and theory to patients/ carers/ others.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team
• Commitment and ability to develop others and self through Supervision/CPD/PDP/In-service training
• Good IT skills
• Ability to prioritise, good time management and organisational skills
• Understand the needs of a multi-ethnic community whilst demonstrating tact, sensitivity and empathy
• To be flexible in approach and responsive to changing demands

Desirable

• Ability to work with interpreters and/or speak another language

Knowledge Essential

• To be familiar with relevant legislation/guidelines relating to the care of clients with a neurological condition
• Knowledge of relevant NSF's and NICE and RCSLT guidance
• To have a good knowledge of a range of assessment and treatment protocols needed to manage those with acquired communication disorders.
• Knowledge of a range of AAC

Desirable

• Knowledge of use of computer software in treatment of dysphasia and dysarthria

Other Essential

• Ability to travel across bases and to patients' homes
• Ability to work as an autonomous, lone practitioner

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

West London NHS Trust

Address

Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health

92 Bath Road

Hounslow

TW3 3LN

Employer's website

https://www.westlondon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)