Specialist Speech & Language Therapist

As a

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, you will be responsible for applying

advanced clinical expertise to address complex eating, drinking, swallowing,

and communication disorders, ensuring that appropriate specialist techniques

are used to meet individual clinical requirements. You will be managing and

contributing to instrumental investigations, including Videofluoroscopy and

Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), alongside the wider

Speech and Language Therapy team at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. You will be

supporting individuals with communication difficulties to express their

preferences and participate meaningfully in decisions regarding their care and

advance care planning. You will also be responsible for providing specialist

advice to colleagues, patients, and carers, while contributing to clinical

audits and quality improvement projects to strengthen service standards.

Additionally, you will be supporting the professional development of Speech and

Language Therapy and wider healthcare colleagues through clinical leadership,

shared learning, joint working, and training activities.

independently assess complex clinical presentations, formulate differential

diagnoses, and evaluate specialist treatment outcomes using evidence-based

practice and appropriate outcome measures. To manage caseload priorities

efficiently, arrange clinical cover when required, and seek or provide second

opinions to support sound clinical decision-making.

maintain comprehensive clinical documentation, specialist care plans, and

reports in accordance with RCSLT professional standards and Trust policies. To

ensure accurate clinical activity records, protect sensitive information, and

communicate complex information sensitively to support informed consent and

patient participation.

provide tailored guidance to individuals with cognitive, language, learning, or

behavioural difficulties, ensuring their needs are considered when discussing

clinical matters. To facilitate access to appropriate health and social care

services, offer empathetic support to patients and carers, and respond

constructively to initial complaints or concerns.

undertake operational leadership responsibilities by deputising for the

Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist when required. To organise

team workloads, allocate staff according to service priorities, contribute to

competency and performance reviews, identify service pressures, and advise the

line manager on operational requirements.

coordinate professional learning by identifying workforce development needs,

organising training activities, and mentoring junior Speech and Language

Therapists. To supervise student placements, develop and evaluate educational

programmes for healthcare professionals and students, maintain a personal CPD

portfolio, and participate in relevant professional development activities.

contribute to clinical governance and strategic planning by initiating audits,

participating in research projects, analysing service data, and recommending

improvements to policies and working practices. To monitor clinical risks,

promote health and safety and infection control, maintain equipment security

and stock levels, and ensure compliance with national guidance, Trust

procedures, and professional standards.

Here at NHS Professionals, we run England's largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.

Career Progression access to Learning & Development opportunities, so that you can take on new roles and challenges

Work-life Balance flexible shifts, committed shifts, wellbeing resources and build paid annual leave

Opportunity & Access over 50 partner NHS Trusts to give you the flexibility of choice to work how and where you want

Qualifications