Developing Speech and Language Therapist

Go back Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 08 April 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and highly motivated Speech and Language Therapist to join our friendly Speech and Language Therapy Team for one year to cover maternity leave.

The post holder will provide an effective, evidenced-based Speech and Language Therapy Service to their own caseload of acute adult in-patients with acquired swallowing and communication difficulties. The post-holder will work across all Specialities and work as part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team.

To demonstrate the ability to manage an autonomous caseload on the acute wards. This will include the assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment and management of acquired adult swallowing and communication disorders.

To demonstrate development of specialist knowledge in this clinical area, underpinned by current evidence based practice and outcome measures.

To demonstrate the ability to work independently, or as part of a team, in the management of patients with communication and swallowing difficulties.

To demonstrate highly developed auditory and perceptual skills in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients.

To apply knowledge to inform sound clinical judgements / decision making for case management, developing clear care plans based on best practice.

To communicate complex condition related information from assessment to patients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team / other professions, demonstrating empathy and ensuring that effective communication is achieved.

Development and staff wellbeing

Your growthand personal happinessmattersto us. After all, we can't expect the best from you if we don't invest in your development and nurture your wellbeing. From the moment you join us, we're committed to fostering your professional and personal development within a supportive, empowering environment. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance further, we provide you with the tools and opportunities you need to succeed. We actively support colleagues to take part in research, quality improvement and innovation, whatever their role or level in the organisation.

To support your wellbeing, we offer an extensive range of resources, including an on-site staff nursery at Kingston Hospital, wellbeing practitioners, regular wellbeing classes, dedicated staff physiotherapist, comprehensive occupational health services, 24/7 employee assistance programme, and a range of other support and activities.

We also take every opportunity to thank and recognise the work our teams do, through weekly 'shoutouts' and patient feedback, monthly and annual awards.

Wherever you work across our organisation, we look forward to welcoming you.

At KRFT we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.

Please see the attached supporting document/s which contains more information about the role in the job description and person specification

NB: ensure your supporting statement aligns with the job description and person specification, as your application will be assessed against these criteria.

• Recognised degree or equivalent in Speech & Language Therapy
• Registered with the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health Professions Council (HcPC); HcPC licence to practice and eligible for full RCSLT register
• Post-graduate qualification (eg post graduate diploma or certificate at Basic or Intermediate level) in Dysphagia
• Relevant post-graduate Speech & Language Therapy practice with adults with acquired neurological disorders, including Dysphagia and Dysphasia
• Experience of Speech & Language Therapy practice with adult patients in an acute hospital
• Experience of team-working
• Ability to work in a busy, high pressured environment and to prioritise own workload
• Experience of taking part in audits or quality improvement projects
• Experience of training students

• Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
• Good presentation skills, both written and verbal
• The meaning and practice of Clinical Governance, audit and standards
• Standards in acute Speech & Language Therapy care of patients with acquired communication and swallowing problems

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.

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust

£44,485 to £52,521 a year Pro rata, pa, incl. HCAS