Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 15 December 2025

To provide an effective and evidence-based Speech & Language service to patients with communication and swallowing difficulties. The post-holder will work as a specialist, autonomous practitioner, and participate in the development and monitoring of the SLT service to the medical and surgical wards and the SLT In-Patient team. The post-holder will also be expected to continue to develop their specialist skills and to deputise for the Principal SLT as requested. Supervision / management of other SLT teams during periods of sickness / annual leave may also be required.

To provide a specialist evidence-based Speech & Language Therapy service to the medical and surgical wards, for patients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties.

To demonstrate specialist knowledge in the clinical area of dysphagia and acquired conditions underpinned by current evidence based practice and outcome measures.

To demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge and skill in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with acquired communication and swallowing disorders.

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

To work closely with patients, carers and families in order to agree a plan of management / goal setting and regularly monitor and review plans / goals.

Developmentand 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

• Recognised degree or equivalent in Speech & Language Therapy
• Registered with the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Health Professions Council (HCPC)
• Post graduate qualification (eg MSc/post graduate diploma or certificate at Intermediate or Advanced level) in Dysphagia
• Post graduate qualification (eg MSc/post graduate diploma or certificate) in Videofluoroscopy

• Extensive experience of SLT practice post-graduation with adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders
• Competent in the areas of Dysphagia, Dysphasia and Dysarthria
• Relevant SLT practice within an acute hospital environment
• Experience of leading a Videofluoroscopy clinic

• Specialist SLT skills in the area of Dysphagia
• Specialist SLT skills in Stroke and Neurology
• Ability to formulate independent clinical decisions underpinned by evidence based practice.
• Specialist SLT skills in Tracheostomy

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

£53,751 to £60,651 a year Pro rata pa. incl. HCAS