Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Annex 21)

Job Description

We want talented and enthusiastic people from all backgrounds to join Team MWL, with us you can learn, grow and develop yourself and your career, realising your true ambitions and aspirations.

Whatever you're looking for in your career, you'll find it here at MWL.

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Annex 21) NHS AfC: Band 6 Main area Therapies Grade NHS AfC: Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours Part time - 22.5 hours per week Job ref 697

Site St Helens Town St Helens Salary £39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 05/06/:59 Interview date 16/06/2026

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Job overview 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.

Working for our organisation 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.
Detailed job description and main 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 practice 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.
Thank you for considering an application to work for Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust. MWL is an exciting and forward thinking NHS Trust who are one of the best places to work for in England.

Given sometimes we receive a high volume of applications to work for us, please be aware, that we may close a vacancy earlier than stated should a sufficient number of applications be received from which a shortlist can be confirmed. Therefore, you are advised to apply at your earliest convenience.

The Trust may contact you during the recruitment process for your feedback on your experience. We always aim for continuous improvement in our practice.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and value the unique skills, perspective and experience you bring . click apply for full job details