Specialist speech & language therapist

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist within Bedfordshire Community Health Services Speech and Language Therapy Service. The post is permanent, 1.0 WTE (part time or job share will be considered). The successful candidate will carry out domiciliary visits across north, mid and south Bedfordshire to patients in their own homes and nursing and care homes.

The post will also include out-patient clinics based at Bedford Hospital and Grove View, Dunstable, though these locations may change in the future. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated clinician to join the service and work closely with the wider MDT.

The adult speech and language therapy service is a small, friendly and supportive team, with regular meetings, supervision and opportunities for further training and CPD. Applicants must hold current HCPC registration and relevant professional qualifications.

• Assess and treat patients with dysphagia and communication difficulties, including complex cases.
• Participate in postgraduate dysphagia training for junior staff, supervise students and the support practitioner.
• Carry out training sessions on communication and dysphagia for other professionals and attend MDTs where required.
• Take an active role in service improvement and continuing professional development.

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are:
We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Date posted: 04 February 2026

Pay scheme:
Agenda for change

Band: 7

Salary:
Depending on experience

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:
Full-time

Reference number: 363-chb
7733977

Job locations:
Bedford Hospital, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ

• Speech and Language Therapy Degree
• Dysphagia qualified for at least 5 years including working with complex cases
• HCPC registered

• Member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists

• Has right to work in the UK

• Must have a UK driving licence
• Must have own transport to travel throughout Bedfordshire independently

• Demonstrate highly specialist clinical skills & knowledge in dysphagia
• Demonstrate highly specialist clinical skills & knowledge in communication

• Effective multi‑disciplinary working
• Provide second opinions for junior staff
• Supervise junior staff and students
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to deal with conflicting demands and re‑prioritise the day accordingly

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to assess for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

East London NHS Foundation Trust
Bedford Hospital, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ

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