Speech and Language Therapist Adult Acute

Job Summary

The post is a Band 6 position for a fixed term period of 12 months, covering a maternity leave.

We are able to offer a motivated and enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapist to join our innovative and supportive team at the Whittington Hospital. This post is based at the Whittington Hospital, a teaching hospital, and will cover all medical wards.

The post holder is responsible for delivering a comprehensive Speech and Language Therapy service to patients, families and carers of adults with neurological, respiratory and surgical conditions as well as rehabilitation and elderly patients. They will need knowledge in the assessment, differential diagnosis, rehabilitation and treatment of swallow and communication difficulties. The team offers opportunities to participate in VFSS, FEES, tracheostomy care and critical care, excellent line management and peer support, opportunities for ongoing personal development, flexible working and career development.

Whittington Health serves a richly diverse population and works to ensure that all services are fair and accessible to everyone. We are committed to a diverse workforce and to recruitment, training and promotion policies that reflect differences in age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation, and religion or belief.

Date posted 02 March 2026

Pay scheme Agenda for change

Band Band 6

Salary £46,419 to £55,046 a year including HCAS

Contract Fixed term

Duration 12 months

Working pattern Full-time

Reference number 220-WHT-3730

Job locations
Whittington Hospital
Magdala Avenue
London
N19 5NF

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be a band 6 clinician working at RCSLT dysphagia competency level C or above. Opportunities for developing further competencies including VFSS, tracheostomy, critical care and FEES are available as part of this role. The post holder will be an autonomous practitioner and is responsible for organising and managing a defined caseload, within their professional boundaries, seeking advice where indicated.

The post holder will be working closely with their clinical supervisor and members of the SLT adult team, to contribute towards optimum patient care and service delivery across the patient pathway. The post holder will gain experience working with various MDTs throughout the hospital and will have the opportunity to support SLT students and provide training across the MDT.

Essential

Qualifications

• BSc. Speech Path or Equivalent (including Dip. CST)
• HPC license to practice, and eligible for the full RCSLT register
• Successful completion of specialist short courses relevant to the field of adults with acquired speech, language, communication and/or eating and swallowing disorders

Knowledge

• Of a specialist range of assessment tools and procedures to evaluate communication, speech & language skills relevant to an acute adult caseload
• Of the key characteristics leading to a specialist differential diagnosis relevant to the client group of acquired communication and swallowing disorders
• Of selecting, setting & evaluating specialist treatment goals
• Of a range of specialist therapeutic interventions relevant to patients presenting with acquired communication disorders demonstrating the evidence base for these approaches
• Of specialist assessment and treatment options for neurogenic dysphagia, both informal and formal techniques
• The application of specialist knowledge of local cultural, linguistic & demographic factors affecting client management
• Knowledge of multi-disciplinary team approaches
• Of basic understanding of clinical governance principles
• Advanced approaches to support clients & carers with challenging behaviour, mental health needs or in high levels of distress

Desirable

• Basic qualitative and quantitative research approaches
• Basic approaches to delivering presentations and training, and adapting style to a range of audiences

Experience

• Minimum of one year post registration experience relevant to disorders seen in an acute adult caseload
• Experience of working within a team setting

Skills

• Communicate complex, sensitive information
• Excellent communication skills

Additional requirements

• Flexibility
• Ability to reflect on practice
• Competent computer skills including Word processing
• Negotiation and problem solving
• Prioritisation skills
• Organisational skills
• Effective self-management

Disclosure This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required.

Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require Skilled worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers for details.

Employer Whittington Hospital NHS Trust

Address Whittington Hospital,…