Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job Summary

University Hospitals Plymouth is looking to recruit a motivated, dedicated and dynamic Band 6 SLT (0.49

WTE / 18.35 hours per week) to join our friendly adult acute in‑patients team of Speech and Language Therapists and to contribute to the provision of a high quality service to adult in‑patients at Derriford Hospital. The post holder will be a senior member of the in‑patient SLT team, will lead day to day caseload prioritisation and will supervise more junior therapists and students.

We are committed to work‑based learning, education and training to improve clinical and leadership skills and we actively encourage supervision, CPD and audit.

*** Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification***

The post holder will manage an acute caseload and may supervise junior therapists/students. The role requires working some weekends on a 7‑day rota alongside members of the inpatient team.

• Prioritise, assess, diagnose and develop specialised treatment programmes and discharge plans for inpatients, with access to second opinions from specialist or Professional Lead SLT as required.
• Independently manage a personal caseload of complex speech, language, communication and dysphagia difficulties, referencing theory, published research and agreed best practice.
• Respond to medical and other referrals in line with departmental guidelines, exercising professional judgement based on extended clinical experience.
• Undertake a range of formal and informal assessments, including risk analysis of swallowing, understanding and use of voice and communication, and make judgements about normal and abnormal functioning.
• Determine when to refer patients for videofluoroscopy/FEES, participate in the examination with radiology colleagues and jointly interpret results to plan appropriate SLT treatment.
• Ensure patient safety with regard to eating and drinking by assessing, monitoring and updating safe practice, and communicating details to patient, medical and ward staff, carers, and documenting recommendations clearly in medical notes.
• Identify, collect, analyse and interpret complex case‑related information and data from patients, carers and other sources to reach an accurate diagnosis and differential diagnoses.
• Decide on appropriate specialised treatment/management matched to individual patient/family need, including use of communication aids, and adapt and modify treatment options based on extended clinical expertise while ensuring patient/carers are fully involved in decision making.
• Update medical/ward notes, departmental notes, and produce a range of report writing including legal documentation and disseminate findings to relevant professionals.

• Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy.
• HCPC registration.
• Post‑graduate accredited dysphagia training evidenced through competencies.
• Membership of RCSLT.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven evidence of leadership ability.
• Ability to motivate and inspire patients and colleagues.
• Proven evidence of extensive demonstrable experience in clinical practice of communication and swallowing disorders in a range of acquired disorders.
• Proven evidence of teaching/presentation experience.
• Demonstrable experience in audit and research.

• Experience working with tracheostomy patients.
• Active participation in video fluoroscopy/FEES examinations with MDT support.
• Ability to lead small‑scale projects.

Date posted: 18 February 2026
Pay scheme:
Agenda for change

Contract:

Permanent
Working pattern:
Part‑time
Position reference: 216‑LH‑DA7714063

Location:

Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Applications requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Qualified UK professional registration is required. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 – a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Contact the recruitment team for reasonable adjustments with the application process:

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

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