Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job summary

This is a rare opportunity for a Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist to develop advanced specialist skills in neonatal and paediatric dysphagia and communication, working across two NHS trusts as part of an innovative cross-site model.

You will hold a highly specialist caseload across neonatal and paediatric inpatients, working autonomously 3 days a week at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, while spending 2 days a week embedded within the acute paediatric SLT team at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - including participation in the weekly videofluoroscopy (VFSS) clinics across both sites. Training and support to develop VFSS competency will be provided for the right candidate if needed.

This unique structure means you'll combine the autonomy and breadth of a standalone specialist role with regular, protected access to clinical supervision, peer support, and shared learning within a supportive paediatric team. It's an ideal post for a clinician looking to build highly specialist competencies in a supported environment, without the isolation that often comes with a single-site specialist post.

If you're passionate about neonatal and paediatric feeding, swallowing, and communication, and want to grow your expertise while remaining embedded in an established clinical team, we'd love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

The Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) post holder will have responsibility for providing a highly specialist speech and language therapy service to neonatal and paediatric inpatients across three sites: St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. The role will involve working 2 days per week at St. George's and 3 days per week independently at Epsom and St. Helier's, covering neonates, Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), and the paediatric wards.

The post holder will independently manage a neonatal and paediatric caseload and provide specialist paediatric SLT knowledge, skills, and expertise to colleagues to support the SLT service. They will be required to participate in the weekly videofluoroscopy clinic. The post holder will be an autonomous practitioner providing highly specialist Speech and Language Therapy services to neonatal and paediatric patients/clients with complex needs.

About us

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.

At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.

Job responsibilities

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

• Independently manage a highly complex neonatal and paediatric caseload across both sites, making differential clinical diagnoses and specialist treatment decisions, including tracheostomy management where relevant.
• Conduct, analyse and report videofluoroscopy swallow studies for inpatients and outpatients, triaging referrals in line with IRMER, working alongside the Clinical Lead SLT.
• Deliver highly specialist assessment and intervention for communication and/or feeding and swallowing disorders, using evidence-based practice and outcome measures tailored to each child and family.
• Liaise with the wider MDT and external agencies (education, community therapy, social care, rehabilitation) to support safe and effective discharge planning.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and reports in line with RCSLT, Trust and data protection standards.
• Provide specialist advice, second opinions and case management support to colleagues, other SLTs, and non-specialist staff.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary and uni-disciplinary teams, advocating for patients with significant communication or swallowing needs and supporting shared decision-making with families.
• Support and mentor less experienced SLTs, assistants and students, including co-ordinating paediatric placements.
• Contribute to service development: care protocols, clinical guidelines, audit and governance projects, and identifying training needs within the service.
• Deliver formal and informal training to colleagues, students and external visitors in areas of clinical specialism.
• Work within infection control, safeguarding, moving and handling, and health and safety frameworks appropriate to acutely unwell infants and children.
• Maintain HCPC/RCSLT registration, engage in ongoing CPD, and participate in individual performance review with objectives tied to clinical specialism.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree
• HCPC registration

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in an acute hospital setting
• Experience in assessment and management of dysphagia

Desirable

• Experience in conducting, interpreting and reporting Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of range of assessment tools relevant to paediatric and neonatal dysphagia and communication disorders
• Knowledge of the role and limitations of videofluoroscopy in the assessment of paediatric dysphagia

Desirable

• Knowledge of neonatal developmental care principles