About this role
Job summary
This is a full-time Band 5 rotational post within the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service. You will provide assessment and intervention for adults presenting with a range of acquired neurological communication and swallowing disorders. A significant proportion of the caseload comprises clients for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL), providing valuable experience in culturally responsive practice.
We are committed to supporting early career therapists to thrive. As a rotational Band 5, you will benefit from:
A structured Preceptorship Programme designed to support your transition from student to autonomous practitioner Regular clinical supervision and appraisal Access to established peer support groups, and informal networking opportunities across the adult SLT service Opportunities to participate in service development, quality improvement projects, audit and teaching activities Support from a friendly and experienced team with a strong culture of learning and professional development This rotation offers excellent opportunities to develop clinical skills, build confidence in autonomous practice, and gain broad experience across a variety of adult acquired communication and swallowing disorders within a supportive and innovative learning environment.
Main duties of the job
The rotation consists of two placements:
Hyperacute Stroke Unit (HASU) and Acute Stroke Unit: During this rotation, you will gain experience working within specialist stroke services and develop skills in the assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders following stroke. You will have opportunities to develop competencies in:
Dysphagia assessment and management
Cough Reflex Testing
Referral processes and involvement in FEES and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies (VFSS)
Management of complex communication disorders
MDT working and goal-setting
Emerging dysphagia rehabilitation approaches, including exposure to Phagenyx.
Support to progress your NQP competencies and dysphagia competencies.
Acute Inpatient and Outpatient Services: The second part of the rotation is split between acute inpatient and outpatient services. Within the outpatient team, you will manage your own caseload with support from senior therapists. Within the acute team you will work across a wide range of specialities including care of the elderly, cardiology, surgery, haematology, respiratory, general medicine and critical care. You will work collaboratively with patients, families and carers, as well as colleagues across health, social care and voluntary sector organisations.
About us
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) cares for the people of Brent, Ealing, Harrow and beyond.
Our team of more than 8,200 clinical and support staff serve a diverse population of almost one million people.
We run major acute services at:
Northwick Park Hospital: home to one of the busiest emergency departments (A&E) in the country. The hospital provides a full range of services including the country's top-rated hyper-acute stroke unit and one of only three hyper-acute rehabilitation units in the UK St Mark's Hospital: an internationally renowned specialist centre for bowel disease Ealing Hospital: a busy district general hospital providing a range of clinical services, as well as 24/7 emergency department and urgent care centre, and specialist care at Meadow House Hospice Central Middlesex Hospital: our planned care site, hosting a range of surgical and outpatient services and collocated with an urgent care centre. We are a university teaching NHS trust, in recognition of the important role we play in training clinicians of the future and bringing the benefits of research to the public.
"We operate a joint recruitment hub across the North West London Acute Provider Collaborative Group. As part of this, your application and personal data may be shared with partner trusts within the group for recruitment and workforce purposes, in line with general data protection regulation (GDPR)."
Job description Job responsibilities
To view the main responsibility, please see the attached the Job Description and Person Specification
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications Essential
Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent HCPC registration
Desirable
RCSLT membership
Knowledge and experience Essential
Knowledge of assessment and management of adult acquired communication disorders Knowledge of assessment and management of dysphagia in acute settings Understanding of current evidence-based practice relevant to adult Speech and Language Therapy Understanding of relevant legislation including Mental Capacity Act, consent and safeguarding Experience working with adults with communication and/or swallowing disorders Experience working within an acute hospital environment/OP setting Experience of multidisciplinary team working Experience delivering education or training to healthcare professionals, patients or carers Experience supporting students, assistants or junior staff Experience contributing to service development initiatives
Desirable
Experience of delivering training.
Skills, abilities and attributes Essential
Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills Ability to assess, diagnose and manage adults with communication and swallowing disorders with support. Ability to prioritise and manage a complex caseload within a fast-paced acute environment with support Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team Ability to build effective relationships with patients, carers and colleagues Competent ICT skills including working with electronic patient records and report writing Commitment to developing own learning and professional development and use evidence-based practice
Desirable
Developing presentation and teaching skills Experience supporting service transformation initiatives
HEART values Essential
Demonstrate commitment to HEART values
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Address Adult SLT, Northwick Park Hospital
Watford Road
Harrow
HA1 3UJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.lnwh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)