Job summary
This role is for a Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), providing specialist SLT input for the neonatal unit (NNU) for 3 days per week, focusing on feeding, swallowing, and early communication support. The remaining 1 day per week will be dedicated to covering acute paediatric inpatients, including those in paediatric intensive care. The post holder will assess and manage feeding difficulties, communication needs, and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe and timely discharge for vulnerable infants and children, maintaining high-quality care across both settings.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide specialist SLT assessment and management for neonates in the NNU (3 days/week) and acute paediatric inpatients including PICU (1 day/week). Duties include managing complex feeding and swallowing difficulties, supporting communication development, and creating individualized care plans. The post holder will work closely with the multidisciplinary team, contribute to discharge planning, provide guidance and education to families and carers, maintain accurate records, and ensure safe, timely, high-quality care. The role also involves participating in clinical supervision, peer review, and service development initiatives.
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 description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will provide specialist Speech and Language Therapy to neonates in the NNU (3 days/week) and acute paediatric inpatients including PICU (1 day/week). They will independently manage a complex caseload, conducting assessments and delivering interventions for feeding, swallowing, and communication difficulties, including tracheostomy care where appropriate. Responsibilities include developing individualized care plans, participating in Videofluoroscopy swallow studies, liaising with families and external agencies, and contributing to multidisciplinary discharge planning. The post holder will provide expert advice and second opinions to colleagues, support student placements, mentor junior staff, and participate in service development, clinical governance, and audit projects. They will ensure accurate records, maintain professional standards in line with RCSLT and Trust policies, and demonstrate flexibility in a high-pressure, specialist clinical environment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will provide specialist Speech and Language Therapy to neonates in the NNU (3 days/week) and acute paediatric inpatients including PICU (1 day/week). They will independently manage a complex caseload, conducting assessments and delivering interventions for feeding, swallowing, and communication difficulties, including tracheostomy care where appropriate. Responsibilities include developing individualized care plans, participating in Videofluoroscopy swallow studies, liaising with families and external agencies, and contributing to multidisciplinary discharge planning. The post holder will provide expert advice and second opinions to colleagues, support student placements, mentor junior staff, and participate in service development, clinical governance, and audit projects. They will ensure accurate records, maintain professional standards in line with RCSLT and Trust policies, and demonstrate flexibility in a high-pressure, specialist clinical environment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree
- Post graduate paediatric dysphagia accreditation or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as an SLT in an acute paediatric hospital setting
- Experience in assessment and treatment of feeding and swallowing difficulties in neonates and/or infants
Skills
Desirable
- Experience in the use of Videofluoroscopy Swallowing Studies
- Experience working in a neonatal unit
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree
- Post graduate paediatric dysphagia accreditation or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as an SLT in an acute paediatric hospital setting
- Experience in assessment and treatment of feeding and swallowing difficulties in neonates and/or infants
Skills
Desirable
- Experience in the use of Videofluoroscopy Swallowing Studies
- Experience working in a neonatal unit
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).
Additional information
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).
