Job summary
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Department Adult Speech and Language Therapy
Band 7 £47,810 - £54,710 per annum, pro rata
Hours: 23.25 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Speech and Language Therapist to join our team delivering a service across the inpatient wards in MKUH.
There are opportunities to participate in the development of our service, as well as an ongoing project to improve the management of dysphagia within the hospital.
You will be expected to participate in our weekly videofluroscopy clinic, as well as support other therapists to develop their competencies in this area.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Interview 06 February 2026
Main duties of the job
'75.8% of Allied Health Professionals feel enthusiastic about their job roles.' (NHS Staff Survey 2024)
To work as a highly specialist member of acute multi-disciplinary teams with adults with dysphagia and a range of speech, language and communication needs.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical duties
To assess, diagnose, treat and manage independently a highly complex and diverse dysphagia caseload, using instrumental measures (videofluoroscopy, sEMG) where appropriate.
To assess, diagnose, treat and manage independently a complex and diverse caseload of people with speech, language and communication difficulties
Professional
To ensure new national and professional clinical guidance relevant to the work with the client group and clinical specialism are evaluated and identified actions implemented, for example proposing new policies or updates to existing ones.
To undertake and promote the evaluation of new research, evidence and equipment that relates to the profession.
Managerial
To work with the Team Lead to ensure that policies and protocols for the client group are in line with current evidence.
To advise Line Manager on issues of service delivery including shortfall and service pressures.
Other
This job description is indicative only and the role will be reviewed at least annually as part of the Personal Development Review process to take account of changing needs /development of the service.
To meet the evolving needs of the organization you may also be required to provide cover in other areas following appropriate discussion.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical duties
To assess, diagnose, treat and manage independently a highly complex and diverse dysphagia caseload, using instrumental measures (videofluoroscopy, sEMG) where appropriate.
To assess, diagnose, treat and manage independently a complex and diverse caseload of people with speech, language and communication difficulties
Professional
To ensure new national and professional clinical guidance relevant to the work with the client group and clinical specialism are evaluated and identified actions implemented, for example proposing new policies or updates to existing ones.
To undertake and promote the evaluation of new research, evidence and equipment that relates to the profession.
Managerial
To work with the Team Lead to ensure that policies and protocols for the client group are in line with current evidence.
To advise Line Manager on issues of service delivery including shortfall and service pressures.
Other
This job description is indicative only and the role will be reviewed at least annually as part of the Personal Development Review process to take account of changing needs /development of the service.
To meet the evolving needs of the organization you may also be required to provide cover in other areas following appropriate discussion.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent
- Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Registered with Health Professions Council
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist courses up to Masters degree or equivalent experience
- Advanced training and/or experiential training in acquired swallowing disorders
- Evidence of specific interest and development of highly specialist skills through advanced training/research in dysphagia
- Membership of relevant Special Interest Group/CEN
Desirable
- Successful completion of management/leadership short courses and/or evidence of skills obtained through experience
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in field of acquired communication and swallowing disorders across full range of client groups and environments, in a senior role
- Specialist post in acquired communication and swallowing disorders
- Contributing to policy, planning and service development
Skills
Essential
- Experience and competence in carrying out videofluoroscopy
Desirable
- Experience and competence in carrying out FEES
- Working with tracheostomy
Personal and People Development
Essential
- Supervising/coaching less experienced staff
- Developing and delivering training to SLT and other professions
Communication
Essential
- Ability to communicate complex operational information to a range of people
- Ability to communicate highly complex condition related information to patients/carers/colleagues
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent
- Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Registered with Health Professions Council
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist courses up to Masters degree or equivalent experience
- Advanced training and/or experiential training in acquired swallowing disorders
- Evidence of specific interest and development of highly specialist skills through advanced training/research in dysphagia
- Membership of relevant Special Interest Group/CEN
Desirable
- Successful completion of management/leadership short courses and/or evidence of skills obtained through experience
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in field of acquired communication and swallowing disorders across full range of client groups and environments, in a senior role
- Specialist post in acquired communication and swallowing disorders
- Contributing to policy, planning and service development
Skills
Essential
- Experience and competence in carrying out videofluoroscopy
Desirable
- Experience and competence in carrying out FEES
- Working with tracheostomy
Personal and People Development
Essential
- Supervising/coaching less experienced staff
- Developing and delivering training to SLT and other professions
Communication
Essential
- Ability to communicate complex operational information to a range of people
- Ability to communicate highly complex condition related information to patients/carers/colleagues
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).
