Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

The closing date is 23 July 2025

Job summary

A fantastic opportunity to work as a specialist speech and language therapist ( 37.5 hr/week, part time hours will be considered) in our excellent Long Term Neurological Conditions service in Sheffield. Please call us if you'd like to discuss this role.

You would join a team of Speech and Language Therapists working into two teams (Neuro Enablement Service and Sheffield Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team), working alongside Physios, OTs, Therapy Assistants, AAC specialist, Case Managers and Clinical Psychologists to support our clients to achieve their aims. You will be working with people with swallowing and/or communication difficulties due to neurological disorders, including brain injuries and have the enthusiasm and motivation to help people achieve what is important to them. You will have the opportunity to shape the workforce of the future by working in a teaching trust with links to the University of Sheffield.

What else can our service offer you?

Working in a team which holds a reputation for excellence in the Trust.

Participation in service development & quality improvement to optimise the patient experience and outcomes.

In service training and supervision

Significant financial support for CPD via our AHP team

Promotion of health and wellbeing through flexible working initiatives

Shared supervision, CPD and cross working with other SLTs in the acute trust in the city.

Main duties of the job

To manage a defined caseload of community based clients with complex needs, resulting from congenital or acquired - progressive or traumatic neurological disorders using specialist skills and evidence based /client centered principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions. It is expected that therapists working at this grade would seek appropriate support as required.

To provide leadership for inexperienced junior staff, through supervision and appraisal.

To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of services within a designated area/team, holding responsibility for defined projects.

To contribute to the maintenance and development of the Speech and Language Therapy profession for SHSC and to provide advice for the specialist client group both within LTNC and across Sheffield.

About us

At SHSC, we prioritise the well-being and safety of both our service users and employees. It is our policy and a condition of employment that all employees must join the DBS Update Service. This service carries an annual fee, which employees are responsible for paying up front. However, employees may claim this cost back through the Trust's Employee Expenses Reimbursement Policy. For those requiring a Basic DBS check, it is necessary to register for a DBS Online Account.

Details

Date posted

10 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

457-25-7307253

Job locations

Michael Carlisle Centre

75 Osborne Rd

Sheffield

S119BF


Job description

Job responsibilities

General Requirements

To contribute towards and promote the coordination of relevant statutory and non-statutory health and social care services in order to optimise patient benefits and adhere to local and national guidelines and legislation

To work as an autonomous practitioner and as a lone worker in the community.

To exercise a degree of professional autonomy and make clinical judgements to satisfy the expectations and demands of the role and to practice within agreed protocols to support the client group to provide a single accessible service.

To undertake any other duties, which may be allocated by the Team Manager within the general scope of the post, and appropriate to the grade, after negotiation, adequate training and appropriate supervision (e.g. lead projects to review and improve service delivery)

Principal Duties

Clinical

To accept clinical responsibility for clients with varied challenges requiring advanced clinical reasoning and specialist therapeutic intervention and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.

To independently manage and accept clinical responsibility for a designated specialist caseload of adult clients with complex presentation, prioritising need and working in conjunction with other members of the team and seeking support as required.

To demonstrate a high level of clinical expertise in approach to assessment, treatment planning, intervention, clinical reasoning

To undertake comprehensive and specialist assessments of clients using investigative and analytical skills in order to make a differential diagnosis and to formulate individualised treatment plans

To contribute to the decision making about the treatment, planning and long term management of individual clients as an integral member of the Long Term Neurological Conditions Inter/Multi-Disciplinary Team as well as highlighting ongoing risk and recommendations for future care across statutory and non-statutory services.

To plan, organise and deliver group therapeutic activities where appropriate, co-ordinated with other members of the team, taking into account clients physical cognitive and psychological capabilities

To monitor, modify and evaluate treatment in order to measure outcomes and ensure effectiveness of intervention.

To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date clinical and non-clinical documentation e.g. written and electronic records and activity data in line with legal and departmental requirements.

To provide specialist reports and care plans to the client, relatives, statutory and non-statutory services which reflect detailed specialist knowledge and accurate communication of complex condition-related information in multi-agency settings relevant to the practice area.

To complete risk assessments and plans in order to identify and manage risk and respond appropriately, such that the risk is reduced e.g. suicide, criminal proceedings and substance misuse issues.

To undertake appropriate therapeutic handling and moving within clinical and non-clinical settings. This may involve bending, kneeling or frequent repetitive activities often in confined and restrictive spaces. And to provide education for safe usage of equipment to clients, families, carers and other service providers as appropriate

To work with clients, carers and relatives who may have distressing social/clinical circumstances, often imparting complex or difficult information.

To provide therapy services in working conditions which may be hazardous e.g. exposure to body fluids, aggressive persons, visits to high risk areas, visits to situations of conflict and other associated risks.

To be aware of Health and Safety aspects of the post holders work in all community settings and implement any policies, which may be required to improve the safety of the work area, including prompt recording and reporting of incidents and accidents to senior staff, completing risk assessments and ensuring that equipment use is safe.

To be responsible for equipment used in clinical duties and to adhere to departmental policy, including competent use of equipment, safe use of equipment and teaching, training or supervision of practice with clients, carers or other services

To assess capacity with support as required, gain valid informed consent and work within a legal framework with clients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

To demonstrate skills in receiving and communicating complex, sensitive or contentious information to clients and carers, who may have barriers to understanding in order to maximise rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of conditions.

To provide spontaneous and planned advice, education and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionals and external agencies to promote understanding of the aims of the rehabilitation package to ensure a consistent approach to client care and treatment e.g. moving and handling and management of risks. To deal with initial verbal complaints sensitively avoiding escalation where possible.

For clients under the care of Sheffield Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team to undertake the highly specialised Key Worker role for identified clients. To take responsibility for monitoring and progressing the formulation and rehabilitation programme through chairing and coordinating regular interdisciplinary case discussions and client reviews

To demonstrate highly developed auditory and perceptual skills necessary in the management of clients with speech and language difficulties.

To provide highly specialist assessment and management of clients in the community with eating and drinking difficulties, working at level 5 or higher in the Sheffield Dysphagia Competency Scale.

To apply a high level of understanding of the effect of communication /swallowing disability and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the clients social and physical environment where applicable.

Leadership:

To be responsible for the overall planning, co-ordination and allocation of work for the post holders discipline. To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the clients on the caseload and support more junior staff to do likewise.

To provide effective leadership, performance management, supervision guidance and appraisal for junior staff.

To delegate and monitor clinical duties to therapists and or assistants ensuring that they have appropriate knowledge, understanding and are competent to work autonomously within the community

Service Development

To lead and manage designated projects in relation to operational planning and implementation of policy and service development within LTNC services.

To undertake research and audit projects relevant to LTNC services. To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up to date data and statistics for the use of the department

To comply with the requirements of SHSC in relation to policy, governance and legislation and to review and update policy and procedure as appropriate e.g. infection control, information governance etc.

Professional

To ensure client confidentiality when dealing with complex cases, multiple agencies and the community setting.

To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of work including confidentiality, note writing and in line with professional codes of conduct.

To promote awareness of the role of the post holders profession within the team, trust, locally and nationally.

To train, supervise and assess students from Higher Education institutions and work collaboratively towards standards of clinical and professional tutoring.

To comply with the requirements of HCPC and RCSLT.

To participate in and lead as appropriate the staff appraisal scheme, Personal Development Plan (PDP), LTNC staff induction, provide clinical and professional supervision to junior staff and provide ongoing training programmes for staff.

To comply with requirements for Clinical supervision and professionally reflect on ethical issues through evidence collected in relevant professional portfolio.

To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.

Job description

Job responsibilities

General Requirements

To contribute towards and promote the coordination of relevant statutory and non-statutory health and social care services in order to optimise patient benefits and adhere to local and national guidelines and legislation

To work as an autonomous practitioner and as a lone worker in the community.

To exercise a degree of professional autonomy and make clinical judgements to satisfy the expectations and demands of the role and to practice within agreed protocols to support the client group to provide a single accessible service.

To undertake any other duties, which may be allocated by the Team Manager within the general scope of the post, and appropriate to the grade, after negotiation, adequate training and appropriate supervision (e.g. lead projects to review and improve service delivery)

Principal Duties

Clinical

To accept clinical responsibility for clients with varied challenges requiring advanced clinical reasoning and specialist therapeutic intervention and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.

To independently manage and accept clinical responsibility for a designated specialist caseload of adult clients with complex presentation, prioritising need and working in conjunction with other members of the team and seeking support as required.

To demonstrate a high level of clinical expertise in approach to assessment, treatment planning, intervention, clinical reasoning

To undertake comprehensive and specialist assessments of clients using investigative and analytical skills in order to make a differential diagnosis and to formulate individualised treatment plans

To contribute to the decision making about the treatment, planning and long term management of individual clients as an integral member of the Long Term Neurological Conditions Inter/Multi-Disciplinary Team as well as highlighting ongoing risk and recommendations for future care across statutory and non-statutory services.

To plan, organise and deliver group therapeutic activities where appropriate, co-ordinated with other members of the team, taking into account clients physical cognitive and psychological capabilities

To monitor, modify and evaluate treatment in order to measure outcomes and ensure effectiveness of intervention.

To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date clinical and non-clinical documentation e.g. written and electronic records and activity data in line with legal and departmental requirements.

To provide specialist reports and care plans to the client, relatives, statutory and non-statutory services which reflect detailed specialist knowledge and accurate communication of complex condition-related information in multi-agency settings relevant to the practice area.

To complete risk assessments and plans in order to identify and manage risk and respond appropriately, such that the risk is reduced e.g. suicide, criminal proceedings and substance misuse issues.

To undertake appropriate therapeutic handling and moving within clinical and non-clinical settings. This may involve bending, kneeling or frequent repetitive activities often in confined and restrictive spaces. And to provide education for safe usage of equipment to clients, families, carers and other service providers as appropriate

To work with clients, carers and relatives who may have distressing social/clinical circumstances, often imparting complex or difficult information.

To provide therapy services in working conditions which may be hazardous e.g. exposure to body fluids, aggressive persons, visits to high risk areas, visits to situations of conflict and other associated risks.

To be aware of Health and Safety aspects of the post holders work in all community settings and implement any policies, which may be required to improve the safety of the work area, including prompt recording and reporting of incidents and accidents to senior staff, completing risk assessments and ensuring that equipment use is safe.

To be responsible for equipment used in clinical duties and to adhere to departmental policy, including competent use of equipment, safe use of equipment and teaching, training or supervision of practice with clients, carers or other services

To assess capacity with support as required, gain valid informed consent and work within a legal framework with clients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

To demonstrate skills in receiving and communicating complex, sensitive or contentious information to clients and carers, who may have barriers to understanding in order to maximise rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of conditions.

To provide spontaneous and planned advice, education and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionals and external agencies to promote understanding of the aims of the rehabilitation package to ensure a consistent approach to client care and treatment e.g. moving and handling and management of risks. To deal with initial verbal complaints sensitively avoiding escalation where possible.

For clients under the care of Sheffield Community Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team to undertake the highly specialised Key Worker role for identified clients. To take responsibility for monitoring and progressing the formulation and rehabilitation programme through chairing and coordinating regular interdisciplinary case discussions and client reviews

To demonstrate highly developed auditory and perceptual skills necessary in the management of clients with speech and language difficulties.

To provide highly specialist assessment and management of clients in the community with eating and drinking difficulties, working at level 5 or higher in the Sheffield Dysphagia Competency Scale.

To apply a high level of understanding of the effect of communication /swallowing disability and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the clients social and physical environment where applicable.

Leadership:

To be responsible for the overall planning, co-ordination and allocation of work for the post holders discipline. To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the clients on the caseload and support more junior staff to do likewise.

To provide effective leadership, performance management, supervision guidance and appraisal for junior staff.

To delegate and monitor clinical duties to therapists and or assistants ensuring that they have appropriate knowledge, understanding and are competent to work autonomously within the community

Service Development

To lead and manage designated projects in relation to operational planning and implementation of policy and service development within LTNC services.

To undertake research and audit projects relevant to LTNC services. To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up to date data and statistics for the use of the department

To comply with the requirements of SHSC in relation to policy, governance and legislation and to review and update policy and procedure as appropriate e.g. infection control, information governance etc.

Professional

To ensure client confidentiality when dealing with complex cases, multiple agencies and the community setting.

To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of work including confidentiality, note writing and in line with professional codes of conduct.

To promote awareness of the role of the post holders profession within the team, trust, locally and nationally.

To train, supervise and assess students from Higher Education institutions and work collaboratively towards standards of clinical and professional tutoring.

To comply with the requirements of HCPC and RCSLT.

To participate in and lead as appropriate the staff appraisal scheme, Personal Development Plan (PDP), LTNC staff induction, provide clinical and professional supervision to junior staff and provide ongoing training programmes for staff.

To comply with requirements for Clinical supervision and professionally reflect on ethical issues through evidence collected in relevant professional portfolio.

To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.

Person Specification

Knowkedge and skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of LTNC in a relevant clinical specialty (e.g. traumatic brain injury, degenerative diseases, mental health, social care) and an ability to apply this in community setting
  • Detailed knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and its application
  • Ability to work autonomously under pressure and prioritise
  • To demonstrate organisational skills to manage workload and that of other supervised staff to achieve service priorities
  • Ability to pass on skills/ knowledge to others within both formal and informal environments
  • Extensive clinical knowledge including skills in individual and group work
  • Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance
  • Ability to work as part of a team building effective working relationships.
  • Ability to understand and respect different points of view and work with people from a variety of cultures
  • Ability to lead and manage designated projects in line with service development

Desirable

  • A working knowledge of the needs of clients with mental health issues.
  • A working knowledge of the needs of clients with social care issues.

training and qualifications

Essential

  • Diploma/Degree in Speech and Language Therapy Work
  • Current HCPC registration and RCSLT Registration
  • Demonstrate commitment to continuous Professional Development via personal development plans/file.
  • Training from Higher Education Institution for graduate student supervision.
  • Qualified to work at level 5 on Sheffield Dysphagia Competency model

Desirable

  • First line management / Leadership course at masters level.
  • Relevant validated clinical courses to Masters level or equivalent knowledge / experience

Experience

Essential

  • Post graduate experience in clinical speciality
  • Experience of supervising / managing / developing junior staff, rehabilitation assistants through PDR and teaching
  • Experience of audit and application and interpretation of outcome measures.

Desirable

  • Previous experience at Specialist level.
  • Experience of involvement in service development.
  • Involvement in research

other

Essential

  • Due to the requirement to undertake visits and transport non-portable equipment, the post holder is required to be either a car driver with a valid driving licence, or have access to an alternative means of transport.
Person Specification

Knowkedge and skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of LTNC in a relevant clinical specialty (e.g. traumatic brain injury, degenerative diseases, mental health, social care) and an ability to apply this in community setting
  • Detailed knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and its application
  • Ability to work autonomously under pressure and prioritise
  • To demonstrate organisational skills to manage workload and that of other supervised staff to achieve service priorities
  • Ability to pass on skills/ knowledge to others within both formal and informal environments
  • Extensive clinical knowledge including skills in individual and group work
  • Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance
  • Ability to work as part of a team building effective working relationships.
  • Ability to understand and respect different points of view and work with people from a variety of cultures
  • Ability to lead and manage designated projects in line with service development

Desirable

  • A working knowledge of the needs of clients with mental health issues.
  • A working knowledge of the needs of clients with social care issues.

training and qualifications

Essential

  • Diploma/Degree in Speech and Language Therapy Work
  • Current HCPC registration and RCSLT Registration
  • Demonstrate commitment to continuous Professional Development via personal development plans/file.
  • Training from Higher Education Institution for graduate student supervision.
  • Qualified to work at level 5 on Sheffield Dysphagia Competency model

Desirable

  • First line management / Leadership course at masters level.
  • Relevant validated clinical courses to Masters level or equivalent knowledge / experience

Experience

Essential

  • Post graduate experience in clinical speciality
  • Experience of supervising / managing / developing junior staff, rehabilitation assistants through PDR and teaching
  • Experience of audit and application and interpretation of outcome measures.

Desirable

  • Previous experience at Specialist level.
  • Experience of involvement in service development.
  • Involvement in research

other

Essential

  • Due to the requirement to undertake visits and transport non-portable equipment, the post holder is required to be either a car driver with a valid driving licence, or have access to an alternative means of transport.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Michael Carlisle Centre

75 Osborne Rd

Sheffield

S119BF


Employer's website

https://www.shsc.nhs.uk/working-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Michael Carlisle Centre

75 Osborne Rd

Sheffield

S119BF


Employer's website

https://www.shsc.nhs.uk/working-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Angela Ford

angela.ford@shsc.nhs.uk

01142711132

Details

Date posted

10 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

457-25-7307253

Job locations

Michael Carlisle Centre

75 Osborne Rd

Sheffield

S119BF


Supporting documents

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