Skip to main content

This site is independent of the NHS and the Department of Health.

Please wait, loading

Job summary

Main area
Speech and language
Grade
Band 6
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
37.5 hours per week (We would consider applicants looking for part-time work - minimum 3 days per week)
Job ref
387-DT1636-NG-A
Employer
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Weston General Hospital
Town
Weston-super-Mare
Salary
£38,682 - £46,580 pa pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
23/11/2025 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust logo

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Band 6

As an organisation we recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Click on this link to find out about our values https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/p/about-us/our-trust-values

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

Do you have a passion for supporting patients with communication and swallowing difficulties in an in-patient setting?

Are you looking for a friendly and dynamic team to support you in taking your next career step?

Then look no further!

We are looking for a Therapist who is keen to continue developing specialist skills and knowledge, in managing adult in-patients with general medical, neurological and age-related conditions. Post-graduate dysphagia qualification (or equivalent experience) is essential. We run a weekly on-site videofluoroscopy clinic and have access to a FEES service.

You will be part of our large team of 30 Speech and Language Therapists working across UHBW sites. We are a friendly and inclusive team, focused on delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for the communities we serve. We have a strong culture of support, development and leadership including:

  • Support in accessing a wide range of training and CPD opportunities to ensure you flourish in your role
  • A rolling in-service training programme with brilliant teaching from team members and multi-disciplinary colleagues
  • Regular 1:1 and peer supervision
  • Commitment to our flexi-time policy to support your work-life balance
  • A wealth of wellbeing support and strong team spirit

For more information on our team, please see: https://www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/your-hospitals/other-services-in-bristol/speech-and-language-therapy/

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY. 

Main duties of the job

  • Demonstrate expertise in oropharyngeal dysphagia and communication difficulties in patients with progressive neurological, general medical and age-related conditions, and be responsible for managing a defined caseload
  • Act as a source of expert, evidence-based information and support for SLT colleagues, healthcare professionals, staff and carers about the SLT issues of patients
  • Plan and co-ordinate the content and delivery of education/training sessions to healthcare professionals
  • Develop and monitor specialist programmes of care to be carried out by SLT Assistants

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 13,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as ‘Good’ overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward- thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential criteria
  • Educated to degree or equivalent – SLT
  • HCPC registered/RCSLT Member
  • Post-graduate dysphagia qualification/ or equivalent experience
  • Recent evidence of CPD in communication & swallowing problems in adults

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria
  • Recent experience of working with adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties
  • Specialised knowledge & experienced of a wide range of therapeutic models of working with communication disorders & dysphagia
  • Experience of working as core member of MDT
  • Knowledge & experience of working with augmentative & assisted communication
  • Experience of planning & implementing training to others & / or giving presentations
Desirable criteria
  • Experience using & interpreting videofluoroscopy & implementing findings into practice
  • Experience using & interpreting FEES & implementing findings into practice
  • Experience of supervising junior staff and students

Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Ability to review & reflect on own skills & knowledge, and to lead own CPD in conjunction with supervisors & peers
  • Advanced dysphagia skills: Independent working with patients with complex dysphagia relating to a range of aetiologies in acute, outpatient or community settings
  • Demonstrates highly developed auditory & perceptual skills in the assessment, diagnosis & treatment of adult patients
  • Ability to recognise own professional boundaries & accept support/ seek advice as appropriate
  • Knowledge of clinical governance & audit
  • Competent Information Technology Skills, including use of MS office tools, Outlook, Word, Excel
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to challenge & influence members of MDT

Aptitudes

Essential criteria
  • Ability to communicate effectively & sensitively with a wide range of people
  • Ability to manage own time appropriately & to prioritise task
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines & work under pressure

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Elly Sampson
Job title
Clinical Lead for Speech and Language Therapy
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01934 647145
Additional information

Please do not hesitate to get in contact for further information or to arrange a site visit.

Apply online nowAlert me to similar vacancies