Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Speech and Language Therapist to join our Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within the specialist neuro-rehabilitation team at Danesbury Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, supporting adults with acquired neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, progressive neurological disorders.
You will provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and intervention for adults with communication and/or dysphagia needs within an inpatient neuro-rehabilitation setting. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to rehabilitation planning, goal setting and discharge preparation to maximise independence and quality of life.
As part of our wider Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service, you will benefit from close links with colleagues across acute, acute stroke, inpatient rehabilitation and community services, providing excellent opportunities for shared learning and professional development.
We offer regular supervision, access to continuing professional development and opportunities to contribute to service improvement initiatives. This role would suit a Speech and Language Therapist with experience in adult communication and swallowing disorders.
*Proposed interview date: 29th September 2026*
Main duties of the job
- Provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment for adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders.
- Manage a varied caseload of patients with complex communication and dysphagia needs, delivering evidence-basedinterventions to support rehabilitation goals.
- Work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to goal setting, rehabilitation planning, patient reviews, discharge planning and outcome evaluation.
- Deliver dysphagia assessment and management, including implementing and reviewing videofluoroscopy recommendations, and providing advice on safe swallowing strategies.
- Develop and deliver individualised rehabilitation programmes to maximise independence, participation and quality of life.
- Liaise effectively with patients, families, carers and health and social care professionals to ensure coordinated and seamless care.
- Maintain accurate clinical records in line with professional standards, HCPC and RCSLT requirements.
- Provide advice, training and support to rehabilitation assistants, students, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
- Participate in service development, audit and quality improvement projects.
- Engage in regular supervision, appraisal and continuing professional development activities.
- Contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, responsive and patient-centred Speech and Language Therapy service within a specialist neurological rehabilitation setting.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree
- Health Professions Council licence to practise
- Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Achievement of Dysphagia competencies
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist post graduate short courses relevant to the adult caseload
- Membership/attendance Special Interest Groups relevant to the post
Skills
Essential
- Good presentation skills in both verbal and written form
- Good organisational skills including prioritisation
- Ability to independently integrate complex information to manage individual clients
- Highly developed hearing, concentration and perceptual skills
- Ability to transcribe/analyse speech phonetically
- Ability to negotiate with and influence people
Experience
Essential
- Experience relevant to an adult caseload
- Management of dysphagia in acute, rehabilitation, community, OP settings
- Able to demonstrate the application of in depth, new and ongoing learning and experience to clinical practice
- Well-established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to an adult client group including: Dysphagia/Dysphasia/Dysarthria/ Dyspraxia/Dysphonia/Dysfluency/Dysgra phia/ Dyslexia/Dementia
- Well-established knowledge of a range of relevant therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group (as above)
- Knowledge of professional standards including record keeping
- Well-established knowledge of the management of people with progressive neurological conditions
- Knowledge of the range and applications of communication aids
- Knowledge of the application and protocol for use of videofluoroscopy
- A good understanding of the roles of other professionals in acute, rehabilitation and community settings
- Well-established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to adults
Desirable
- Attainment of Videofluoroscopy competencies
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Demonstrates an ability to be an effective team member
- High level of interpersonal communication skills including observation, listening, empathy and sensitivity
- Ability to manage the emotional consequences of working with patients with distressing conditions
- Ability to reflect on, analyse and develop own performance
- Ability to self-monitor and seek support/advice as appropriate
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work clinically, professionally and within the organisation
Other Requirements
Essential
- A full valid driving licence and access to a car to use for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
- Willingness to uphold the Trust’s values
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
Closing Date: 21 September 2026
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.