Job overview
We have an opportunity for a Band 5 Rotational speech and language therapist to work on the acute and stroke ward.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual, to work with a friendly team of 7 speech and language therapists. This would be an excellent role for a newly qualified speech therapist wishing to increase their knowledge, skills, and experience in a stimulating and supportive environment.
At a band 5 level this would be a developmental post. You would be supported to successfully complete a set of competencies over 12-18 months prior to obtaining the band 6 post. This timeframe may be reviewed depending on any previous time spent working at a band 5 level.
Training and supervision would be provided by the speech team.
Main duties of the job
The post provides an exciting opportunity to develop skills and knowledge within the areas of acute and stroke and developing your skills in management of dysphagia within agreed competencies.
You will have the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled and experienced colleagues.
The post would also offer the candidate the opportunity to participate within service development projects.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post-holder must be able to demonstrate an ability to work under pressure, in a busy acute environment, as part of a team and as an autonomous practitioner.
The speech and language therapy department at West Hertfordshire provides both acute and stroke services to this busy acute hospital.
There are excellent opportunities for personal development and there is a robust CPD programme in place, with regular senior support and supervision, being readily available.
Person specification
Knowledge:
Essential
- CRITERIA FOR BAND 5: • Specialist knowledge and application of speech and language therapy assessments and interventions. • Range of clinical experience and ability to demonstrate application of clinical skills.
- ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR B6 PROGRESSION: • Broad base of clinical experience and ability to demonstrate application of clinical skills. • Experience of delivering care to dysphagia service users living within the acute settings. • Experience of supervising junior staff and students.
- COMMUNICATION SKILLS CRITERIA FOR BAND 5: • Post registration experience in a relevant clinical setting. • Range of clinical experience. • Clear communication through written, verbal and non-verbal modes.
- ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR B6 PROGRESSION: Broad base of clinical experience assessment and management.
Experience:
Essential
- Experience relevant to an adult caseload.
- Able to demonstrate the application of in depth, new and ongoing learning and experience to clinical practice.
- Well-established knowledge of a range of relevant therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group (as above).
- Well-established knowledge of the management of people with progressive neurological conditions.
- Knowledge of the range and applications of communication aids.
- Knowledge of professional standards including record keeping.
- A good understanding of the roles of other professionals in acute, settings.
- A well-established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to adults.
- A good understanding of the application of research and audit systems.
- Understanding of the principles of clinical governance.
Desirable
- Management of dysphagia in acute/stroke settings.
- Experience in the provision of training for others.
- Knowledge of the application and protocol for use of video fluoroscopy.
Education and qualifications:
Essential
- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
- Registration with HCPC.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Accredited dysphagia training or willingness to undertake.
Desirable
- ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR B6 PROGRESSION: Accredited dysphagia training. Completion of newly qualified practitioner competencies. Post graduate experience.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 5/6 - Rotational Speech and Language Therapist with West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Watford, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist role. The advertised salary is £33,677 - £50,387 pa inc HCA. The contract type is Permanent: Band 5 to 6 developmental post. The application deadline is 05 Jul 2026.
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