Speech and Language Therapy Lead Clinician with specific responsibility for Digital development in SLT Services Band 8A

Job details

• Branch: Belfast HSCT
• Location: Belfast Trust Community
• Salary: Band 8a (£55,690 - £62,682 )
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 01/10/26
• Closes: Thu, 15 October 2026 @ 4:30 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Notes

A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week. Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

Post: Speech and Language Therapy Lead Clinician with specific responsibility for Digital development in SLT Services

Band: 8a

WTE 30 hrs - 0.8 wte

Location: Belfast Trust – Trustwide

Reports to: SLT Head of service

Responsible to: Speech and Language Therapy Head of Service

Job Summary

The post holder will be the Speech and Language Therapy Lead Clinician for Digital development activities and optimisation including Service Improvement & Governance. This will include the optimisation and stabilisation of the ENCOMPASS programme to support service redesign and delivery.

To be responsible for coordinating staff development, competency training and maintenance of competencies regarding digital development including ENCOMPASS SLT services.

The post holder will lead the initiation and implementation of evidence-based practice, innovative practice and new technologies in the delivery of the digital applications to support the safe and effective delivery with SLT service.

The post holder will provide a consultative point of reference, support and teaching for speech and language therapists working within and outside the Trust, including contributing to the regional SLT planning for SLT services, as agreed by the SLT Head of service.

The post holder will ensure that standards/protocols/policies/audit/clinical governance activities relating to digital technology /applications and clinical service as appropriate are in place and reviewed to provide and maintain a clinically excellent service.

The post holder will take the lead in the coordination of other activities within SLT services as required and delegated by the assistant managers and Head of service .

Develop strong working relationships and network with staff in the SLT service, AHP information officer and Digital lead in other AHP services, SLT regionally and in other professions/services in the trust, regionally and nationally to support the delivery of key targets.

The post holder will be an expert practitioner with advanced professional skills and qualifications.

The post holder will carry a designated patient caseload providing a specialist SLT service as required to adults with acquired communication and/ or swallowing problems. Specific clinical area will be designated according to skills and expertise.

The post holder will have supervisory responsibilities for SLT staff as appropriate.

The post holder will provide undergraduate and post graduate specialist teaching and will initiate, participate in and document research to ensure best practice for the specialist client group.

The post holder will undertake delegated responsibilities as required for the service.

The post holder will be required to provide cover to other locations within the Trust as appropriate.

Clinical duties

To be responsible for the systematic and autonomous management of patients with complex swallowing and / or communication difficulties and by providing a high level of expertise in: -

assessment and differential diagnosis

prioritisation of caseload

formulation of treatment plans

involvement of patients in planning their care

writing assessment reports

providing appropriate interventions

evaluating treatment outcomes

contributing to / lead on the clinical team goals and objectives for the patient

discharge planning and advice to relevant others

To maintain and further develop advanced clinical skills for the specialist patient group.

To ensure evidence-based practice informs treatment with particular emphasis on the individual patient goal planning and use of appropriate outcome measures to demonstrate a high level of clinical effectiveness.

To develop and maintain joint working within multidisciplinary team

To be actively involved in the appropriate Clinical Excellence Networks RCSLT as indicated

To maintain close liaison both formally and informally with other disciplines including participation in regular meetings/case conferences.

To work closely with clients and families to ensure a flexible targeted service and support sensitive to the client’s needs.

To enable carers and staff to implement therapy programmes under specific guidance and provide support as necessary.

To ensure effective liaison, advice and consultations with Speech and Language Therapy colleagues and other organisations including other Trusts, voluntary bodies and those from other disciplines as appropriate.

To monitor therapy clinical provision to ensure standards and established protocols are adhered to in keeping with the duty of care for each patient.

To write reports reflecting specialist knowledge including medico-legal reports.

To provide peer support/mentoring to less experienced therapists in these specialist clinical areas.

To make onward referrals when necessary.

To accept and provide peer group support.

Management/ leadership

To lead and develop the SLT service for digital technology /applications and innovations including ENCOMPASS ensuring the delivery of a safe, effective and efficient service, based on service need.

To be responsible for the coordination of digital activities for SLT service across the trust in consultation with relevant Assistant Managers.

Lead and support the development of specific departmental plans in relation to Digital technology /applications including responsibility for the coordination of key governance issues across the SLT service linking with the Clinical Leads, Assistant Managers, SLT business support and SLT Head of service as appropriate.

To provide expert information and advice to SLT Head of service & Assistant SLT Manager, regarding the provision and development of the Digital technology /applications and clinical service.

To work with SLT senior team clinical leads in Belfast Trust to ensure a coordinated approach to Digital technology /applications across the department including governance arrangements.

To identify resource requirement and to be responsible for the selection, request and maintenance of the specialist equipment required.

To be responsible for developing and monitoring the processes required for the maintenance digital technology /applications e.g. Business continuity devices in ENCOMPASS

To lead on liaison with other departments, key to the delivery of digital technology /applications for the SLT service, e.g AHP Information officer and Digital leads in other AHP services, SLT regionally.

To have supervisory responsibility for staffing as indicated.

To provide expert information and advice to SLT Head of service and Assistant SLT Managers regarding the provision and development of digital technology /applications and the clinical service.

To adhere to National and local standards and guidelines relating to Professional Practice (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists).

To participate in selection and appointment of Speech and Language Therapy staff as deemed necessary within the Trust.

To be aware of and adhere to current legislation and employer procedures relating to the post.

To be responsible for maintenance of clinical records and statistics within Trust and Departmental policies.

To provide statistical data/evidence-based information and interpretation to the Assistant SLT Managers and Head of service as required.

To be responsible for managing own time appropriately.

To attend and participate at all staff meetings.

To participate in annual staff development and performance review.

To be responsible for the delivery of high service standards, promoting quality assurance in line with clinical governance.

Service development and Governance section

The post holder will participate with and support the SLT head of service and Assistant SLT Managers, providing expert guidance in areas of service development, evidence-based practice, understanding strategic drivers and targets, relating to digital technologies and applications and the relevant clinical service

To initiate and participate in the development of innovative practice for the delivery of speech and language therapy services within the area, leading on service developments and quality improvement projects as delegated.

To lead on the development for guidelines, policies and care pathways for digital technologies and applications and the relevant clinical service in conjunction with other lead clinician’s and Assistant Managers.

To input to the review and implementation of SLT guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures, policies and care pathways in conjunction with other lead clinician’s and Assistant Managers.

To be responsible for coordinating relevant equipment management including procurement, stocktake, asset register and maintenance of associated products relating to relevant service in consultation with the relevant assistant service manager.

To develop systems for storage of images in association with IT, ENCOMPASS and other as relevant.

To support and provide information to the SLT governance coordinator relating to Digital technologies and applications as required.

To lead in coordination of governance activities regarding digital technologies and applications for SLT services.

Lead in service planning and objectives for digital technologies and applications.

To audit and monitor and support the investigation of incidents relating to digital technologies and applications.

Advise on and support the development of Data reports within the SLT service based on needs identified by the SLT assistant managers and Head of service based on knowledge of ENCOMPASS and other digital systems.

To ensure own practice is safe and appropriate.

Teaching and Training

To lead on the establishment and maintenance of a training framework and plan including clinical competency frameworks, relating to digital technologies and applications and relevant clinical service

To co-ordinate mandatory training required digital technologies and applications including ENCOMPASS

To identify and respond to training needs relating to digital technologies and applications as they arise in relation to other SLT colleagues, professionals, carers and other agencies, taking responsibility for co-ordination, delivery and evaluation as appropriate.

To be responsible for the clinical caseload and supervision of Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and language Therapy Assistants as required.

To develop and coordinate peer review and audit processes in relation to digital technologies and applications.

To provide case supervision facilitating the development of less experienced staff in the specialist area.

To provide second opinions to Speech and Language Therapy colleagues, medical staff and other professionals within and outside the Trust in keeping with departmental policy.

To provide in-service training, support and guidance for less experienced speech and language therapists in the management of dysphagia and/ or communication disorders

To provide specialist teaching and placement for examination speech and language therapy students.

Research, Evaluation and Development

To initiate, undertake, develop and promote Clinical Governance / audit activity at unidisciplinary and multidisciplinary levels consistent with Trust policy requirements within the area of clinical expertise.

To promote on-going evaluation of digital, communication and/or swallowing service provided including PPI.

To identify areas of research for the client group/ lead area and to be responsible for the development of specific research which will enhance the quality of the evidence-based services provided.

To contribute to multidisciplinary research and development activities within the Trust.

To provide expert advice to Trust multidisciplinary planning/quality groups in consultation with the Assistant SLT Managers and the SLT head of service.

To be responsible for investigating and implementing current trends in the management of the service/ patient group through evidence-based practice and current research.

To use specialist knowledge to inform and review service policy developments in the specialist area at Local and National level.

To evaluate practice, demonstrate clinical effectiveness using the evidence-based approach, reflective practice and outcome measures, disseminating this information to colleagues.

To attend and present at courses and conferences in order to enhance quality of service provided.

To monitor and share learning and implementation of changes from incidents across SLT services.

11. To demonstrate commitment to personal development and the maintenance and further development of skills and knowledge through a systematic programme of continuing professional development and education.

12 May be required to contribute to regional national documents related to the field.

The post holder may be required to work weekends, evenings & statutory days. In response to continued service development the duties of the post may be conducted over a 7-day period.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.

Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.

Maintain high standards of personal accountability.

Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

The post holder will promote and support effective teamwork, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

The post holder will, in the event of a concern being raised with them, ensure it is managed correctly under the Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy, and ensure that feedback/learning is communicated at individual, team and organisational level regarding the concerns raised, and how they were resolved.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:-

Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);

Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;

Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;

Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);

Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;

Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;

Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Speech and Language Therapy Lead Clinician with specific responsibility for Digital development across SLT services

DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Speech and Language Therapy / AHPs

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.

You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Qualifications

Registration

Degree/Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy.

Master’s Degree or equivalent level of knowledge in digital technologies and applications, communication and/or swallowing disorders or equivalent postgraduate experience gained through short course specialist training & experience.

Registration with the Health Care Professions Council.

Registration with RCSLT.

A minimum of 5years post-qualification experience including working with patients with communication and/ or swallowing disorders.

Recognised Postgraduate qualification or significant training/experience in working with digital technologies and applications.

Significant experience of teaching and training including postgraduate level teaching.

Significant experience of multidisciplinary working.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other (e.g. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Driving etc.)

Must have a full driving licence and have access to the use of a car for the duties of the post

‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements’.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

As per job description

Interview

NOTE

Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

Healthcare Leadership Competencies

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role.

The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of which can be found at:

http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model.

Particular attention will be given to the following

Inspiring shared purpose

Leading with care

Evaluating information

Connecting our service

Sharing the vision

Engaging the team

Holding to account

Developing capability

Influencing for result

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role