Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Adult

Job summary
We would like to offer this opportunity to join our supportive and friendly team, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to cover a maternity leave.

The successful candidate will work with other SLT colleagues in the team to provide a service to adults with dysphagia and communication disorders, resulting from a range of neurological conditions. This will be predominantly in out-patient settings with a focus on rapid response.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is currently in a Band 5/6 role to further develop their knowledge and skills with the support of experienced colleagues. There are opportunities to be involved in videofluoroscopy and FEES.

The team base is in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital although overall sits within the Clinical Support and Screening Services arm of the organisation. The Adult Speech and Language Team work very closely together and with other services. There are great opportunities to learn from each other. Support is offered through formal group and individual supervision alongside informal discussion within the team. The team consists of an ASLT clinical lead, clinicians of varying bands and assistants. Whilst this post is part of an acute and community team, care will be primarily in an out-patient setting. Weekend working may be occasionally required.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will work primarily as part of the out-patient team, assessing, diagnosing and providing treatment to people with communication and swallowing disorders.

Attendance at clinical excellence networks and regional support groups are encouraged. There is opportunity to be involved in training other members of the wider MDT, including care home staff.

We offer full professional support including an appraisal system, regular team meetings, and close liaison with experienced therapists. There are regular opportunities for informal supervision and case discussion. Involvement in professional development is actively encouraged.

About us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.

Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.

We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.

Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronym ICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.

We have a number of staff networks including the BAME network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our armed forces network is one of our emerging networks.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.

Details
Date posted: 05 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
pa pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 297-8172544
Job locations: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, NE9 6SX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• To provide a specialist Speech and Language Service to adults who present with a range of swallowing disorders including those who have complex and/or severe difficulties, predominantly in out-patient settings.
• To provide a flexible and timely service to people with dysphagia.
• To provide dysphagia and communication assessments and therapy.
• To act as an autonomous practitioner providing, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, opinion and evaluation of a range of eating, drinking and swallowing disorders.
• To work in close collaboration with the rest of the acute team and the wider Multidisciplinary Team in order to provide an integrated approach to care.
• To participate in research in specialist area as required.
• To provide excellence in clinical care, working to achieve the highest level of patient safety.
• To continuously develop the service and constantly strive to improve.
• To provide appropriate clinical supervision and in-service training for speech and language assistants and students.
• To contribute towards service evaluation and demonstration of efficacy and efficiency
• To be a source of specialist advice for other professions.
• To demonstrate effective communication with colleagues, take part in supervision and appraisal as required.
• To liaise with MDT including GPs, Consultants and other healthcare professionals/other agencies where appropriate.
• See job description document for full details.

Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential

• Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent
• HCPC registration
• Proficient level of dysphagia competency

Desirable

• RCSLT membership

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working with adults with neurological disorders
• Experience of managing a caseload in a community setting
• Experience of working in an MDT
• Demonstrable CPD/training

Desirable

• Experience in service development or quality improvement
• Involvement in instrumental assessment
• Experience working with AAC

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: Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, NE9 6SX, United Kingdom
Employer's website: (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Clinical Lead Adult Speech and Language Service, Alex Cox or Sarah Illingworth, View email address on meeveem.com, View phone number on meeveem.com

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.
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.