Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Paediatric Dysphagia

Band 7

Main area

Acute Speech and Language Therapy

Grade

Band 7

Contract

Permanent

Hours

• Full time
• Part time
• Flexible working

37.5 hours per week (Flexible working considered)

Job ref

343-7809613-AG-B

Site

St Helier Hospital

Town

Sutton

Salary

Pro-rata pa inc HCAS (Outer London)

Closing

15/06/2026 23:59

At Epsom and St Helier Hospitals, above all we value respect. We put respect at the heart of all we do, by living up to our shared behaviours of kindness, professionalism, positivity and teamwork. This enables us to provide great patient care and make ESTH a great place to work. When you sign up to work with us, you sign up to this and we welcome applicants who share our values.

Job overview

Are you passionate about supporting children and families to live healthier, happier lives? Do you enjoy working closely with parents and other healthcare professionals to make a real difference in your community? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

What makes this role special

• You’ll be a part of the wider GESH paediatric Speech Therapy Team working across Epsom and St Helier and St Georges Trusts.

• You’ll be part of a small and supportive paediatric therapy team

• You’ll work closely with our Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, and Physiotherapists

• The opportunity to work alongside the team and service leads to develop and promote the service.

• You can be upskilled in videofluroscopy

• Training and clinical supervision opportunities at St Georges, so you can keep your skills sharp.

Main duties of the job

A typical week might include…

• Managing a specialist and highly complex clinical caseload as an autonomous practitioner.

• Carrying out dysphagia assessments

• Providing advice, support and training to families and professionals

• Completing relevant paperwork including eating and drinking passports

• Supporting SLT colleagues in the management and care of children with eating and drinking difficulties.

Working for our organisation

This role gives you the autonomy to manage your own caseload, backed up by the support of a close-knit team. We’ll support you with:

• Ongoing training and CPD opportunities through in service training and peer supervision.

• Clinical supervision

• A collaborative, friendly MDT environment.

• NHS benefits, discounts and wellbeing support.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is HCPC and RCSLT registered with relevant postgraduate training in dysphagia

• Has experience in the assessment and management of complex eating and drinking difficulties.

• Experience of working with neonates

• Videofluroscopy experience or willing to work towards competencies

• Brings excellent communication skills and a person-centred approach.

• Is confident working independently but enjoys being part of a team.

• Shows a creative and flexible approach

• Has good IT and organisational skills

If you’re excited about using your skills to improve the lives of children and families under the care of Epsom and St Helier, we’d love to hear from you.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached supporting job description and person specification document which contains more information about the role and requirements. Please ensure your application refers to the job description and person specification.

The recruiting team reserve the right to close this advertisement early once applications reach maximum limit.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential criteria

• Degree/Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Desirable criteria

• Registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Attendance at relevant SIG

Experience

Essential criteria

• Relevant experience at undergraduate/post graduate level
• Experience of working with children with complex dysphagia
• Experience working with neonates
• Videofluroscopy experience

Knowledge and Skills

Essential criteria

• Excellent written and oral presentation skills
• Good analytical, problem solving and reflection skills
• Good IT Skills: word, database, email, internet

Desirable criteria

• Working knowledge of NHS systems e.g. EMIS, Cerner

Your recruitment team

The NHS South West London Recruitment Hub is your dedicated recruitment team, here to support you at every stage of the process. If you have a query, please contact us:

E: ***email_hidden***

Your application

Please ensure your supporting statement clearly reflects the job description and person specification , as shortlisting will be based on these criteria.

Please refer to the latest UKVI guidance and ensure you have the appropriate right to work before applying for this role.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to draft your application. We value authentic, individual responses that reflect your own experience and communication style.

References

Please provide a minimum of 3 years’ employment and/or education history , including professional email addresses (not personal accounts such as Hotmail or Gmail). If you cannot provide these, please inform the interview panel to avoid delays in pre-employment checks.

Closing date

To help us manage recruitment efficiently, some vacancies may close early once we have received a sufficient number of applications.

Shortlisting

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be contacted by email or SMS from the South West London Recruitment Hub. Please check your registered TRAC email regularly.

Application feedback

If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date , please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Safeguarding and DBS Checks

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. For roles with direct access to these groups, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. All staff are expected to understand and uphold their safeguarding responsibilities as part of their role.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

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.

Application numbers

This vacancy may have an application cap, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. Ensure your supporting statement clearly shows how you meet the job specifications.