Job Title: Speech and Language Therapist - Adult Acute - Frailty Front Door (Band 7)
Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Altnagelvin Hospital
Directorate: Primary Care & Older People
Closes: Thu, 19 November 2026 @ 3:30 PM
Interview Dates: TBC

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.

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.

Job Summary
As part of the SLT team the post holder will be responsible for the development, provision and evaluation of the specialist SLT service to adults in acute services with a specific focus on frailty patients predominantly in the Emergency Department setting.

The post holder will provide assessment and treatment for a wide ranging complex caseload of adults with acquired disorders of communication and/or swallowing.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the provision of a high quality Speech and Language Therapy service to a designated caseload including assessment of communication and/or swallowing difficulties, formulation of individual treatment plans and outcome measures, writing assessment reports, and onward referrals to other professionals as required.
• Liaise closely with patients/carers and provide specialist advice and support regarding client's speech, language, communication, eating and drinking difficulties to ensure best outcomes.
• Plan, design and implement innovative and evidence based models of intervention and service delivery.
• Be responsible for the care and maintenance of clinical equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained, including equipment loaned to clients.
• Deputise for Lead Clinician and provide clinical cover in the Trust as directed by Lead Clinician/Team Lead.

Training/Teaching

• Undertake CPD to maintain and further develop specialist clinical knowledge and skills.
• Develop and deliver training for SLT staff to develop and maintain clinical competency for specialism.
• Support, guide and supervise Band 5/6 SLTs and Technical Instructors.
• Provide specialist clinical placements for undergraduate SLT students.

Clinical Governance

• Be responsible for completion and updating of risk assessments in relation to specific clinical area.
• Be responsible for appraisal of Band 4/5/6 SLT staff.

Research

• Initiate patient safety/clinical audit in specialist area and evaluate outcome.
• Identify areas for improvement and initiate appropriate projects or develop them with others.

Professional Development

• Be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Maintain clinical knowledge and skill through a programme of continuous professional development.

Essential Criteria

• 3 years post-graduate experience working as an SLT with adults with acquired disorders of communication and swallowing in an acute setting at Band 6 level or equivalent.
• Recognised degree/diploma in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent; Registered member of RCSLT or eligible for membership of RCSLT.
• HCPC registered or eligible for HCPC registration.
• Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All appointments are made under the Merit Principle. The Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and to a working environment free from intimidation of any kind.