Speech and Language Therapist – Acute General Medicine Speciality
Band 6
Main area Speciality Speech and Language Therapist Grade Band 6 Contract 12 months (12 months fixed term contract) Hours Full time – 37.5 hours per week Job ref 321-MRC-8279582-B6
Site John Radcliffe Hospital and Churchill Hospital Town Headington, Oxford Salary £39,959 – £48,117 Per Annum / Pro Rata Salary period Yearly Closing 27/10/2026 23:59
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.
The Trust comprises of four hospitals – the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call thisDelivering Compassionate Excellenceand its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.
Many of our recruitment programmes useValue Based Interviewingto identify those who have the skills we seek, who share our values and who are able to deliver compassionate excellence from the outset. We know that this makes a significant difference to your job satisfaction and above all the outcomes and experience of our patients and their families. For more information about our Values and Value Based Interviewing please visit www.ouh.nhs.uk/about/vision-and-values
Job overview
Thank you for your interest in this exciting opportunity.
We are seeking a full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed-term (12 months) Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our Acute General Medicine inpatient workstream. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced clinical skills and independent management of a complex caseload within a friendly and supportive team.
Based primarily at the John Radcliffe Hospital, you will work across a range of specialties including Elderly Care, Respiratory, Cardiac Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Trauma and Surgery, while also independently managing the inpatient and palliative care caseload at the nearby Churchill Hospital. The service contributes to FEES, the countywide Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) service, and multidisciplinary education and training programmes.
We are looking for an experienced, motivated and innovative SLT who enjoys working in a busy multidisciplinary environment. You will work closely with colleagues across the Acute General Medicine, Stroke, Neurosciences, Critical Care, and Head and Neck Cancer teams to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
Service Manager – Adult Speech and Language Therapy
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be an experienced Speech and Language Therapist working across acute inpatient wards at the John Radcliffe Hospital and nearby Churchill Hospital. This includes complex medicine, elderly care, surgery, cardiac services, trauma, palliative care, oncology/haematology, renal and transplant. They will be an integral member of the inpatient Speech and Language Therapy team and work closely within multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring patients receive person-centred and effective care.
The post holder will:
- Use specialist clinical skills to identify, assess, diagnose and manage a specialist caseload of adults with acquired swallowing and communication disorders across a complex general medical caseload.
- They will select the appropriate intervention for effective, evidence-based therapy.
- Contribute to audit and service development projects in this clinical area and the wider department.
- Independently receive and provide supervision for students on placement
- Provide necessary cover for the caseloads of other Speech and Language Therapists within the Trust during periods of annual / sick leave.
Working for our organisation
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals – the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.
We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.
These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel .
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
1. To assess, develop and implement specialist evidence-based Speech and Language Therapy interventions. To make appropriate clinical decisions following assessments, including differential diagnosis, on the basis of evidence from assessment, and to develop care plans based on best practice.
2. To use clinical skills to generate written reports reflecting specialist knowledge.
3. To provide appropriate specialist intervention and evaluate outcomes. The post holder will use these specialist skills to generate appropriate strategies for caseload management for complex clinical issues.
4. To provide advice to others regarding the management and care of patients with communication and swallowing disorders.
5. To work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team to achieve patient centred care.
6. To liaise with a wide range of professionals across a variety of locations and agencies.
7. To maintain intense concentration in all aspects of patient management for prolonged periods. In particular, to monitor auditory, visual and kinaesthetic aspects of patients’ communication, adapting and facilitating according to perceived needs.
Policy / Service Development / Implementation
1. To represent Speech and Language Therapy at multi-disciplinary team meetings, ensuring delivery of coordinated care.
2. To be aware of, adhere to and implement Service and team plans including:
3. Providing regular, timely statistical data in keeping with Trust requirements
4. Maintaining high quality clinical records in accordance with Service and Trust Guidelines and within data protection guidelines
5. Ensuring understanding and adherence to Trust health and safety requirements, including attendance on mandatory training courses
6. To work within infection control and health and safety guidelines in order to deal appropriately with unpleasant conditions related to client contact as they arise e.g. exposure to body fluids, infectious conditions encountered on a regular basis
7. Participation in the Trust incident reporting and risk management procedures
8. To use specialist knowledge to inform Service / policy developments as appropriate and to implement policy within own specialist area.
9. To participate in the implementation of Service / Trust Clinical Governance Plan.
Financial and Physical Resources
1. To monitor stock levels in own area and to request new equipment as required.
2. To be responsible for the security, care and maintenance of equipment, ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained, including equipment loaned to patients.
Human Resources
1. To supervise and mentor the junior Speech and Language Therapists, unregistered staff such as Speech and Language Therapy Support Workers and therapy assistants.
2. To participate in student clinical placements and to assist in the support of students from other professional groups.
3. To be able to clearly explain the role of Speech and Language Therapists to visitors, students and other professionals.
4. To participate in ongoing specialist training in area of clinical expertise.
5. To assist in the identification of training needs within the team.
Information Resources
- To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) professional standards and local policies.
- To adhere to data protection guidelines when sharing information with others.
- To gather activity data accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of this information within local Trust guidelines.
Research and Development
- To participate in and develop innovations in the areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness.
- To undertake Clinical Governance / audit projects within the local service.
- To participate in developmental research and formal / informal Research and Development and clinical governance / audit projects.
- To collect and provide research data as required.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent
- Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC)
- Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Experience and Knowledge
- Evidence of high level of specialist knowledge / skills as a result of experience and CPD
- Experience of working within acute general medicine speciality
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Knowledge / application of the principles of Clinical Governance
- Experience of supervision of students / junior staff
- Experience of service review, quality improvement and audit
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills including active listening skills
- Negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Excellent reflective practice and analytical skills, ability to identify own strengths and learning needs, and proactivity in seeking support and personal development when required
- Independent workload/caseload prioritisation and management skills, particularly in an environment where workload is unpredictable and flexibility is required
- Ability to work successfully in a team, and assume leadership responsibilities when required
- Evidence of participation in clinical audit / research
Sexual Safety Charter : In 2023NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit tothe ten core principles
Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.
Vacancy Closures: Please note, this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications are received.
Visa and Immigration: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer Certificates of Sponsorship for all eligible roles for a Skilled Worker Visa without exception, provided the role meets the minimum salary and skill level criteria set by the Home Office (UKVI). All eligible candidates will be considered with equal consideration at all stages of the application and recruitment process. Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers / Work in the UK – GOV.UK
COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at Oxfordshire County Council Website where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.
Probation Period: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract of employment with the Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply. This statement does not apply to Medical staff or Executive Appointments.
Referencing: When providing employment reference details please provide correct work related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your first referee will need to be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. Please note that if you have previously worked for the Trust we will require a reference from your last Manager, this information is essential if your offer of employment is to be confirmed.
To note: Applicants must write their own applications. If AI tools are used, the application may be rejected as this document is crucial for assessment. This does not prevent you from seeking support via AI with applications for the purposes of any disability and/or long-term health conditions.
When using AI to help write your application, it is important to personalise it, especially your supporting statement. While AI can simplify the process, it will not fully understand the job’s requirements and/or be able to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience. Write your statement to show why you are interested in the role and how you would be a valued member of the team/OUH employee.
No unsolicited recruitment agency telephone calls or emails.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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
Please note that this job advertisement will close automatically once the application limit is reached, regardless of whether this occurs before the advertised closing date.
Name Charlotte (Charlie) Howland Job title Adult Speech Therapy Service Manager Email address Charlotte.Howland@ouh.nhs.uk Telephone number 01865743137 Additional information
Claire Daly
Clinical Lead SLT – Acute General Medicine Workstream
ph. 01865 743 133
Band 5 NurseandBand 2 Healthcare Support Workerrecruitment iscentralised, meaning when you apply you will be considered fora number of rolesacross the Trust. If you have any questions please email: nursing.careers@ouh.nhs.uk .
Vacancies with our PFI partners
Domestic / catering / porteringservices at theJohn Radcliffe Hospitalare provided byMitie.
Domestic / catering / portering / maintenance engineerservices at theChurchill HospitalandNuffield Orthopaedic Centreare provided byG4S.
Maintenance engineer services at the John Radcliffe Hospital are provided by Equans.
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