Speech and language therapy
Job description
About the role
You will own the full assessment cycle for adults with complex communication and swallowing needs in a community setting. You are responsible for translating complex clinical evidence into practical, patient-centred intervention plans that actively improve quality of life. You own the professional reasoning behind every recommendation you make, ensuring it is clear, justified, and auditable. You will champion the voice of the patient within busy multidisciplinary discussions and contribute to shaping local service pathways. You are accountable for maintaining the highest standards of clinical governance, safety, and confidentiality in all your interactions. You will mentor and support colleagues by sharing best practice and reflecting on cases to drive continuous learning. You own the management of your caseload from initial referral to discharge, ensuring timely and effective care delivery. You will actively participate in audits and service evaluations to demonstrate the impact of therapy services.
Key facts
What you'll do
Conduct in-depth specialist Speech and Language Therapy assessments for adults facing communication and swallowing challenges.
Design and deliver evidence-based interventions tailored to neurological and age-related conditions using current best practice.
Perform detailed dysphagia assessments and implement management strategies aligned with established professional guidelines.
Formulate individualised treatment plans that are realistic, goal-oriented, and responsive to evolving patient needs.
Act as a collaborative partner within multidisciplinary teams, engaging closely with carers and other healthcare professionals.
Ensure all clinical documentation is accurate, timely, and conforms to local protocols and professional standards.
Identify opportunities to lead service development and contribute to quality improvement projects within the therapy team.
Apply advanced clinical reasoning to solve complex cases where presentation is unclear or multifaceted.
Adapt your communication style to engage effectively with patients, families, and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Uphold safeguarding principles and ensure all practice reflects trust policies and legislative requirements.
Promote independence and enablement by supporting patients to achieve their personally meaningful communication and swallowing goals.
Utilise a range of assessment tools and therapeutic approaches to maximise functional outcomes in real-world settings.
Requirements
Hold a Degree or equivalent qualification in Speech and Language Therapy recognised in the UK.
Be currently registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and able to provide valid registration proof.
Possess verified Dysphagia training with proven experience in assessing and managing adult swallowing disorders.
Have substantial experience working within adult community Speech and Language Therapy services in a UK context.
Demonstrate a track record of assessing and treating a wide range of communication difficulties in adults.
Show excellent communication, organisational, and clinical reasoning skills in fast-paced environments.
Work confidently both independently and as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team.
Commit to delivering compassionate, person-centred care that respects diversity and individual rights.
Be able to manage complex caseloads while maintaining attention to detail and clinical accuracy.
Nice to have
Preference will be given to candidates with additional expertise in neurological conditions affecting communication and swallowing.
Experience working in mental health settings with adults who have communication needs is valued.
Skills in providing training to staff, carers, and families are considered an asset for this role.
An understanding of telehealth or remote therapy delivery methods may be advantageous in this community role.
Practical notes
This is a full-time position requiring flexible hours to meet service demands, including evenings and weekends as required.
Travel between community sites across Preston and Lancashire is an inherent part of this role.
This role is not available to candidates residing in countries listed on the Red or Amber list of the Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel in England.
Applications must be submitted through the official channel before the role closes or while vacancies remain.