Highly Specialist Neonatal Speech and Language Therapist


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£49,387 - £56,515
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Northampton, NN1 5BD
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	23 Jul 2026
Closing date:	5 Aug 2026

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Summary

Provide autonomous specialist assessment, treatment and advice to inpatients on the local neonatal unit and neonatal transitional care unit. Neonates are ward based inpatients who present with feeding/swallowing difficulties. To be able to identify neonates with feeding difficulties, swallow dysfunction, and dysphagia and develop suitable management plans to reduce their risk of stress, aspiration and feeding aversion. Utilise a range of informal and formal approaches to assess the neonates early communication and pre-feeding/breastfeeding/bottle feeding skills and to support the MDT in identifying these needs to inform optimum care planning and intervention. Maintain an in-depth, comprehensive knowledge of neonatal clinical needs and presentations resulting from a range of acquired conditions. To communicate complex information effectively and clearly with clinical colleagues regarding assessments and interventions both in spoken and written reports, as well as in day-to day liaison. Deliver therapy programmes based on current evidence and clinical knowledge to meet the needs of the infant and familys profile. To be aware of the boundaries of own practice, and to always manage the associated clinical risk effectively. Work closely with members of the MDT to holistically identify the range of needs of the infant and family and how best to support these. To communicate effectively, empathically and clearly with families and carers regarding issues which will sometimes be complicated or emotionally charged. To sensitively deal with distressing or emotional circumstances regarding patient care e.g. imparting news or poor prognosis To work with the MDT to ensure timely community referrals, discharge planning meetings, liaison with other medical specialities and healthcare professionals. To be able to identify need for further instrumental swallowing assessment. To critically reflect on own and others performance and use this evaluation to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of future practice. To identify own training needs and to keep skills up to date. To continue to meet the clinical competencies according to RCSLT standards To demonstrate good organisational skills in terms of time and caseload management. To attend meetings and seminars/case conferences as appropriate, and liaise with and advise other disciplines, as appropriate, to achieve comprehensive, effective and confidential patient management through to discharge. To always behave in a professional manner. To appropriately seek and use supervision to review complex case material, develop skills, plan continuing professional development, set learning targets and address any issues which may be relevant to the fulfilment of your role. To actively engage with East Midlands Neonatal operational delivery network (EMNODN) via network meetings and externally via relevant Clinical Excellent Networks (CENs). To provide expertise and specialist neonatal speech and language therapy advice and consultation to other professionals in relation to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and care. To attend Trust working parties as requested by the Service Lead to contribute to strategic service and at times for Trust wide development To provide governance, strategic and recruitment support as requested to Acute SLT Team Lead and Childrens Therapies Manager To fully engage in the Trust and team strategies including five-year plans and visions. To carry out and co-operate in audit/service-related projects. To contribute to team outcome measures which are reported back to the Neonatal Operational Delivery Network and maintain SLT specific outcome measure database. To monitor and evaluate clinical effectiveness and evidence-based practice using appropriate outcome measures To participate in research conducted within the department in discussion with the lead for the service. To use computer software in developing and operating systems for storage and analysis of data and creation of reports for colleagues in relation to audit activities and clinical research. To provide teaching and training to other professional colleagues/staff groups at a local, and national level. To present on relevant research/practice at events/forums To supervise junior members of staff and provide line management support within the team. To provide student education and create an appropriate learning environment for placement-based education. To take part in service/departmental policy implementation and development To ensure a high standard of documentation including clinical notes, reports and goals and outcome measures are maintained. To manage own time effectively within the demands of the service. To ensure timely recording in patients records paper and or electronic systems Work across the Trust to support gaps in service as identified by the Lead for the service, as required. Input data into database including outcome measures To complete admin tasks on behalf of patients or team members within the service. To observe personal duty of care in relation to equipment and resources within the team, such as assessments, resources, technology, equipment. To maintain effective paper and electronic records and develop information recording systems as appropriate in performing the duties of the job

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