Lead Speech & Language Therapist – Urgent Care Pathway (Fixed Term – Maternity Cover)
We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and highly motivated Speech and Language Therapist to work alongside the Speech and Language Therapy Lead and the wider MDT to review, develop, and coordinate SLT provision across the urgent care pathway.
This fixed-term maternity cover post offers an exciting opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role within a progressive and evolving service. The position provides valuable experience in clinical leadership, service development, operational management, and pathway redesign, making it an ideal opportunity for an ambitious clinician looking to further develop their skills and advance their career.
The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting patient flow across the organisation, leading service improvement initiatives and driving change across urgent care settings. As an integral member of the urgent care teams, you will work collaboratively with clinical colleagues to ensure patients receive timely, effective, and high-quality Speech and Language Therapy input.
A central aspect of the role will be the development and delivery of education and training programmes for the wider MDT. Through this work, you will support timely and appropriate referrals to Speech and Language Therapy services, increase awareness of communication and swallowing disorders, and contribute to improving patient outcomes and quality of care.
Job Overview Continued
You will provide both clinical and operational leadership for the acute inpatient SLT service, including day-to-day coordination of service delivery, workforce support and supervision, service development activities, and elements of staff management. As a senior clinician, you will maintain a strong and visible clinical presence, modelling best practice and providing expert support to colleagues across the pathway.
The role has a particular focus on improving early identification, assessment, and intervention for patients with communication and swallowing difficulties within urgent and emergency care settings. You will work as a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist across urgent care areas, while also supporting the wider Acute SLT team to deliver responsive and effective care.
You will establish and maintain strong working relationships with key MDT colleagues, champion collaborative working, and provide education, training, and specialist advice to support the delivery of safe, person-centred care across the urgent care pathway.
At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of “excellent health care, improved health for all”. We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.
As part of the NHS People Promise, your wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance supported by our flexible working options and by making reasonable adjustments where possible. We believe no-one should have to sacrifice family, friends, or their personal interests for work. We are a modern employer able to attract and retain high quality staff through our commitment to the NHS People Promise.
As an employer, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. We want to ensure that our workforce is representative of the population we serve. More information - inclusive practice people promise.
Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD Team. These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values.
Please click below to view our EDI page: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion - The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (dgft.nhs.uk)
Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.
