Speech and Language Therapist | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

Role Overview As a Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist in the Intensive Support Team, you will play a key role in providing specialized speech and language therapy services to individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism who are experiencing crisis situations. Your primary responsibility will be to deliver intensive community-based support, aiming to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and facilitate the individual’s well‑being and recovery within their familiar environment. Key Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals’ communication abilities, including speech, language, and social communication skills, gathering case history, previous assessments, medical records, and input from professionals and families or caregivers. Utilize standardized assessment tools and clinical observations to identify specific areas of difficulty and provide an accurate diagnosis; select and administer appropriate assessments based on the individual’s age, developmental stage, and specific communication concerns. Assess swallowing and feeding skills, evaluating oral motor function, swallowing coordination, and safety during eating and drinking, using clinical tools, observations, and, if necessary, instrumental assessments such as video fluoroscopy. Train and develop assessment competencies as required for effective service delivery. Provide diagnostic reports that document and communicate assessment results in clear and concise form, outlining communication and swallowing strengths, areas of difficulty, diagnosis or classification, and recommendations for intervention or further assessment. Collaborate and share findings with other professionals involved in the individual’s care, such as GPs, consultants, nurses, psychologists, educators, and occupational therapists, contributing to multidisciplinary discussions and initiating referrals as required. Ensure ethical and cultural considerations throughout the assessment process, respecting individuals’ rights, maintaining confidentiality, and providing culturally sensitive and appropriate assessments for diverse populations. Values We are kind. We are respectful. We work together with our communities. Probationary Period This post will be subject to a probationary period. Starting with Us Nelft places great importance on new starters being properly welcomed into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process, new starters will also have the opportunity to meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend several drop‑in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex. High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London This post also attracts payment for a High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,714 to a maximum of £5,941 p.a. pro rata for part time). Additional Information Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer to this when completing your application. We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Please apply as soon as possible as some posts close early to limit the number of applications. Certificates of Sponsorship Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust. Use of AI Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process. Application Deadline This advert closes on Friday 21 Nov 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr