Advanced Speech and Language Therapist - NeonatesNHS
Job summary
Join us as an Advanced Neonatal Speech and Language Therapist and play a pivotal role at the very start of a child's life. Working across Basildon and Southend Hospitals, you will be the specialist voice for feeding, communication and neurodevelopment within a highly skilled neonatal multidisciplinary team, supporting babies with complex needs and their families through some of their most challenging moments.
You will be part of a well-led, dynamic and friendly MSE wide Children's Therapies team, working alongside dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and therapy assistants, all committed to integrated working, excellent patient care and a positive team culture.
This role is ideal for a motivated, compassionate clinician with neonatal or paediatric dysphagia skills, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is confident working autonomously while influencing MDT practice. In return, you will have the opportunity to shape and develop a specialist service, drive innovation, and make a lasting difference to outcomes for our most vulnerable patients and their families.
If you are interested in this role and believe you have the skills and qualities we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
**Intended start date: January 2027
Main duties of the job
You will deliver highly specialist speech and language therapy to neonates across Basildon and Southend Hospitals, providing assessment, diagnosis and management of feeding, swallowing and early communication needs.
Working as an integral member of the neonatal multidisciplinary team, you will:
- Influence care pathways and feeding practices
- Support safe feeding progression and neurodevelopment
- Contribute to discharge planning
- Provide training and guidance to staff and families
You will work autonomously to manage a complex caseload, ensuring care is evidence-based and aligned with best practice. You will also play a key role in service development, audit and quality improvement, helping to shape a high-quality, integrated neonatal therapy service.
We are looking for a clinician who brings:
- Advanced skills in neonatal and or paediatric dysphagia and complex feeding
- Strong clinical reasoning and ability to work autonomously
- Excellent communication skills, particularly with families in sensitive situations
- Confidence to influence MDT practice and deliver teaching
- A proactive, collaborative approach with a passion for improving outcomes
Job description
For more information on this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached Job Description.We look forward to your application!Please be aware that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a high number of applications be received.
**Intended start date: January 2027
About us
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well-being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.