Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Feeding & Complex Needs

To provide highly specialist assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for children with feeding, swallowing, and complex communication needs across community and clinic settings. The post holder will manage a complex caseload, support families and multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to service development.

• Independently manage a specialist caseload of children with:
  • Dysphagia (feeding and swallowing difficulties)
  • Complex developmental needs (e.g. ASD, genetic conditions, neurological impairments)
  • Communication difficulties associated with complex needs
• Carry out comprehensive assessments in clinic, home, and community settings
• Develop and implement evidence-based intervention plans for feeding and communication
• Provide risk assessments and management plans for dysphagia
• Deliver therapy through:
  • Direct intervention
  • Parent/carer coaching
  • Training for school and care staff
• Monitor, evaluate, and adjust intervention plans based on outcomes
• Work closely with dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, paediatricians, and education staff
• Contribute to EHCPs, reports, and annual reviews
• Attend and contribute to MDT meetings and case discussions
• Provide specialist advice on feeding, nutrition, and communication strategies
• Deliver training to:
  • Parents and carers
  • School and nursery staff
  • Support staff and wider professionals
• Provide clinical supervision and support to junior therapists, assistants, and students
• Act as a source of expertise within feeding and complex needs

• Significant post-qualification experience (Band 6 or above)
• Experience working with:
  • Paediatric feeding and dysphagia
  • Children with complex needs
• Experience across community and/or clinic settings

• Advanced knowledge of:
  • Paediatric dysphagia assessment and management
  • Complex communication needs
• Strong clinical reasoning and decision-making skills
• Ability to work autonomously and prioritise workload
• Excellent communication skills with families and professionals
• Confidence delivering training and supervision

• Varied caseload
• Be part of a collaborative SLT team
• Structured supervision and support from experienced SLTs
• Access to high-quality resources and team-wide CPD
• Opportunity to make a tangible difference
• Work from home days during half term holidays
• 12 weeks paid holiday
• Birthday Leave
• Christmas and entire month of August off
• Termly CPD days plus training budget

subject to contract

• Has recently qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist (HCPC registration required)
• Is passionate about working with children and young people in diverse educational and community settings
• Brings energy, empathy, and curiosity to their work
• Values teamwork, reflection and continuous development

We are committed to excellence and empowerment, not only for the children and families we support, but for our team too. As part of Unlocking Language, you will be part of a warm and growing company that invests in your professional journey and celebrates your contribution.

Location: Community and clinic-based (including schools, homes, and clinic settings), East London.

Hours: Full-time or Part-time.

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 (pro rata) per year.