Locum Band 7 Paediatric Dysphagia Speech & Language Therapist (Hybrid)

Locum Band 7 Paediatric Dysphagia Speech & Language Therapist (Hybrid)

• �38 per hour


• Hybrid


• Part-time, 09:00-17:00


• 3-month contract


• Harlow, Essex

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Locum Band 7 Speech & Language Therapist specialising in paediatric dysphagia to join our dynamic healthcare team.

Part time work, for 3 months, working with children and young people, including neonates, on the dysphagia caseload alongside supervision of a Band 6 member of the team.

Hybrid working, including some face-to-face clinical work across the West Essex area.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in providing specialist assessment, diagnosis, and intervention services for children with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and associated communication impairments.

This locum position involves working within a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive dysphagia management in paediatric settings.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Assessment and Evaluation:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of paediatric patients presenting with swallowing difficulties, including clinical swallowing evaluations, instrumental assessments (e.g., videofluoroscopy, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation), and communication assessments.


• Utilise standardised dysphagia assessment tools and clinical observations to establish baseline function and identify swallowing impairments.

Diagnostic Interpretation and Treatment Planning:

• Interpret assessment findings to formulate accurate diagnoses and differential diagnoses of paediatric dysphagia and associated communication disorders.


• Develop individualized dysphagia management plans based on assessment results, patient and family goals, and evidence-based practice guidelines.

Dysphagia Intervention and Therapy:

• Provide specialised dysphagia therapy and intervention to paediatric patients, including direct and indirect swallowing therapy, oral motor exercises, compensatory strategies, and mealtime modifications.


• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to implement dysphagia management strategies in various settings (e.g., home, school, hospital).

Feeding and Swallowing Education:

• Educate parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals about paediatric dysphagia, including signs and symptoms, risk factors, and management strategies.


• Provide training on safe feeding practices, oral hygiene, positioning, and environmental modifications to support optimal swallowing function and safety.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively with paediatricians, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, and other professionals to coordinate holistic care for paediatric patients with dysphagia.


• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case discussions, and care planning reviews.

Clinical Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic health records, documenting dysphagia assessments, treatment plans, interventions, progress notes, and discharge summaries.


• Ensure compliance with professional and regulatory standards for clinical documentation and record keeping.

Quality Improvement and Research:

• Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement projects, and research initiatives to enhance dysphagia management outcomes and advance evidence-based practice.


• Stay abreast of current research, guidelines, and best practices in paediatric dysphagia management through continuing education and professional development activities.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Speech & Language Therapy.


• Current registration with the relevant speech and language therapy regulatory body.


• Extensive clinical experience working as a Speech & Language Therapist with a focus on paediatric dysphagia assessment and management.


• Specialist training and certification in paediatric dysphagia assessment and intervention.


• Advanced clinical skills in dysphagia evaluation, treatment planning, and therapy implementation.


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.


• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.


• Commitment to delivering family-centered, evidence-based care with compassion and empathy.