Advanced Speech and Language Therapist - Neonates
At a glance
- Band
- Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Part-time
- Posted
- 14/08/2026
- Closes
- 31/08/2026
Sponsorship verdict
This contract type is not eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
NHS Trusts cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for part-time, bank, locum, zero-hours, job-share or short fixed-term (under 12 months) contracts under current Home Office rules. This applies even when the wider Trust holds a Skilled Worker licence.
Role summary
This role is for an Advanced Neonatal Speech and Language Therapist to work across Basildon and Southend Hospitals. You will provide specialist voice for feeding, communication, and neurodevelopment within a multidisciplinary team, supporting babies with complex needs and their families. The role involves autonomous management of a complex caseload, influencing care pathways, and contributing to service development and quality improvement. It is ideal for a motivated clinician with neonatal or paediatric dysphagia skills.
Essential criteria
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent
- RCSLT Registration
- HCPC Registration
- Master level or equivalent post graduate qualifications / evidence of post graduate learning relevant to the clinical field
Desirable criteria
- Relevant specialist training courses e.g., FINE, NBO, IBCLC, SOFFI
- Completion of HEE Modules (Introduction to Neonatal Care and Speech Language Therapy modules)
- Knowledge and Experience
- Significant experience in paediatric SLT post qualification
- Experience working with neonates and infants and/or children with complex needs
- Experience of independently managing feeding and swallowing difficulties associated with a neonatal or paediatric caseload
- Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to neonates in order to assess, diagnose, plan and treat neonates and infants with swallowing difficulties
- Experience working at Paediatric Dysphagia Competency Level C
- Experience working in a neonatal or acute setting
- Knowledge of processes and policies relating to work in a neonatal setting e.g. safeguarding, developmental, educational needs, RCSLT guidelines etc.
- Experience working at Paediatric Dysphagia Competency Level D
- Experience working at Neonatal Dysphagia Competency Level C
- Communication Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
- Personal and People Development
- Ability to recognise own training and supervision needs and use these to further enhance clinical skills
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent
- RCSLT Registration
- HCPC Registration
- Master level or equivalent post graduate qualifications / evidence of post graduate learning relevant to the clinical field
- Relevant specialist training courses e.g., FINE, NBO, IBCLC, SOFFI
- Completion of HEE Modules (Introduction to Neonatal Care and Speech Language Therapy modules)
- Knowledge and Experience
- Significant experience in paediatric SLT post qualification
- Experience working with neonates and infants and/or children with complex needs
- Experience of independently managing feeding and swallowing difficulties associated with a neonatal or paediatric caseload
- Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to neonates in order to assess, diagnose, plan and treat neonates and infants with swallowing difficulties
- Experience working at Paediatric Dysphagia Competency Level C
- Experience working in a neonatal or acute setting
- Knowledge of processes and policies relating to work in a neonatal setting e.g. safeguarding, developmental, educational needs, RCSLT guidelines etc.
- Experience working at Paediatric Dysphagia Competency Level D
- Experience working at Neonatal Dysphagia Competency Level C
- Communication Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills
- Personal and People Development
- Ability to recognise own training and supervision needs and use these to further enhance clinical skills
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 7 at £46,148 – £52,809 a year, across England.
This advert: £49,387 – £49,387 — matches the national scale.
Posted 16d ago · Closes in 2d
Applications close soon — apply now if this is a fit.
Full advert · preview
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Advanced Speech and Language Therapist - Neonates
The closing date is 31 August 2026
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.
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