Developing Specialist Speech & Language Therapist

NHS

  • Dartford, Kent
  • £32,602-39,686 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 6 days ago
We are excited to recruit a full-time permanent Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to work with inpatients at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, on the South-East London/North-West Kent border. We would consider appointing a newly qualified or established Developing Specialist SLT with the required profile and enthusiasm. We are situated near South-East London with good transport links, where an additional 5% high cost of living allowance applies. We pride ourselves in being a friendly, proactive and flexible team.Main duties of the jobThe successful applicant will work with inpatients on the acute wards including respiratory, gastroenterology, general medical, surgical and care of the elderly. There may also be an element of inpatient stroke management depending on service needs.The post holder will be working alongside our team of 17 staff: Highly Specialist SLT Team Leads, Specialist and developing Specialist SLTs, SLT Assistants and administrators. There are well established Inpatient, Outpatient and Macmillan teams, and excellent team administrative support.About usThe post holder will work towards becoming independent in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders. They will be an integral member of the Adult SLT team and will gain the opportunity to provide training to other healthcare professionals. The successful candidate will be able to access support from lead specialist therapists in areas of voice, dementia, palliative care, stroke/neurology, tracheostomy, and head & neck cancer. There are also on-site weekly videofluoroscopy and FEES clinics, and access to the off-site Voice Clinic.DetailsDate posted27 August 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 5Salary£32,602 to £39,686 a year Inc high cost areaContractPermanentWorking patternFull-timeReference number252-7434583Job locationsDarent Valley HospitalDarenth Wood RoadDartfordDA2 8DAJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor newly qualified practitioners, we have a preceptorship and an in-house dysphagia programme, which enable RCSLT and dysphagia competencies to be completed. The chosen candidate will also receive excellent supervision from the well-established and well-resourced SLT team. There is access to informal and formal training and CPD opportunities, where learning and sharing is strongly encouraged. We strive for ongoing service development, and regular participation in projects and audits, and cross-discipline working is highly valued. We are passionate about our team and profession, and actively raise the profile of Speech and Language Therapy including on our X account @dgt_sltdvhPlease watch our recruitment video to hear more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZCMlSDW0oWe would be very excited to welcome another passionate SLT into our team!If you are interested in this post and would like any more information, please email dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net or telephone 01322 428593 to discuss the post further. You are also very welcome to visit the Department. We would be very pleased to hear from you. Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor newly qualified practitioners, we have a preceptorship and an in-house dysphagia programme, which enable RCSLT and dysphagia competencies to be completed. The chosen candidate will also receive excellent supervision from the well-established and well-resourced SLT team. There is access to informal and formal training and CPD opportunities, where learning and sharing is strongly encouraged. We strive for ongoing service development, and regular participation in projects and audits, and cross-discipline working is highly valued. We are passionate about our team and profession, and actively raise the profile of Speech and Language Therapy including on our X account @dgt_sltdvhPlease watch our recruitment video to hear more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZCMlSDW0oWe would be very excited to welcome another passionate SLT into our team!If you are interested in this post and would like any more information, please email dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net or telephone 01322 428593 to discuss the post further. You are also very welcome to visit the Department. We would be very pleased to hear from you.Person SpecificationEducation and TrainingEssential
  • Recognised Speech & Language Therapist degree qualification or equivalent
  • Evidence of CPD
Desirable
  • Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses including dysphagia
ExperienceEssential
  • Experience of working with adult clients with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties
  • Experience working in a hospital setting
Desirable
  • Completion of Kings Dysphagia Supervision Schedule or equivalent
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
Knowledge and SkillsEssential
  • Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to client group
  • Knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group
  • Awareness of standards of clinical record keeping
  • Working knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and audit and their application to professional practice
Desirable
  • Publication in appropriate journals, etc
  • Proficient use of computer packages such as word, excel, publisher
Person SpecificationEducation and TrainingEssential
  • Recognised Speech & Language Therapist degree qualification or equivalent
  • Evidence of CPD
Desirable
  • Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses including dysphagia
ExperienceEssential
  • Experience of working with adult clients with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties
  • Experience working in a hospital setting
Desirable
  • Completion of Kings Dysphagia Supervision Schedule or equivalent
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
Knowledge and SkillsEssential
  • Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to client group
  • Knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group
  • Awareness of standards of clinical record keeping
  • Working knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and audit and their application to professional practice
Desirable
  • Publication in appropriate journals, etc
  • Proficient use of computer packages such as word, excel, publisher

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