Developing Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job summary

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.

The 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.

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position

Main duties of the job

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 and Outpatient teams, and excellent team administrative support.

The 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 oncology. There are also on-site weekly videofluoroscopy and FEES clinics.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Job responsibilities

For 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.

Please watch our recruitment video to hear more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZCMlSDW0o

We 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 [email protected] 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 specification

Education and Training

Essential

• Recognised Speech & Language Therapist degree qualification or equivalent
• Health and Care Professions Council - Licence to Practise

Desirable

• Successful completion of postgraduate training in dysphagia
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses including dysphagia

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with adult clients with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties
• Experience working in an acute hospital setting

Desirable

• Completion of Dysphagia Supervision Schedule or equivalent
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to client group
• Knowledge of national policies and procedures 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