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Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Macmillan and Outpatients

NHS

Dartford

On-site

GBP 31,000 - 48,000

Full time

Yesterday

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Job summary

Join a leading healthcare team as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at Darent Valley Hospital. This full-time role involves managing a diverse caseload, focusing on patients with cancer-related communication and swallowing difficulties. You will work within a supportive environment, enhancing your skills in dysphagia and oncology care. Flexible working options are available, and you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

Qualifications

1-2 years experience with adult dysphagia required.
Experience with cancer patients and acute wards is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Manage an acute oncology inpatient caseload and outpatient work.
Independently assess and treat swallowing and communication disorders.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Counseling

Education

Speech & Language Therapy degree

Postgraduate training in dysphagia

Tools

Videofluoroscopy

FEES

Job summary

We are seeking a Band 6 Specialist or B5 Developing Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (1.0 WTE) to join our team at Darent Valley Hospital, a district general hospital bordering South-East London and North Kent. The post includes 5% cost of living supplement due to the close proximity to London.

The full-time post comprises an acute oncology inpatient caseload and outpatient work as a Macmillan Professional (including occasional community work) under the leadership of the Macmillan SLT Lead. Job-share and flexible working opportunities would be considered, dependent on experience.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will see patients with an array of cancer aetiologies, and will be independent in the assessment and treatment of a range of swallowing and communication disorders. Having worked 1-2years with adult dysphagia is essential, whilst experience of working with cancer and on acute wards are highly desirable. MDT working, informal skills in counselling, and experience of student supervision would also be desirable.

The current Macmillan outpatient caseload is predominantly comprised of post-treatment patients with Head and Neck Cancer, and general oncology, with rehabilitative or palliative needs. This role will provide the opportunity to develop and maintain specialist skills in these areas, including work with tracheostomy, laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration.

The acute oncology caseload spans multiple wards treating patients whose swallowing and/or communication are impacted by cancer or its treatment; the post holder would be independent in managing this caseload, receiving excellent supervision and support from our well-resourced SLT team.

We have been running well-established FEES and videofluoroscopy clinics for several years, providing in-house training for more senior staff to develop expertise across the team. Basic knowledge and skills in these areas are desirable. There are regular internal and external CPD opportunities, including from Macmillan. There is also regular admin support for the Macmillan caseload.

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.

Details Date posted

16 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,469 to £47,084 a year incl HCAS per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-7023871-D

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA

Job description Job responsibilities

The chosen candidate will be joining a welcoming, energetic and innovative department. Our driven SLT team has expanded in recent years (17 SLT staff members) with strong and supportive clinical leadership across Inpatient (Acute/Stroke/Macmillan) and Outpatient (Macmillan/Generalist) specialities. We are passionate about service development including clinical advances to enhance patient care and actively support RCSLT initiatives such as Giving Voice. We also promote MDT and AHP liaison and networking, especially for cancer care.

We would be very excited to welcome another passionate SLT into our team!

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

Job description Job responsibilities

We would be very excited to welcome another passionate SLT into our team!

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

Person Specification Education and Training Essential

Recognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
HCPC Licence to Practise
Registered member of RCSLT
Successful completion of postgraduate training in dysphagia
Experience of wide range of clinical settings and communication difficulties
Relevant experience with patients with cancer and patients with voice/ neurological disorders
Experience of giving training and presentations

Desirable

Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses especially in relation to cancer/ palliative care/ voice

Knowledge and Skills Essential

Knowledge of assessment tools including videofluoroscopy, FEES, and therapy management techniques underpinned by evidence based practice that are relevant to communication and swallowing problems
Well established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group
Well established knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic intervention relevant to client group
Well established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to the client group
Knowledge of the role and vision of Macmillan cancer support

Experience Essential

Significant postgraduate experience working with a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties
Postgraduate experience of working in an adult SLT setting
Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

Experience with laryngectomy patients including basic SVR training
Experience of working with patient therapy/ support groups
Experience carrying out videofluoroscopy assessment including analysis and report writing
Experience of tracheostomy assessment and management
Experience of work using Telehealth/ digital platforms

Personal Attributes Essential

Flexible approach to work practice and time management, adapting efficiently in line with service needs
Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills

Desirable

Car driver (full, clean licence)

Person Specification Education and Training Essential

Recognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
HCPC Licence to Practise
Registered member of RCSLT
Successful completion of postgraduate training in dysphagia
Experience of wide range of clinical settings and communication difficulties
Relevant experience with patients with cancer and patients with voice/ neurological disorders
Experience of giving training and presentations

Desirable

Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses especially in relation to cancer/ palliative care/ voice

Knowledge and Skills Essential

Knowledge of assessment tools including videofluoroscopy, FEES, and therapy management techniques underpinned by evidence based practice that are relevant to communication and swallowing problems
Well established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group
Well established knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic intervention relevant to client group
Well established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to the client group
Knowledge of the role and vision of Macmillan cancer support

Experience Essential

Significant postgraduate experience working with a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties
Postgraduate experience of working in an adult SLT setting
Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

Experience with laryngectomy patients including basic SVR training
Experience of working with patient therapy/ support groups
Experience carrying out videofluoroscopy assessment including analysis and report writing
Experience of tracheostomy assessment and management
Experience of work using Telehealth/ digital platforms

Personal Attributes Essential

Flexible approach to work practice and time management, adapting efficiently in line with service needs
Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills

Desirable

Car driver (full, clean licence)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA