Speech and Language Therapist | East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Canterbury is seeking an enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapist for its Neuro Rehabilitation Unit. The role involves delivering patient-centred care to individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties, and effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Applicants should possess a relevant qualification in Speech and Language Therapy and HCPC registration or eligibility. This position offers a supportive team environment and an opportunity to develop autonomous practice.

Qualifications

• Passionate about communication therapy and rehabilitation.
• Hold HCPC registration or eligibility.
• Ability to work as an autonomous practitioner.

Responsibilities

• Deliver patient-centred care to individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Complete RCSLT NQP and dysphagia competencies.
• Provide swallowing and communication assessment and treatment.

Skills

Communication therapy

Patient care

Evidence-based practice

Education

Relevant qualification in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Speech and Language Therapist to join our SLT team on the East Kent Neuro Rehab Unit (EKNRU). Our small, friendly team is inclusive and welcoming. We are focused on evidenced based intervention and service improvement, to ensure our patients receive the best possible care.

EKNRU is located at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, in the historic and vibrant city of Canterbury. Canterbury is surrounded by woodland and countryside with the stunning Kent Coast in easy reach. There are quick links to London by rail and road.

We encourage applications from students graduating this summer and those who already hold their HCPC registration. If you are passionate about communication therapy and a career in rehabilitation we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with all members of the multidisciplinary team to deliver patient-centred care to individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties on East Kent Neuro Rehabilitation Unit (EKNRU).
• Be supported by our experienced SLT team to complete your RCSLT Newly Qualified Practitioner (NQP) and dysphagia competencies, and to develop knowledge and skills as an autonomous practitioner.
• Contribute to the Speech and Language Therapy Service at EKNRU and assist the Team Leads to prioritise SLT services.
• Provide swallowing and communication assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to a mixed caseload of adults with acute neurological and medical conditions.
• Use current evidence based practice to interpret and analyse clinical and non-clinical information to form accurate diagnoses and prognoses; develop management and treatment plans with support from senior SLTs.
• Advise colleagues, other MDT members, relatives and carers on the best course of intervention, including discharge planning.
• Manage a clinical caseload and maintain accurate records of work.
• Work as an autonomous practitioner with access to support and expert advice as required.
• Work flexibly within the SLT Department, across site or within other areas when required to do so.
• Collaborate with other agencies as part of a multidisciplinary/multiagency team to ensure effective service provision.

Qualifications and requirements

• Applications encouraged from students graduating this summer and those who already hold HCPC registration.
• Support to complete RCSLT NQP and dysphagia competencies; ability to develop knowledge and skills as an autonomous practitioner.
• Relevant professional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy and HCPC registration or eligibility.

Additional information

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 5great healthcare from great people6. Everything we do is guided by our values: "People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference6. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 5We care6. It\'s about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We\'re looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Please see the attached job description for further information, along with all the information required to apply for the vacancy.

This advert closes on Monday 29 Sep 2025