Speech and Language Therapist (Stroke)

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

An exceptional healthcare organization in Maidstone is seeking a proactive Speech and Language Therapist to join their stroke service team. This role involves assessing and managing adults with communication and swallowing disorders, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to patient care. The opportunity promises a supportive environment focused on professional development and ongoing training.

Benefits

At least 27 days of annual leave

NHS Pension Scheme with employer contribution

Blue Light card eligibility

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose and manage adult clients with communication disorders.
• Collaborate with senior team members in managing patients with swallowing disorders.
• Advise and support relatives, carers, and medical staff.

Skills

Proactive

Flexible

Experience with communication disorders

Collaboration

Education

Relevant Speech and Language Therapy qualification

Job description

Overview

Newly qualified and looking for your first job? Working in your first job but looking for a fresh challenge? We are seeking someone who is proactive and flexible to join our forward‑thinking and dynamic stroke service based at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust. You will join an established cohort of B5s and our preceptorship programme. We will offer a comprehensive induction with an emphasis on your practice development as a newly qualified or developing SLT. The team offers support for continuous professional development with in‑service training and journal clubs. We have access to on‑site videofluoroscopy and FEES and are actively involved in research (for example PLORAS and PhEAST). We will provide you with training and pastoral support and offer an outstanding learning and development package with a broad range of development opportunities. I’m sure you will find something to suit you!

Please see our recruitment videos for therapies https://youtu.be/GhVNSbkYkX8 and stroke Stroke Recruitment MTW. Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway IC.

Responsibilities

• To autonomously assess, diagnose and manage adult clients admitted to the Trust with communication disorders.
• To work collaboratively with senior members of the team in managing patients with swallowing disorders, to obtain Dysphagia competencies.
• To advise and support relatives, carers and medical staff in the care of these patients.
• Where appropriate, to transfer hand‑over information about these patients to residential care homes and/or Community SLT services in a timely manner, to ensure a seamless service and to help prevent unnecessary readmissions.
• To update and organise the online inpatient caseload documents daily so that there is appropriate and effective hand‑over and prioritisation of patients at all times.
• To be part of the MDT providing a 7‑day, extended‑hours flexible service as required.
• To attend and contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, goal‑setting meetings and other ward meetings as necessary.
• To participate in providing cover across the other parts of the SLT service (and sites) where appropriate.

Additional Information

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date has been agreed.

This role may often attract a high level of applications and may close earlier than the original closing date. Please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible. If required, we may need to close the application process earlier than planned.

To avoid missing out, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Please contact the Recruiting Manager for an informal discussion should you have any queries relating to the role for which you are applying.

Benefits

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro‑rated for part‑time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits.
• Blue Light card eligibility.
• And more; additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.

Work‑Life Flexibility

We are a flexible working‑friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust.

Diversity and Inclusion

At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints, and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work. We support our staff with disabilities to ensure they have the adjustments they need to be the best they can be in the workplace. Collaborating with Access to Work means that experts in the workplace assess our staff and we ensure that their recommendations are implemented as quickly as possible. You can find out more here: Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition.

Good luck!

We look forward to welcoming you to our exceptional team!