Speech and Language Therapist - Stroke | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Maidstone is seeking a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to provide assessment and management for adult clients with communication and swallowing disorders. The role offers a structured induction and support for continuous professional development, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including annual leave, NHS pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

At least 27 days annual leave

Membership in NHS Pension Scheme

Blue Light card eligibility

Qualifications

• Must be newly qualified or developing SLT with relevant qualifications.
• Experience in working with adult clients preferred.
• Ability to participate in MDT meetings and goal-setting.

Responsibilities

• Assess and manage adult clients with communication disorders.
• Collaborate in managing patients with swallowing disorders.
• Support relatives, carers, and medical staff.

Skills

Communication disorders assessment

Swallowing disorders management

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Patient care support

Education

Relevant Speech and Language Therapy degree

Job description

Overview

Newly qualified and looking for your first job? Working in your first job but seeking 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. This post is a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) in the Stroke service based primarily at Maidstone hospital, which currently includes hyper-acute, acute stroke, inpatient rehabilitation and an early-supported discharge service in clients’ own homes. You will join an established cohort of B5s and our preceptorship program. 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 videofluroscopy 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.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package.

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 handover 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.

Working arrangements

• 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. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Benefits

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata 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.

Application guidance

Please review the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Check your application for errors/omissions before submission. This role may attract a high level of applications and may close earlier than the original closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

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 advert closes on Tuesday 16 Sep 2025.