Job overview

The Adult SLT team at Darent Valley Hospital have an exciting opportunity for a part‑time [0.8wte] permanent Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist to join our team at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. We are also happy to consider part‑time working or a job‑share arrangement for the right candidate. This is a key leadership role within a dynamic, forward‑thinking team serving a diverse caseload, including the hospital’s 15‑bedded Intensive Care Unit.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated clinician with highly specialist expertise in acute care. You will work alongside established Band 7 Acute Lead colleagues, providing clinical leadership and supporting therapists and therapy assistants in managing a varied and fast‑paced caseload.

Experience in critical care and tracheostomy management would be a significant advantage. We also welcome applicants who are keen to develop these skills, as the team is committed to providing structured support to help build confidence in these areas.

The service benefits from weekly videofluoroscopy and FEES clinics, and prior competency in these assessments is highly desirable - we would support the development of these competencies further.

You will work closely with the Band 8 Inpatient Lead SLT, collaborate with the Stroke SLT team, and be supported by a well‑established Outpatient service and excellent administrative staff.

Main duties of the job

Leadership & Professional Development

Strong leadership skills are essential. You will play an active role in shaping the service through:

• Clinical governance, service evaluation and ongoing development
• Line management and supervision of SLT colleagues
• Leading and contributing to audits, quality improvement projects and training initiatives
• Delivering teaching across wards and multidisciplinary teams
• Supporting junior SLTs, SLTAs and students

What We Offer

We are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment where staff feel valued and encouraged to grow. You will have access to:

• Regular clinical and managerial supervision
• Peer support within a highly collaborative team
• A wide range of CPD opportunities, both formal and informal
• Opportunities to contribute to service innovation and cross‑disciplinary working
• A team passionate about raising the profile of Speech and Language Therapy across the Trust

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

We would be delighted to welcome another enthusiastic and committed SLT to our team.

If you would like further information or wish to discuss the role, please contact [email protected] or call 01322 428593. Visits to the department are warmly encouraged.

Working for our organisation

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.