Job summary
- Main area
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Grade
- Band 5
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 252-7156631-A
- Employer
- Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Darent Valley Hospital
- Town
- Dartford
- Salary
- Dependent on experience
- Closing
- 02/06/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Developing Specialist Speech & Language Therapist
Band 5
Job overview
We are excited to recruit a full-time permanent Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to work with outpatients and inpatients at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, on the South-East London/North-West Kent border. We would consider appointing a newly qualified or established Developing Specialist SLT with the required profile and enthusiasm. We are situated near South-East London with good transport links, where an additional 5% high cost of living allowance applies. We pride ourselves in being a friendly, proactive and flexible team.
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will work part-time with a generalist outpatient caseload with an emphasis on ENT/Voice patients and including dysphagia [2-3 days, dependent on experience and interest]. They will also work on the acute wards [the remainder of the time] including respiratory, gastroenterology, general medical, surgical and care of the elderly.
The post holder will be working alongside our team of 17 staff: Highly Specialist SLT Team Leads, Specialist and developing Specialist SLTs, SLT Assistants and administrators. There are well established Inpatient, Outpatient and Macmillan teams, and excellent team administrative support.
Working for our organisation
The post holder will work towards becoming independent in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders. Experience with dysphonia, dysphagia, and outpatient/inpatient work is desirable. They will be an integral member of the Adult SLT team and will gain the opportunity to provide training to other healthcare professionals. The successful candidate will be able to access support from lead specialist therapists in areas of voice, dementia, palliative care, stroke/neurology, tracheostomy, and head & neck cancer. There are also on-site weekly videofluoroscopy and FEES clinics, and access to the off-site Voice Clinic.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For newly qualified practitioners, we have a preceptorship and an in-house dysphagia programme, which enable RCSLT and dysphagia competencies to be completed. The chosen candidate will also receive excellent supervision from the well-established and well-resourced SLT team. There is access to informal and formal training and CPD opportunities, where learning and sharing is strongly encouraged. We strive for ongoing service development, and regular participation in projects and audits, and cross-discipline working is highly valued. We are passionate about our team and profession, and actively raise the profile of Speech and Language Therapy including on our X account @dgt_sltdvh
Please watch our recruitment video to hear more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZCMlSDW0o
We would be very excited to welcome another passionate SLT into our team!
If you are interested in this post and would like any more information, please email [email protected] or telephone 01322 428593 to discuss the post further. You are also very welcome to visit the Department. We would be very pleased to hear from you.
Person specification
Education and Training
Essential criteria
- Recognised Speech & Language Therapist degree qualification or equivalent
- Health and Care Professions Council – Licence to Practise
- Registered member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
Desirable criteria
- Successful completion of postgraduate training in dysphagia
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses including dysphagia
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working with adult clients with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties
- Experience working in a hospital setting
Desirable criteria
- Completion of Kings Dysphagia Supervision Schedule or equivalent
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
- Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to client group
- Knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group
- Awareness of standards of clinical record keeping
- Working knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and audit and their application to professional practice
Desirable criteria
- Publication in appropriate journals, etc
- Proficient use of computer packages such as word, excel, publisher
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Libby Garner
- Job title
- Adult SLT Team Lead
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01322 428593
List jobs with Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in Allied Health Professions or all sectors