Job overview

We are seeking a Band 6 Specialist or B5 Developing Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (1.0 WTE) to join our team at Darent Valley Hospital, a district general hospital bordering South-East London and North Kent. The post includes 5% cost of living supplement due to the close proximity to London.

The full-time post comprises an acute oncology inpatient caseload and outpatient work as a Macmillan Professional (including occasional community work) under the leadership of the Macmillan SLT Lead. Job-share and flexible working opportunities would be considered, dependent on experience. 

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will see patients with an array of cancer aetiologies, and will be independent in the assessment and treatment of a range of swallowing and communication disorders.  Having worked 1-2years with adult dysphagia is essential, whilst experience of working with cancer and on acute wards are highly desirable. MDT working, informal skills in counselling, and experience of student supervision would also be desirable.

The current Macmillan outpatient caseload is predominantly comprised of post-treatment patients with Head and Neck Cancer, and general oncology, with rehabilitative or palliative needs. This role will provide the opportunity to develop and maintain specialist skills in these areas, including work with tracheostomy, laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration.

The acute oncology caseload spans multiple wards treating patients whose swallowing and/or communication are impacted by cancer or its treatment; the post holder would be independent in managing this caseload, receiving excellent supervision and support from our well-resourced SLT team.

We have been running well-established FEES and videofluoroscopy clinics for several years, providing in-house training for more senior staff to develop expertise across the team. Basic knowledge and skills in these areas are desirable. There are regular internal and external CPD opportunities, including from Macmillan. There is also regular admin support for the Macmillan caseload.

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.