Stroke Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

We are excited to recruit a 12-month fixed-term, full-time Band 6 Stroke Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to join our friendly and proactive team at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, on the South-East London/North-West Kent border. This post is to cover maternity leave. We would consider appointing a developing Specialist SLT with the required skills, experience and enthusiasm. We are situated close to South-East London with excellent transport links, and an additional 5% high cost of living allowance applies. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, supportive and flexible team.

The post holder will work alongside Highly Specialist SLT Team Leads, Specialist SLTs and SLT Assistants within our well-established Adult SLT service. There are also established Acute and Outpatient SLT teams, with excellent administrative support.

Job description

We offer excellent clinical supervision, specialist support and CPD opportunities within a well-established and well-resourced SLT team. You will have access to lead specialist therapists in stroke, dementia, palliative care, tracheostomy and voice. There are also weekly on-site videofluoroscopy and FEES clinics, providing opportunities to further develop your specialist dysphagia skills. Learning, sharing expertise and ongoing professional development are strongly encouraged.

We are passionate about service development and actively encourage involvement in projects, audit, training and cross-disciplinary working. We also value keeping our practice current and raising the profile of Speech and Language Therapy.

Please watch our recruitment video to hear more about our team and service: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 further information, please email dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net or telephone 01322 428593

Person specification

Education and Training

Essential

• Recognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
• Successful completion of postgraduate training in dysphagia
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses relevant to role

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to client group
• Knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group
• Knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to client group
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Experience

Essential

• Significant postgraduate experience of working with adult clients with a range of communication and swallowing difficulties
• Postgraduate experience working in an acute hospital setting
• Relevant experience in stroke and acquired neurological difficulties
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary stroke team
• Experience of giving training and presentations

Desirable

• Experience carrying out videofluoroscopy/FEES assessment including analysis and report writing

About the employer

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.