Acute Lead Speech and Language Therapist

Acute Lead Speech and Language Therapist

The Adult SLT team at Darent Valley Hospital have an exciting opportunity for a full-time 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.

Located close to South-East London with strong transport links, the Trust also offers a 5% high-cost area supplement
. Our team is known for being friendly, proactive and adaptable, with a strong commitment to high-quality patient care and professional development.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated clinician with specialist expertise in acute care. You will co-lead the acute inpatient team alongside an established Band 7 colleague, 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 an advantage, but it is not essential. We welcome applicants who are keen to develop these skills, and the team is committed to providing structured support to help you build confidence in these areas.

The service benefits from weekly videofluoroscopy and FEES clinics
, and while prior competency in these assessments is valuable, we are equally happy to support the development of these competencies for the right candidate.

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 colleagues.

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 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.

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 dgn-tr.sltdvhor call . Visits to the department are warmly encouraged.

• Recognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
• Health and Care Professions Council - Licence to Practise
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses
• Evidence of CPD relevant to role
• Leadership training or qualification

• Highly specialist knowledge of assessment tools relevant to client group
• Well established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to client group
• Well established knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group
• Well-developed knowledge of standards of clinical record keeping
• Well-developed knowledge of relevant procedures including (vulnerable adults, Mental Capacity Act etc.) and other legal requirements
• Well-developed knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and audit and their application to professional practice
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

• Significant postgraduate experience in associated specialties
• Experience at specialist level or above to further develop skills to be able to demonstrate advanced level of skills in Specialist field
• Experience of management of a wide range of complex pathologies
• Delivering in service training programmes
• Experience in supervision and clinical education of more junior staff, students and assistants
• Active participation in audit and research
• Experience carrying out videofluoroscopy and/or FEES assessment including analysis and report writing
• Experience in line management
• Experience of tracheostomy assessment and management

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£50,008 to £56,908 a…