Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an energetic, self‑motivated Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) for a permanent opportunity working in Acute Services at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate.

Team Vision

• Proactively and consistently offer high quality, responsive, person‑centred care and intervention
• Ensure every patient feels cared for, supported and empowered
• Maximise quality of life by enabling each patient to optimise their communication, swallowing function and well‑being

Main duties

The desired candidate will work closely with members of the multidisciplinary team to deliver patient‑centred care to individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties associated with acute illness. The candidate is responsible for managing a clinical caseload of patients, maintaining accurate records, and supervising and training more junior team members and students. The role is based at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital and involves working across sites to support the wider SLT team.

Opportunities include varied clinical activities across all three sites, quality improvement projects, and highly skilled supervision and mentoring.

Contract Details

• Band: 6
• Salary: £38,682 – £46,580 a year pro rata
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Working pattern:
  Part‑time, flexible working (00 – 30 hours per week)

Person Specification – Essential Qualifications and Training

• Diploma/degree in Speech and Language Therapy with appropriate HCPC registration
• Completion of postgraduate RCSLT Dysphagia competencies (or equivalent)

Desirable

• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• Competencies in videofluoroscopy, FEES, tracheostomy or critical care

Essential Knowledge

• Broad knowledge of assessment tools for acquired communication and swallowing disorders
• Knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to acute settings
• Evidence‑based knowledge of treatment techniques and strategies for adult acquired communication and swallowing disorders
• Awareness of clinical governance/audit principles
• Understanding of roles of other professionals

Essential Personal / Professional Attributes

• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexible and adaptable

Essential Clinical Skills and Experience

• Independently manage a busy caseload
• Independent in the field of dysphagia
• Experience with adults having acquired communication and swallowing disorders
• Experience delivering training
• Excellent interpersonal and counseling skills (observation, listening, empathy)
• Strong negotiating and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent analytical and reflective skills
• Specialist skills in assessment and treatment of complex communication difficulties
• Specialist dysphagia management skills
• High verbal and non‑verbal communication skills
• Team‑player attitude
• Excellent organisational skills
• Good auditory discrimination skills with ability to transcribe speech phonetically
• Ability to manage difficult, complex situations and seek support when necessary
• Basic IT skills

Desirable

• Experience working within an acute hospital setting
• Membership at relevant CENs

Other Requirements

• Awareness of Trust Vision, Mission and Values
• Able to travel between sites
• Flexibility to support the needs of the service

Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required to verify any criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship Applicants requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome. For details refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Further information is available on the NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

• East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
• Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Ramsgate Rd, Margate, CT9 4AN
• Website: