Job summary
We are seeking a Band 6 Macmillan 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 0.6wte working within a head and neck (H&N) cancer and general oncology outpatient caseload (including occasional community visits) and 0.4wte with an acute oncology inpatient caseload. Job-share and flexible working opportunities would be considered, dependent on experience.
The successful candidate will see patients with an array of cancer aetiologies, and will be independent in the assessment and management of a range of acquired swallowing, communication and voice disorders across both outpatient and inpatient settings.
The current outpatient caseload is predominantly comprised of post-treatment H&N Cancer patients with rehabilitative or palliative needs. We provide weekly post-treatment joint clinics with our dietetic colleagues, and provide support to our Ear Nose & Throat and Maxillofacial clinics on site as required. As core members of the Kent & Medway cancer alliance we also input into weekly multi-disciplinary team meetings supporting discussion around patients' treatment and care planning.
Main duties of the job
The service also provides outpatient support to patients with an acquired swallowing, voice or communication impairment as a result of an oncology diagnosis or oncological treatment. This may include patients with oesophageal, lung, haematological, or brain cancer. Community visiting is carried out in specific circumstances but equates to a very small number per year - driving is therefore desirable but not essential.
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, supported by acute generalist SLTs, the Acute SLT Lead and Macmillan SLT Lead as required.
Our service also provides well-established FEES, Videofluoroscopy and laryngectomy clinics, providing in-house training for more senior staff to develop expertise. Basic knowledge and skills in these areas are also desirable. This role will provide the opportunity to develop and maintain specialist skills in these areas, including work with laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration. We support regular internal and external CPD opportunities, including from Macmillan. There is regular admin support for the Macmillan caseload
About us
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The wider Adult SLT service at Darent Valley Hospital:
Our friendly and driven SLT team has expanded in recent years (17 SLT staff members) with strong and supportive clinical leadership across Inpatient (Acute/Stroke/Macmillan) and Outpatient (Macmillan/Generalist) specialities. Additionally, there is regular admin support for the Macmillan caseload. We are passionate about service development including clinical advances to enhance patient care, and actively support RCSLT initiatives such as Giving Voice. We also promote MDT and AHP liaison and networking, especially for cancer care.
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 chosen candidate will receive excellent supervision and support from our well-resourced SLT team. They will be joining a welcoming, energetic and innovative department. We would be very excited to welcome another passionate SLT into our team!
Please watch our recruitment video to hear more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZCMlSDW0o
If you are interested in this post and would like any more information, please email dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The wider Adult SLT service at Darent Valley Hospital:
Our friendly and driven SLT team has expanded in recent years (17 SLT staff members) with strong and supportive clinical leadership across Inpatient (Acute/Stroke/Macmillan) and Outpatient (Macmillan/Generalist) specialities. Additionally, there is regular admin support for the Macmillan caseload. We are passionate about service development including clinical advances to enhance patient care, and actively support RCSLT initiatives such as Giving Voice. We also promote MDT and AHP liaison and networking, especially for cancer care.
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 chosen candidate will receive excellent supervision and support from our well-resourced SLT team. They will be joining a welcoming, energetic and innovative department. We would be very excited to welcome another passionate SLT into our team!
Please watch our recruitment video to hear more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZCMlSDW0o
If you are interested in this post and would like any more information, please email dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net 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
- Recognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
- HCPC Licence to Practise
- Registered member of RCSLT
- Successful completion of postgraduate training in dysphagia
- Experience of wide range of clinical settings and communication difficulties
- Relevant experience with patients with cancer and patients with voice/ neurological disorders
- Experience of giving training and presentations
Desirable
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses especially in relation to cancer/ palliative care/ voice
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of assessment tools including videofluoroscopy, FEES, and therapy management techniques underpinned by evidence based practice that are relevant to communication and swallowing problems
- Well established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group
- Well established knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic intervention relevant to client group
- Well established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to the client group
- Knowledge of the role and vision of Macmillan cancer support
Experience
Essential
- Significant postgraduate experience working with a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties
- Postgraduate experience of working in an adult SLT setting
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience with laryngectomy patients including basic SVR training
- Experience of working with patient therapy/ support groups
- Experience carrying out videofluoroscopy assessment including analysis and report writing
- Experience of tracheostomy assessment and management
- Experience of work using Telehealth/ digital platforms
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Flexible approach to work practice and time management, adapting efficiently in line with service needs
- Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills
Desirable
- Car driver (full, clean licence)
Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential
- Recognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
- HCPC Licence to Practise
- Registered member of RCSLT
- Successful completion of postgraduate training in dysphagia
- Experience of wide range of clinical settings and communication difficulties
- Relevant experience with patients with cancer and patients with voice/ neurological disorders
- Experience of giving training and presentations
Desirable
- Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses especially in relation to cancer/ palliative care/ voice
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of assessment tools including videofluoroscopy, FEES, and therapy management techniques underpinned by evidence based practice that are relevant to communication and swallowing problems
- Well established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group
- Well established knowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic intervention relevant to client group
- Well established knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to the client group
- Knowledge of the role and vision of Macmillan cancer support
Experience
Essential
- Significant postgraduate experience working with a wide range of communication and swallowing difficulties
- Postgraduate experience of working in an adult SLT setting
- Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience with laryngectomy patients including basic SVR training
- Experience of working with patient therapy/ support groups
- Experience carrying out videofluoroscopy assessment including analysis and report writing
- Experience of tracheostomy assessment and management
- Experience of work using Telehealth/ digital platforms
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Flexible approach to work practice and time management, adapting efficiently in line with service needs
- Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy skills
Desirable
- Car driver (full, clean licence)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
