Job summary
Looking for a fresh challenge? We are recruiting for a Senior Speech and Language Therapist to work as part of the Acute Inpatient team in both Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone hospital sites.
We will provide you with training and pastoral support and offer an outstanding learning and development package with a broad range of development opportunities. Candidates will be enthusiastic and flexible, with a specialist interest in acute dysphagia. Those looking for a development opportunity will also be considered.
Main duties of the job
You will help to manage patients with a range of swallowing and communication disorders on an acute inpatient caseload. You will have opportunities to participate in our regular videofluoroscopy and FEES clinics. You will also provide supervision to junior colleagues, support student placements and undertake service improvement projects.
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
o At least 27 days of annual leaveplus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).o Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefitso Blue Light card eligibilityo And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level.(Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please emailmtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.netif this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Interview Date: 5th March 2025
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level.(Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please emailmtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.netif this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Interview Date: 5th March 2025
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or postgraduate diploma in Speech and Language Therapy
- Registered member of HCPC
Desirable
- Level C RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies or equivalent experience
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Post graduate experience
- Experience of working with adults in an acute setting
- Sound knowledge of SALT assessments used with adults in the acute setting
- Knowledge of evidence-based practice, especially in the areas of dysphagia, aphasia, dysarthria, dyspraxia, cognitive-communication disorders and dysphonia
- Understanding of the principles of clinical governance
Desirable
- Experience of being a supervisor
- Knowledge of relevant national policies and standards
- Knowledge or experience of instrumental assessment
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of ongoing CPD/reflective practice
- Able to apply theory to practice for patients on an acute caseload
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or postgraduate diploma in Speech and Language Therapy
- Registered member of HCPC
Desirable
- Level C RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies or equivalent experience
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Post graduate experience
- Experience of working with adults in an acute setting
- Sound knowledge of SALT assessments used with adults in the acute setting
- Knowledge of evidence-based practice, especially in the areas of dysphagia, aphasia, dysarthria, dyspraxia, cognitive-communication disorders and dysphonia
- Understanding of the principles of clinical governance
Desirable
- Experience of being a supervisor
- Knowledge of relevant national policies and standards
- Knowledge or experience of instrumental assessment
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of ongoing CPD/reflective practice
- Able to apply theory to practice for patients on an acute caseload
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
