Job overview
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.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will work with stroke inpatients as a member of the Stroke MDT and dedicated stroke SLT team, providing specialist SLT assessment and management throughout both the acute and rehabilitation stages of stroke care. The post holder will be competent in the assessment and management of a wide range of swallowing and communication disorders, particularly those associated with stroke, and will work with an appropriate level of autonomy for a Band 6 therapist.
You will be an active member of the multidisciplinary Stroke Unit, contributing to service development, clinical audit and SSNAP targets, as well as supporting the supervision and development of junior colleagues and SLT Assistants. You will be supervised by the Band 7 Stroke Lead SLT, with strong links to AHP colleagues across the wider service.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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 to discuss the post further. You are also very welcome to visit the department.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
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
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
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
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Stroke Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in Darent Valley Hospital. It is listed as a Speech and Language Therapist role. The advertised salary is £41957.00 to £50387.00. The contract type is 12 months (12 month fixed term). The application deadline is 27 Aug 2026.
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