Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

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 desired candidate has specialist skills or is working towards obtaining these and is responsible for managing a clinical caseload of patients and maintaining accurate records of work. As a specialist SLT, you will assist in the supervision and training of more junior team members and students. This post is based at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital but the successful post-holder will be prepared to work across-site to support the needs of the wider SLT team.

As part of the role, we are pleased to be able to offer varied clinical opportunities across all three sites, quality improvement projects and highly skilled supervision and mentoring.

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents'.

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 695,000 people.

Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'.

We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Essential: - Hold a diploma/degree in Speech and Language Therapy with appropriate HCPC registration; - Evidence of completion of post graduate 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: - Broad knowledge of a range of relevant assessment tools (acquired communication and swallowing disorders).; - Knowledge of national policies and procedures (relevant to acute setting).; - Evidence based knowledge of a wide variety of treatment techniques and strategies relevant adult acquired communication and swallowing disorders.; - Awareness of the principles of clinical governance/audit.; - Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to role).

Essential: - Ability to work under pressure; - Flexible and adaptable

Essential: - Independently able to manage a busy caseload.; - Independent in the field of dysphagia; - Experience of working with adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders.; - Experience of delivering training.; - Excellent interpersonal and counselling skills, including observation, listening and empathy skills.; - Highly developed negotiating and problem-solving skills.; - Demonstrates excellent analytical and reflection skills.; - Specialist skills in the assessment and treatment of complex communication difficulties.; - Skills in specialist dysphagia management.; - High levels of verbal and non-verbal communication skills.; - Willingness and ability to be a good team player.; - Excellent organisational skills.; - Good auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically; - Ability to manage difficult, complex situations and seek support if necessary.; - Basic IT skills.

Desirable: - Experience of working within an acute hospital setting; - Membership at relevant CENs

Essential: - Awareness of Trust Vision, Mission and Values; - Able to travel between sites; - Ability to work flexibly to support the needs of the service