Job summary
Overview
We are seeking a Band 7 Macmillan Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our Speech & Language Therapy Team at Darent Valley Hospital - part of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, one of the largest hospital trusts in North Kent and rated 'Good' by CQC. The post includes a 5% cost of living supplement and offers full-time, part-time or job-share options, reflecting our flexibility and 'Joy at Work' philosophy.
Responsibilities
You will work across inpatient and outpatient settings, with the latter comprising approximately 80% of the workload (predominantly outpatients with Head and Neck Cancer). Dedicated specialist provision is required for inpatients and outpatients with other cancer diagnoses, namely lung and oesophagus. The role includes MDT liaison and opportunities to maintain and develop specialist skills in these areas. Community visiting is carried out in specific circumstances but is a very small component of the role.
You will work within our large SLT team to care for people with a cancer diagnosis, alongside a junior Macmillan SLT, dedicated Macmillan administrative support, and assistance from the SLT team's service Leads. We would like the Macmillan SLT team to continue expanding in line with service requirements. The SLT team also works as part of an supportive Therapies Directorate with wider AHP support mechanisms.
The post holder will be independent in the assessment and treatment of a range of swallowing and communication disorders resulting from oncological treatment; therefore, experience working with adult dysphagia is essential, as well as experience of a cancer caseload. The role provides an opportunity to work with a diverse caseload with varying rehabilitative or supportive needs. Informal counselling skills and experience supervising juniors/students are desirable.
We have well-established videofluoroscopy and FEES services and regularly provide in-house training to develop expertise across the team. Knowledge and skills in these areas are highly desirable for the Macmillan caseload, though we actively support the development of competencies in these.
Details: Date posted 26 August 2025. Pay scheme: Agenda for Change. Band 7. Salary £50,008 to £56,908 per year incl HCAS. Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Full-time. Reference number: 252-7433696. Job location: Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, DA2 8DA.
Person Specification
Education and Training
* Recognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent
* Health and Care Professions Council - Licence to Practise
* Registered member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
* Level 6 (RCSLT EDSCF) dysphagia competency
Desirable
* Post graduate training or accredited qualification in Videofluoroscopy/ FEES
* Training or qualification in the care of laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration
Experience
* Essential – Experience of working with cancer caseload; experience of work in both an inpatient and outpatient setting; experience of supervising junior colleagues, including SLTAs and SLT students; experience of developing and delivering training with strong presentation skills; experience of advising/providing second opinions; experience of mentoring/preceptorship
* Desirable – Experience in leading and completing project work in a specialist area; experience in videofluoroscopy/FEES; experience with laryngectomy and SVR; competent with tracheostomy patients; experience in patient group working
Knowledge and Skills
* In-depth knowledge of national guidelines appropriate to a cancer caseload
* Specialist knowledge of a broad range of assessment tools relevant to the specialist patient group
* Specialist knowledge of a range of therapeutic interventions relevant to the specialist patient group and ability to compare and contrast benefits
* Ability to work in a time-sensitive manner with the multidisciplinary team
* Specialist knowledge of trends/best practice within the clinical specialism
Desirable
* Knowledge of the work and aims of Macmillan Cancer Support
* Active member of national level Cancer Elevating Networks (CENs) and participation in conferences relevant to the caseload
Other
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS submission. UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers website for details.
Employer details: Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Darent Valley Hospital, Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, DA2 8DA. Website: https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us
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