Highly Specialist Team Lead Speech and Language Therapist
Job Summary
We are looking for an energetic, self‑motivated Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to lead our QEQM SLT team on a fixed‑term contract covering maternity leave. If you are enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated, we would love you to join our team at East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust.
Main Duties
Due to maternity leave and vacancy, we are looking for a self‑motivated and dynamic SLT who can lead a small team and deliver highly specialist SLT services for our patients. You will engage key hospital stakeholders with distant supervision, directing the service delivery on‑site at QEQM. We take pride in supporting people with communication and swallowing difficulties to reach their potential. We provide a high‑quality SLT service across three busy acute hospital sites and hold regular team meetings, clinical supervision and CPD.
About Us
We form part of a close multi‑disciplinary team and are key in the rehabilitation and discharge planning of patients. We believe that developing our staff is key to success; we provide a dynamic training and development ethos and encourage and support you to reach your full potential. As the organisation moves towards a skills‑based workforce, opportunities are endless.
Job Details
* Date posted: 23 December 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
* Band: Band 7
* Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum
* Contract: Secondment
* Working pattern: Full‑time, Flexible working
* Reference number: 344‑9215DCB
* Job locations: QEQM Hospital, Ramsgate Road, Margate (CT1 4BG)
Person Specification – Essential Qualifications and Training
* Hold a diploma/degree in Speech and Language Therapy
* HCPC registration
* Formal teaching or mentoring qualification
* Evidence of continuing professional development
* Clinical competencies in videofluoroscopy, tracheostomy, FEES and/or laryngectomy
* Post‑graduate experience of working in the acute hospital setting in stroke services
Person Specification – Desirable Qualifications and Training
* Completed or started Master’s Degree in a health‑related subject relevant to area of clinical specialty and advanced practice
* NHS Leadership Academy qualification (e.g. ‘Edward Jenner’, ‘Mary Seacole’)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience – Essential
* Significant experience in dysphagia assessment and management
* Highly developed clinical skills in assessment, therapy and management of patients with communication and swallowing impairments
* Significant postgraduate healthcare experience equivalent to L7, demonstrating professional development across the four pillars of practice
* Significant experience working with acutely unwell patients
* Experience of working with patients/service users to resolve concerns and improve their experience
* Evidence of effective networking or matrix working
* Experience of supervising staff and delivering training
* Experience of assessing patients and developing specialised programmes of care
* Experience of presenting to groups of staff/public
* Skills and experience in specialist dysphagia and communication management
* Clinical and non‑clinical prioritisation skills
* Proven skills in leadership
* Excellent interpersonal, analytical, reflection, written and verbal communication, time‑management and team‑working skills
Governance – Essential
* Understanding of quality governance, patient safety and patient experience tools to support clinical practice and service improvement
* Sound knowledge and understanding of national policy and guidance
* Utilisation of clinical effectiveness tools to deliver quality improvement (e.g. risk management and clinical audit)
* Evidence of innovative practice utilising research and audit
* Experience of contributing to quality improvement in safety/quality improvement projects
* Experience of writing reports and presenting to teams or small groups
Governance – Desirable
* Experience of implementing and evaluating improvements in care
Personal/Professional Attributes – Essential
* Ability to work within a team to achieve goals for a shared vision
* Evidence of service development and delivery in practice
* Knowledge of health policy and application to practice
* Ability to problem‑solve, anticipate and plan, individually and within a team
* Demonstrate self‑awareness and critical reflection
Other Requirements – Essential
* Flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service (including weekend working)
* Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
* Self‑motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach
* Upholds and role models the Trust values
* Willing to work across sites (including moving base‑site when stroke services move to William Harvey Hospital)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer Details
* Employer name: East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
* Address: QEQM Hospital, Ramsgate Road, Margate, CT1 4BG
* Website: https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Information Technology
Industries
Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists
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