Job overview
Looking for a fresh challenge? We are recruiting internally for a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to work as part of the Head & Neck/ENT team. We will provide you with training and pastoral support and offer an outstanding learning and development package with a broad range of development opportunities.
This will be based at both Tunbridge Wells Hospital or Maidstone Hospital sites. Candidates will be enthusiastic, flexible and engaging with a specialist interest in Head & Neck Oncology and ENT disorders. You will help deliver speech and language therapy to adults who present with a wide range of swallowing and communication disorders secondary to head and neck cancer or ENT disorders, including those with laryngectomy and tracheostomy. There are lots of opportunities for working jointly with the MDT including dietitians, specialist oncology nurses, ENT and oncologists.
Main duties of the job
Excellent communication skills and significant experience in dysphagia, tracheostomy, communication disorders, laryngectomy and videoflouroscopy are essential. Further experience in FEES is desirable. You will offer second opinions and guidance on more complex dysphagia and input into videofluoroscopy clinic for head and neck patients. We need flexible, dynamic individuals capable of working well in a team. As stated before, we would also consider candidates who are still developing these skills in to a developing B7 role. Just get in touch!
The broader SALT team is made up of 19SLTs and 4 SLT Assistant posts, split across both sites. We offer excellent clinical support and supervision, and ongoing professional development is actively encouraged.
Working for our organisation
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 and 2024 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.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve 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). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. Degree or post graduate diploma in Speech and Language Therapy
6. Registered member of HCPC
7. RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies Level C or equivalent experience
Desirable criteria
8. RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies Level D or equivalent experience
Skills
Essential criteria
9. Evidence of ongoing CPD/reflective practice in head and neck oncology
10. Advanced communication support skills to include laryngectomy
11. Demonstrable organisational and reflection skills, including the ability to prioritise and manage your own time effectively
Desirable criteria
12. Counselling skills
13. Advanced tracheostomy skills
14. Oral and tracheal suction skills
15. Recognised competencies in instrumental assessment
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
16. Experience of working with adults in inpatient and outpatient settings
17. Experience of videofluoroscopy
18. Experience of FEES
19. Detailed knowledge of oncology treatment approaches and known side-effects to include immunotherapy
20. Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practice related to the specialty
21. Understanding of the principles of clinical governance
Desirable criteria
22. Post graduate experience of working with clients with H&N ENT swallowing and/or communication disorders
23. Experience of supervision
24. Understanding of local and national policy in relation to head and neck oncology