Job Description

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, which is one of the largest hospital trusts in North Kent and proud to be CQC rated 'Good'. The post includes 5% cost of living supplement as the hospital borders South-East London. Full-time/ part-time/job-share options will all be considered, fitting with our strong philosophy of flexibility and 'Joy at Work'.
Main duties of the job
You will work across an inpatient and outpatient setting 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 - areas with an exciting and ever-growing evidence base for the remit of the SLT. The role includes MDT liaison, and will provide the opportunity to maintain and develop specialist skills in all these areas. Community visiting is carried out in specific circumstances but equates to a very small number per year.
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 of the SLT team's service Leads. We would also like to see the Macmillan SLT team continue to expand in line with service requirements. The SLT team also works as part of an extremely supportive Therapies Directorate with wider AHP support mechanisms.
About us
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 skills in counselling, as well as experience of junior/student supervision will also be necessary.
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 therefore 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
Band 7
Salary
50,008 to 56,908 a year incl HCAS per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
252-7433696
Job locations
Darent Valley Hospital
Darenth Wood Road
Dartford
DA2 8DA
Job description
Job responsibilities
The wider Adult SLT service at Darent Valley Hospital
Our friendly and driven team of 17 SLT staff members has expanded significantly in recent years with strong clinical leadership across Inpatient and Outpatient specialities. This role will see you join this focused and flexible leadership team, allowing opportunity to further develop the Macmillan and wider SLT service.
The chosen candidate will access support and peer supervision from our well established and well-resourced SLT team, as well as forming relationships with the Trusts and wider cancer networks including the regional oncology SLTs and specialist CENs. They will be joining a welcoming, energetic and innovative department offering regular CPD opportunities both internally and externally.
We are passionate about service development including clinical innovations to enhance patient care, and keep abreast of research, RCSLT and AHP-wide advances. We also actively promote MDT and AHP liaison and networking, and have an active social media presence via our X page. See our recruitment video to hear more from our team- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZCMlSDW0o
Please do contact us for more information or to arrange an informal visit (dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net / 01322 428593) - we would be delighted to hear from you and to provide more detail. Job description
Job responsibilities
The wider Adult SLT service at Darent Valley Hospital
Our friendly and driven team of 17 SLT staff members has expanded significantly in recent years with strong clinical leadership across Inpatient and Outpatient specialities. This role will see you join this focused and flexible leadership team, allowing opportunity to further develop the Macmillan and wider SLT service.
The chosen candidate will access support and peer supervision from our well established and well-resourced SLT team, as well as forming relationships with the Trusts and wider cancer networks including the regional oncology SLTs and specialist CENs. They will be joining a welcoming, energetic and innovative department offering regular CPD opportunities both internally and externally.
We are passionate about service development including clinical innovations to enhance patient care, and keep abreast of research, RCSLT and AHP-wide advances. We also actively promote MDT and AHP liaison and networking, and have an active social media presence via our X page. See our recruitment video to hear more from our team- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZCMlSDW0o
Please do contact us for more information or to arrange an informal visit (dgn-tr.sltdvh@nhs.net / 01322 428593) - we would be delighted to hear from you and to provide more detail.
Person Specification
Education and Training
Essential

• 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

• Post graduate training or accredited qualification in Videofluoroscopy/ FEES
• Training or qualification in the care of laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration

• 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, employing excellent presentation skills
• Experience of advising/providing second opinions
• Experience of mentoring/ preceptorship

• Experience in leading and completing project work in specialist area
• Experience in videofluoroscopy/FEES
• Experience with laryngectomy and SVR
• Competent with tracheostomy patients
• Experience in patient group working

• 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 appropriate 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

• Knowledge of the work and aims of Macmillan Cancer Support
• Active member of national level CENs and participation in conferences relevant to caseload

• 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

• Post graduate training or accredited qualification in Videofluoroscopy/ FEES
• Training or qualification in the care of laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration

• 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, employing excellent presentation skills
• Experience of advising/providing second opinions
• Experience of mentoring/ preceptorship

• Experience in leading and completing project work in specialist area
• Experience in videofluoroscopy/FEES
• Experience with laryngectomy and SVR
• Competent with tracheostomy patients
• Experience in patient group working

• 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 appropriate 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

• Knowledge of the work and aims of Macmillan Cancer Support
• Active member of national level CENs and participation in conferences relevant to caseload