Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

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East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

The closing date is 08 September 2026

Apply for this job

Job summary

Would you like to join our friendly and dynamic team of SLTs in Canterbury? We are looking for an energetic, self-motivated Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) for a permanent opportunity working on the East Kent Neuro Rehabilitation Unit (EKNRU) at Kent and Canterbury Hospital (KCH).

Our Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) team is passionate about supporting individuals with communication and swallowing in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Our team vision is:

- To proactively and consistently offer high quality, responsive, person-centred care and intervention- To ensure every patient feels cared for, supported and empowered- To maximise quality of life by enabling each patient to optimise their communication, swallowing function and well-being

We are looking for like-minded SLTs to join our growing team! If you are enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated, then we would love you to come and join us at East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust!

Main duties of the job

The desired candidate will work closely with members of the multidisciplinary team to deliver patient-centred care to individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties following acquired brain injury. 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, assistants and students.

This post is based at Kent and Canterbury Hospital but there is infrequent but regular cross site working to support service development and case load management so the post holder should be able to travel to the other two main EKHUFT sites (WHH Ashford or QEQM Margate) when required.

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.

We are in the process of expanding our therapy input across a seven-day service, with regular groups, training and research opportunities, and embedded collaborative working with the MDT and external partners. Core working hours are Monday to Friday but the successful post-holder should be available to work across a seven day service, as required.

About us

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.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates for a Skilled Worker Visa for roles that are eligible at the time of application.

Details

Date posted

01 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

344-0844DCB

Job locations

Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Rd

Canterbury

CT1 3NG

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

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

Job description

Job responsibilities

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

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

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

Knowledge

Essential

• Broad knowledge of a range of assessment tools relevant to stroke, (acquired communication and swallowing disorders).
• Knowledge of national policies and procedures (relevant to neuro rehabilitation).
• Evidence based knowledge of a wide variety of treatment techniques and strategies relevant adult acquired communication and swallowing disorders.
• Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance/audit.
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to role).

Personal/professional attributes

Essential

• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexible and adaptable

Clinical skills and experience

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 following acquired brain injury.
• 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 knowledge of phonetic transcription.
• Ability to manage difficult, complex situations and seek support if necessary.
• Relevant IT skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working within an acute hospital setting
• Membership at relevant CENs

Other requirements

Essential

• Awareness of Trust Vision, Mission and Values
• Able to travel between sites
• Ability to work flexibly over 7-days including weekends and bank holidays

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

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

Knowledge

Essential

• Broad knowledge of a range of assessment tools relevant to stroke, (acquired communication and swallowing disorders).
• Knowledge of national policies and procedures (relevant to neuro rehabilitation).
• Evidence based knowledge of a wide variety of treatment techniques and strategies relevant adult acquired communication and swallowing disorders.
• Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance/audit.
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to role).

Personal/professional attributes

Essential

• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexible and adaptable

Clinical skills and experience

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 following acquired brain injury.
• 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 knowledge of phonetic transcription.
• Ability to manage difficult, complex situations and seek support if necessary.
• Relevant IT skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working within an acute hospital setting
• Membership at relevant CENs

Other requirements

Essential

• Awareness of Trust Vision, Mission and Values
• Able to travel between sites
• Ability to work flexibly over 7-days including weekends and bank holidays

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) 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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) 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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Rd

Canterbury

CT1 3NG

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Rd

Canterbury

CT1 3NG

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Lead SLT for Stroke and Neurology

Stephanie Earnshaw

[email protected]

01227864153

Details

Date posted

01 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

344-0844DCB

Job locations

Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Rd

Canterbury

CT1 3NG

United Kingdom

Supporting documents

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