Acute Lead Speech & Language Therapist
At a glance
- Band
- Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
- Posted
- 28/08/2026
- Closes
- 13/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
This contract type is not eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
NHS Trusts cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for part-time, bank, locum, zero-hours, job-share or short fixed-term (under 12 months) contracts under current Home Office rules. This applies even when the wider Trust holds a Skilled Worker licence.
Role summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a part-time Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist to join the Adult SLT team at Darent Valley Hospital. The role involves providing clinical leadership, supporting junior staff, and managing a diverse caseload including the Intensive Care Unit. The successful candidate will contribute to service development, clinical governance, and training initiatives. Experience in acute care, critical care, and tracheostomy management is highly valued, with support available for skill development.
Essential criteria
- oHighly specialist knowledge of assessment tools relevant to client group oKnowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group oExcellent verbal and written communication skills oGood auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically oExcellent interpersonal skills oExcellent organisational and prioritisation skills oIT Literate
- Education and Training
- oRecognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent oHealth and Care Professions Council - Licence to Practise oEvidence of successful completion of specialist short courses oEvidence of CPD relevant to role
Desirable criteria
- oLeadership training or qualification
- oSignificant postgraduate experience in associated specialties oExperience of management of a wide range of complex pathologies oExperience in supervision and clinical education of more junior staff, students and assistants
- oExperience of tracheostomy assessment and management oExperience carrying out videofluoroscopy and/or FEES assessment including analysis and report writing oExperience in line management
- Knowledge and Skills
- oHighly specialist knowledge of assessment tools relevant to client group oKnowledge of range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group oExcellent verbal and written communication skills oGood auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically oExcellent interpersonal skills oExcellent organisational and prioritisation skills oIT Literate
- Education and Training
- oRecognised Speech & Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent oHealth and Care Professions Council - Licence to Practise oEvidence of successful completion of specialist short courses oEvidence of CPD relevant to role
- oLeadership training or qualification
- oSignificant postgraduate experience in associated specialties oExperience of management of a wide range of complex pathologies oExperience in supervision and clinical education of more junior staff, students and assistants
- oExperience of tracheostomy assessment and management oExperience carrying out videofluoroscopy and/or FEES assessment including analysis and report writing oExperience in line management
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 7 at £46,148 – £52,809 a year, across England.
This advert: £51,657 – £58,785 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 10d ago · Closes in 7d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Acute Lead Speech & Language Therapist
The closing date is 13 September 2026
Job summary
The Adult SLT team at Darent Valley Hospital have an exciting opportunity for a part-time [0.8wte] permanent Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist to join our team at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. We are also happy to consider part-time working or a job-share arrangement for the right candidate. This is a key leadership role within a dynamic, forward-thinking team serving a diverse caseload, including the hospital's 15-bedded Intensive Care Unit.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated clinician with highly specialist expertise in acute care. You will work alongside established Band 7 Acute Lead colleagues, providing clinical leadership and supporting therapists and therapy assistants in managing a varied and fast-paced caseload.
Experience in critical care and tracheostomy management would be a significant advantage. We also welcome applicants who are keen to develop these skills, as the team is committed to providing structured support to help build confidence in these areas.
The service benefits from weekly videofluoroscopy and FEES clinics, and prior competency in these assessments is highly desirable - we would support the development of these competencies further.
You will work closely with the Ban
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