Job overview

We are seeking a Band 6 Macmillan Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (1.0 WTE) to join our team at Darent Valley Hospital, a district general hospital bordering South-East London and North Kent. The post includes 5% cost of living supplement due to the close proximity to London.

The full-time post comprises 0.6wte working within a head and neck (H&N) cancer and general oncology outpatient caseload (including occasional community visits) and 0.4wte with an acute oncology inpatient caseload. Job-share and flexible working opportunities would be considered, dependent on experience. 

The successful candidate will see patients with an array of cancer aetiologies, and will be independent in the assessment and management of a range of acquired swallowing, communication and voice disorders across both outpatient and inpatient settings.

The current outpatient caseload is predominantly comprised of post-treatment H&N Cancer patients with rehabilitative or palliative needs. We provide weekly post-treatment joint clinics with our dietetic colleagues, and provide support to our Ear Nose & Throat and Maxillofacial clinics on site as required. As core members of the Kent & Medway cancer alliance we also input into weekly multi-disciplinary team meetings supporting discussion around patients’ treatment and care planning.

Main duties of the job

The service also provides outpatient support to patients with an acquired swallowing, voice or communication impairment as a result of an oncology diagnosis or oncological treatment. This may include patients with oesophageal, lung, haematological, or brain cancer.  Community visiting is carried out in specific circumstances but equates to a very small number per year – driving is therefore desirable but not essential.

The acute oncology caseload spans multiple wards treating patients whose swallowing and/or communication are impacted by cancer or its treatment; the post holder would be independent in managing this caseload, supported by acute generalist SLTs, the Acute SLT Lead and Macmillan SLT Lead as required.

Our service also provides well-established FEES, Videofluoroscopy and laryngectomy clinics, providing in-house training for more senior staff to develop expertise. Basic knowledge and skills in these areas are also desirable. This role will provide the opportunity to develop and maintain specialist skills in these areas, including work with laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration. We support regular internal and external CPD opportunities, including from Macmillan. There is regular admin support for the Macmillan  caseload

Working for our organisation

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.