Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Please note: at this stage, the role is open only to colleagues currently employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts, the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Medway Community Healthcare or working on the Staff Bank within these organisations. Nursing and AHP vacancies are also open to Student Nurses and Newly Qualified Nurses/AHPs.

The Children’s Therapies Team is an integrated service providing Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, SpecialistNurse Advisors and Care Co-ordinators to children and families within KCHFT.This is an exciting opportunity for a Speech Specialist and Link Therapist to join the Children’s Therapies Team in North West Kent. This Band 7 role combines specialist clinical practice with leadership responsibilities for children and young people aged 0-19 years with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).You will be part of an innovative and enthusiastic team supporting the implementation of The Balanced System across North West Kent. You will provide specialist assessment, intervention and clinical leadership for children with speech disorders and complex speech needs, whilst working collaboratively with schools and partners to improve outcomes for children and young people.You will provide support, supervision and advice to colleagues, contribute to workforce development and training, and support the continued development of specialist speech pathways.

Main duties of the job

-Support and lead specialist speech pathways across North West Kent.-Deliver specialist assessment, intervention and consultation for children with speech disorders and complex speech needs.-Support implementation of The Balanced System and the Link Therapy Team model.-Provide supervision, training and support to Speech and Language Therapists.-Contribute to service development, clinical pathways and workforce development.-Carry out delegated leadership responsibilities.-Manage a complex specialist caseload across 0-19 years.

Person Specification

Qualification, training, experience

Essential

• You’ll need to have a Level 6 Degree or equivalent qualification in relevant health related subject i.e. Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language.
• You will be a registered health care professional with the Health and Care Professionals
• You will need evidence of post graduate study or training to master’s level equivalent, relevant to specialist area of practice or demonstrate the equivalent level of experience.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• You’ll need have sound communication skills in order to understand and communicate both verbally and in writing. Including providing and receiving complex and sensitive information, utilising motivational and reassurance skills and empathy
• You will have highly developed specialist knowledge across a range of issues in relation to your area of practice, leadership, research and education.
• You will need to be able to be able to use IT systems and databases.
• Having an awareness of developments within the NHS would be an advantage as well as an understanding of National Service Frameworks and NICE guidance.

Working environment

Essential

• Tact and sensitivity will be essential in this role. There will be times when you see distressing situations which may include vulnerable, violent or aggressive patients, as well as dealing with complex children. You will need to adapt your style to provide reassurance and empathy.
• A full, valid UK driving licence or a full driving licence issued by an EU country (not exchanged from a non-EU country) and the ability to travel independently are essential for this role.

Closing Date: 19 November 2026