Visa Note
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for international candidates who require it to work in the UK. However, applicants must confirm their eligibility for UK work authorization directly with the employer. The certificate of sponsorship is subject to meeting UK Visas and Immigration requirements, including relevant criminal record checks from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Job Details
Company: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Location: Maidstone Hospital
Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum pro rata
Schedule: Full-time, Flexible working
Employment Type: Permanent
Language: English
Application Deadline: The closing date is 02 January 2026
Reference Number: 359-7513313-T1-B
About the Role
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is seeking a proactive and flexible Speech and Language Therapist to join their forward-thinking and dynamic stroke service. This is an excellent opportunity for newly qualified therapists looking for their first job or experienced professionals seeking a fresh challenge. You will join an established cohort of Band 5 therapists and benefit from a comprehensive preceptorship program designed to support your development.
Key Benefits for International Candidates
As an international candidate, you will receive exceptional support including a comprehensive induction with emphasis on practice development, continuous professional development opportunities, and access to specialized training resources. The team provides pastoral support and offers an outstanding learning and development package with numerous opportunities to advance your career in the UK’s National Health Service.
Main Duties of the Job
This Band 5 Speech and Language Therapy post is based primarily at Maidstone Hospital, covering hyper-acute, acute stroke, inpatient rehabilitation, and early-supported discharge services. Your responsibilities will include autonomously assessing, diagnosing, and managing adult clients with communication disorders. You will work collaboratively with senior team members in managing patients with swallowing disorders while developing your dysphagia competencies.
Clinical Responsibilities
You will provide expert advice and support to relatives, carers, and medical staff regarding patient care. A key aspect of the role involves timely transfer of patient information to residential care homes and community SLT services to ensure seamless care and prevent unnecessary readmissions. You will be responsible for updating and organizing online inpatient caseload documents daily to maintain appropriate handover and prioritization of patients.
Team Integration
You will be an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, providing a 7-day, extended hours flexible service as required. This includes attending and contributing to multidisciplinary team meetings, goal setting meetings, and other ward meetings as necessary. Additionally, you may be called upon to provide cover across other parts of the SLT service and sites as needed.
About Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey. We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex.
Our Services
With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff, we proudly offer specialized cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre. Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024, specializing in planned care with two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, and comprehensive diagnostic services.
Flexible Working Culture
We are a flexible working-friendly organization that values work-life balance. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we work with you to find the best solution that suits you, our patients, and the Trust. We encourage candidates to discuss their working needs during the application process.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Joining our Trust includes a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth. As an employee, you will receive at least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff). We offer membership in the NHS Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits.
Additional Benefits
All staff are eligible for Blue Light card benefits, which provide discounts at numerous retailers and establishments across the UK. Additional benefits can be found in the staff benefits documents available on our website. We also provide access to on-site videofluoroscopy and FEES facilities and are actively involved in research initiatives such as PLORAS and PhEAST.
Person Specification
Essential Skills
Applicants must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational and reflection skills including the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively, and demonstrable auditory and perceptual skills in clinical analysis.
Essential Experience/Knowledge
Candidates must have experience in multidisciplinary team working, sound knowledge and experience of formal SLT assessments used with adults in an acute setting, knowledge of evidence-based practice especially in dysphagia, aphasia, dysarthria and dyspraxia, and understanding of clinical governance principles.
Desirable Qualifications
While not required, experience of working with adults in an acute setting and experience of working with stroke survivors would be advantageous. RCSLT Dysphagia competencies at Level A are also desirable but not essential for this position.
Essential Qualifications
All applicants must hold a degree or postgraduate diploma in Speech and Language Therapy and provide evidence of ongoing CPD/reflective practice. These qualifications form the foundation of your professional registration eligibility in the UK.
Professional Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). For overseas candidates, this means ensuring your qualifications are recognized by UK regulatory bodies. The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and submit your application through their online portal. When applying, please ensure you include specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the requirements outlined in the person specification.
Application Checklist for International Candidates
Before submitting your application, please verify the following: your eligibility for UK work authorization, current professional registration status, criminal record certificates from any countries where you have resided for 12+ months in the past 10 years, and contact details for professional references. We recommend contacting Danielle Neshiri, Clinical Manager for SLT, if you have any questions about the application process or visa requirements.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Danielle Neshiri (Clinical Manager for SLT) via email at [email protected] or by phone at 07756295310. The employer is open to discussing flexible working arrangements and providing information about the certificate of sponsorship process for eligible international candidates.
Additional Information
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present criminal record certificates 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. For further information, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website or the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals.
