Job summary
If you have an interest in Stroke and would like to support and enable stroke survivors to reach their full potential, both in their own homes and care settings then this is the job for you. We are looking for a speech and language therapist to work in our Stroke Early Supported Discharge Service. This job will allow you to broaden your knowledge base.

Stroke survivors often feel isolated and vulnerable after they are discharged from hospital. Our team is there to allay these fears and support stroke survivors at this difficult time, whilst also providing them with therapy and nursing support should they need it. On a day to day basis you will deliver speech and language therapy alongside our other speech and language therapists for people with communication and swallowing disorders following a stroke who have been discharged from hospital into the care of the ESD service for South East Essex

We offer a highly motivated and supportive team, regular supervision, excellent training and development opportunities and flexible working arrangements.

This is a fixed term contract (or secondment) for a 6 month period to cover maternity leave. Due to this being a fixed term post, Visa sponsorship will not be considered. Access to a vehicle and UK driving licence is essential for this post.

For further information or an informal discussion contact Ailsa Miller (Team Leader) on 07908 177962 or Kirsty Jenkins (Lead SLT) on 07583671281.

Main duties of the job

• To work within the local Early Supported Discharge for Stroke (ESD) Team to provide a 7 day a week rehabilitation programme for up to six weeks following discharge from hospital into the community. This is likely to include some weekend working.
• To liaise closely with the Speech and Language Therapy team on the Stroke Unit at Southend Hospital to ensure a smooth handover from the hospital into ESD.
• To work with the Community Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service to ensure a smooth handover of those with longer term therapy needs at the end of their time with ESD.
• To undertake all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner.
• To use specialist skills in the management of patients with communication disorders and dysphagia following a stroke.
• To hold responsibility for own case load.
• To participate in clinical audit, protocol development, objective-setting etc as required by the SLT and ESD teams.
• To receive regular clinical and management supervision. Access to advice and support from a more senior SLT is available if required between supervision meetings.
• To undertake evidence-based audit and research projects to further own and teams' clinical practice.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Date posted: 14 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 4 months
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 364-B-285-D
Location: Rochford Hospital, Union Lane, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1RB

Apply through our website. The closing date is 08 November 2026.