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, Specialist Nurse 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.

About us
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is currently undertaking a significant programme of transformation to align our community services to the new Neighbourhood Model of care delivery, there will be a period of consultation which may result in changes affecting some services, teams or roles. As part of this work, there will be a period of consultation which may result in changes affecting some services, teams and roles. Depending on the area you are applying to work in, this could include potential changes to your role, work base, reporting arrangements, or terms and conditions of employment. Any changes would be subject to consultation and managed sensitively and in line with relevant employment processes. Please do contact the recruiting manager if you have any concerns about this so they can answer any questions you might have.

Rated 'Outstanding' by CQC, we deliver high-quality care that improves the health of our communities. We are looking for people who share our values: Compassionate, Aspirational, Responsive and Excellent.

We are proud to be an inclusive, welcoming organisation and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We use protected characteristic information for monitoring only and it is not seen by recruiting managers, except where applicants choose to be considered under our disability guaranteed interview scheme.

Salary £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum pro rata
Band: Band 7
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 846-8391682-UJ

Person Specification
Essential qualifications and experience

• 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.

Essential knowledge and skills

• 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.

Essential working environment

• 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.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Locality Clinical Manager, Maria Loukia Bratsou, marialoukia.bratsou@nhs.net

Closing date: 19 November 2026
Apply through our website