About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a Speech and Language Therapist with experience in Head and Neck Cancer (HANC). We will also consider applicants who are confident autonomous practitioners with strong dysphagia and communication skills and have a keen interest in developing within HANC. Applicants with transferable skills from other relevant clinical areas are encouraged to apply. Band 5-6 developmental post will also be considered, with a robust support framework available - applications from candidates awaiting registration will be considered on the development pathway.
Experience in HANC, tracheostomy, SVR, FEES and/or Videofluoroscopy is desirable but not essential. Opportunities to develop specialist skills may be available according to service need; however, training and competency development in all specialist areas cannot be guaranteed. The successful candidate will:
- Provide specialist assessment and management for patients with dysphagia and communication difficulties related to HANC.
- Manage a complex caseload using evidence-based, person-centred practice.
- Contribute to MDT decision-making through attendance at clinics, MDT meetings, ward rounds and family discussions.
- Support the development of students, assistants and junior colleagues, according to experience.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the SLT service.
Interviews are provisionally scheduled for 16th November 2026.
Main duties of the job
- Assess, diagnose and manage adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties, including those with complex HANC presentations.
- Develop, implement and review evidence-based, person-centred treatment and management plans.
- Manage and prioritise a specialist caseload, taking clinical responsibility for patient care and discharge planning.
- Work as part of the multidisciplinary team, providing specialist advice, education and support to patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
- Contribute to service development, audit, quality improvement and clinical governance activities.
- Support the supervision and development of students and less experienced staff, according to experience.
- Participate in continuing professional development and maintain professional standards in line with HCPC and RCSLT requirements.
- Contribute to service delivery across UHCW and Rugby St Cross sites as required, including covering colleagues during periods of absence.
- Opportunities may be available to develop specialist competencies such as FEES, Videofluoroscopy, tracheostomy and SVR, depending on service need.
Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report from their current UK Occupational Health provider or UK GP.
About us
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Undertake assessment and management of adults with communication and swallowing difficulties associated with Head and Neck Cancer, with support from senior colleagues as required.
- Interpret & analyse clinical & non-clinical facts to form accurate diagnosis & prognosis on a range of conditions to recommend the best course of intervention, evaluate outcomes, reassess & to develop comprehensive discharge plans. Seeking support from senior colleagues as required.
- Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required
- Be professionally & legally responsible & accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care.
- Undertake department audit and service development work, translating findings into practice.
- Provide specialist advice, teaching & instruction to relatives, carers & other members of the MDT regarding SLT issues.
- Engage in department and own CPD activities.
- Participate in health promotion activities of the department.
- Participate in other duties as required such as maintaining a clean safe environment always ensuring adherence to Trust standards of cleanliness hygiene & infection control.
- To take on designated roles or responsibilities that support the overarching needs of the department.
- To provide SLT provision across sites of University Hospital Coventry and Hospital of St Cross.
Secondment will be considered for internal candidates If you are successful after interview, you must obtain approval from your current line manager to accept the offer.
Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.
For further details of the role please see the attached job description.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- oDegree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent. oHCPC registration oMember of the RCSLT oEvidence of dysphagia training and/or working towards dysphagia competencies.
Desirable
- oCompletion of dysphagia competency programme
Experience
Essential
- oExperience of assessing and managing adults with communication and/or swallowing difficulties either independently or under supervision oExperience of working as part of a team. oExperience of working in the NHS
Desirable
- oExperience of working with patients with Head and Neck Cancer oExperience of managing dysphagia in an acute/outpatient setting oExperience of working within oncology and/or surgical pathways oExperience of delivering training. oExperience of working with patients in a hospital setting oExperience of working independently with patients with communication difficulties
Knowledge
Essential
- oUp to date SLT knowledge acquired through degree qualification. oKnowledge of types of communication difficulties affecting adults in an acute setting. oKnowledge of informal and formal assessment tools and a range of therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group. oGood working knowledge of national policies and procedures oAware of the different communication needs within a culturally diverse community and how this may impact on professional practice.
Desirable
- oKnowledge of instrumental swallowing assessment (FEES/VF) and referral criteria. oUnderstanding of the impact of Head and Neck Cancer and its treatment on communication, swallowing and quality of life.
Skills
Essential
- oExcellent written and verbal communication skills oExcellent presentation skills oAble to adapt communication style to varied listeners oDemonstrates ability to be a good team member and function effectively in the multidisciplinary team oSupportive to other staff oAbility to work under pressure oKeyboard and IT skills to support clinical practice oFlexible approach and willingness to adapt to change
Desirable
- oAbility to work through interpreters to gain and impart information
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential
- o Evidence of demonstrating the Trust Values (Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect) and the associated Values in Action behaviours in the workplace. For posts with managerial responsibility only o Evidence of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and ensuring fair and equitable practices throughout your work experience. Evidence of promoting a culture which helps individuals live behaviours aligned to our Trust Values (Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect)
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate 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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Address
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
Clifford Bridge Road
Coventry
CV2 2DX
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)