Head & Neck Speech & Language Therapist (B5-B6 Development Considered)

UHCW NHS Trust; Coventry; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is seeking an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with a focus on Head and Neck Cancer (HANC). The post supports Band 5–6 development with a robust framework and opportunities to develop specialist skills as required.

The successful candidate will assess and manage adults with dysphagia, participate in MDTs, and contribute to service development while supporting students and junior staff.

Qualifications

• Provide specialist assessment and management for adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties related to Head and Neck Cancer (HANC).
• Manage a complex caseload using evidence-based, person-centred practice.
• Attend clinics, MDT meetings and ward rounds to contribute to decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose and manage adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties related to HANC.
• Develop and review evidence-based treatment plans.
• Prioritise a specialist caseload and coordinate discharge planning.
• Work within the multidisciplinary team providing education and support to colleagues.

Skills

Dysphagia

Communication skills

Autonomous practitioner

Job description

Head & Neck Speech & Language Therapist (B5-B6 Development Considered)

A Vacancy at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.

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.

• 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.

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 – 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.

• 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.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.