Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Head and Neck Cancer)

UHCW NHS Trust; Coventry; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust invites applications for a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist specializing in head and neck cancer. You will manage dysphagia and communication needs, work autonomously, and contribute to education and service development.

Role involves leadership, supervision of junior staff, and active participation in MDTs and clinical governance. A strong commitment to audit, CPD and patient-centered care is essential.

Qualifications

• An autonomous practitioner delivering SLT care within the head and neck cancer pathway.
• Expert management of dysphagia and communication difficulties using evidence-based approaches.
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior staff and contribute to MDT education.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality SLT services for head and neck cancer patients.
• Independently manage a caseload with complex clinical needs.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff and contribute to training.
• Maintain accurate records in line with Trust policies and standards.
• Participate in MDT meetings, ward rounds and family meetings.
• Contribute to service development and data reporting.
• Lead on clinical audits, quality improvement and research.
• Provide specialist advice to relatives, carers and MDT members.

Skills

Autonomous practice

Dysphagia management

Head and neck cancer SLT

Clinical supervision

Education

HCPC registration

Job description

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Head and Neck Cancer)

• Provide a high-quality Speech and Language Therapy service for patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties resulting from head and neck cancer, working as an autonomous practitioner
• Independently manage a caseload of patients with complex clinical needs, using evidence-based, patient-centred approaches to assess, treat and evaluate care.
• Support the development of junior staff through supervision, training, mentorship and case discussion, as appropriate to experience.
• Maintain accurate clinical records in line with Trust policies, professional standards and local guidelines.
• Work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient management discussions and attending MDT meetings, ward rounds and family meetings as required.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the Head and Neck Speech and Language Therapy service.
• Ensure high-quality data is accurately recorded, analysed and reported in a timely manner.
• Undertake leadership, service development and line management responsibilities appropriate to the role.
• Work in accordance with Trust policies, national guidance, HCPC standards and RCSLT professional standards.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant national and local standards and use these to develop and evaluate own practice.
• Participate in bank holiday working and work flexibly to meet service needs where required.
• Undertake specialist assessment of patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties. Analyse assessment findings and develop individualised, evidence-based management plans and therapy programmes
• Use advanced clinical reasoning skills to interpret & analyse clinical & non-clinical information, formulate differential diagnoses, establish prognosis and determine the most appropriate course of intervention. Evaluate outcomes, reassess patients as required and develop comprehensive discharge plans
• Undertake instrumental assessment of dysphagia, depending upon experience and competence.
• To treat and manage patients who have undergone surgical voice restoration and require management and change of their laryngectomy speaking valve depending on experience and competence
• Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required
• Support service development, audit, research, quality improvement initiatives, and the education of students, staff, patients, and carers.

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.

• Accept clinical responsibility for the caseload, managing and prioritising workload effectively and efficiently. This will include prioritising and allocating patients appropriately for more junior staff.
• Communicate complex SLT information in an understandable form to staff, patients and carers.
• Be professionally & legally responsible & accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care.
• Lead and contribute to clinical audit, quality improvement and service development initiatives, ensuring that findings are translated into practice to improve patient care and service delivery.
• Provide specialist advice, teaching & instruction to relatives, carers & other members of the MDT regarding SLT issues.
• Plan and support with the clinical supervision and education of student SLT’s on clinical placement.
• Engage in department and own CPD activities and lead on supporting the learning and development of others, particularly more junior members of the team.
• Participate in health promotion activities of the department
• Cover the work of colleagues and deputise for senior colleagues during periods of absence or peak workloads
• 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 UHCW and Rugby St Cross as needed.

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

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.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

This advert closes on Sunday 11 Oct 2026