Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 61,000; Part time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist with head and neck cancer expertise to join the SLT team at University College Hospital. The role involves providing specialized care to children and teenagers receiving radiotherapy, with excellent training and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of significant clinical experience at a specialist level.
• Experience in neuro/oncology and paediatric dysphagia.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist communication and dysphagia service to children and teenagers.
• Deliver SLT care to patients with complex physical and emotional needs.
• Facilitate effective management of patients at different diagnostic stages.

Skills

Communication

Mentoring

Reflective Practice

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Postgraduate specialization in dysphagia

Postgraduate specialization in oncology

Job description

Job summary

Are you a Speech and Language Therapist with head and neck cancer expertise, looking for an exciting new challenge? Do you thrive working as part of a close-knit team, combining specialist knowledge with a creative approach to provide the best patient- and family-centred care?

We are offering a rare and exciting opportunity for a B7 to join the SLT team working in Children and Teenage Cancer Services at University College Hospital (UCH). We particularly want to attract candidates with head and neck experience interested in translating their skills to work with children and teenagers receiving radiotherapy. This is a 0.6 wte post.

We are looking for an SLT with skills and experience in adult and/or child head and neck cancer who would like to broaden their skills to the paediatric and teenage population receiving radiotherapy, including diagnoses of head and neck, neuro-oncology, and some haematology. We recognize this is a rare position and will offer excellent training and supervision to support transferable skills.

You will provide inpatient and outpatient SLT expertise across the child and teenage age range, including at the national Proton Beam Centre, as part of an innovative, multi-professional team, including 3 SLTs, delivering cutting-edge cancer care.

Main duties of the job

1. You will be an autonomous practitioner providing a specialist communication and dysphagia service to children and teenagers with various cancer diagnoses at all treatment stages.
2. You will deliver SLT care to teenage and paediatric patients with diverse presentations and complex physical, psychological, and emotional needs.
3. You will be an excellent team player with strong communication and negotiation skills, thriving in a large, innovative MDT alongside many experts.
4. As part of the team, you will facilitate effective management of patients at different diagnostic stages, some at end of life.
5. You will liaise with agencies across a wide area, including social services, schools, charities, health teams, and hospital departments.
6. Recognizing the rarity of paediatric oncology experience, the role offers excellent professional development opportunities, including regular supervision and specialist oncology training.
7. You will have opportunities to contribute to service improvements, including shaping our National Proton Beam Therapy service and expanding radiotherapy services.

About us

UCLH is one of the UK's most complex NHS trusts, serving a diverse population, providing acute and specialist services, and committed to delivering high-quality patient care, education, and research.

We operate across eight sites, including University College Hospital, the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and others, specializing in various complex illnesses and pioneering treatments.

We are dedicated to sustainability, aiming for net zero emissions by 2031 (direct) and 2040 (indirect).

Details

• Date posted: 28 April 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 7
• Salary: £54,320 to £60,981 annually, inclusive of HCAS, pro-rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Reference number: 309-UCLH-6226
• Location: University College London Hospital, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG

Job description

For full person specification and responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Join the best NHS trust to work for in England, as rated by staff in the latest NHS survey—UCLH has consistently been top-rated for staff recommendations.

UCLH supports flexible working. For more, visit: Flexible working.

Learn why UCLH is a great place to work: Why Choose UCLH?

Person Specification

• Knowledge & Qualifications: Degree in Speech and Language Therapy, HCPC registration, postgraduate specialization in relevant areas (e.g., dysphagia, oncology, tracheostomy).
• Experience: Significant clinical experience, including at least 2 years at a specialist level, in relevant fields such as neuro/oncology, paediatric dysphagia, and assessment tools.
• Skills & Abilities: Excellent communication skills, ability to deliver training, and experience in mentoring and reflective practice.
• Equality & Inclusion: Understanding of NHS obligations and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Quality & Service Improvement: Knowledge of clinical governance, adherence to guidelines, and ability to develop clinical projects.

Additional requirements include familiarity with infection control policies, IT skills, and the physical ability for specialist client handling. The role is subject to DBS checks, UK registration, and sponsorship eligibility. For further details, see the full job description and person specification provided in the attachment.