Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Cambridge University Hospitals; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Cambridge is looking for a Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to join their team. This part-time, permanent role offers an opportunity to develop clinical skills while working in a supportive environment focused on acute stroke and trauma rehabilitation. Candidates should possess a recognized SLT degree, HCPC registration, and experience in managing communication and swallowing disorders. Benefits include professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to inclusivity.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

On-site leisure facilities

Qualifications

• 1 Relevant clinical experience in specialist area of communication and swallowing in acute and rehabilitation settings.
• Proven competence in independent assessment, treatment and management of communication and swallowing disorders.
• Experience in selecting, using and programming augmentative communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Work with patients and families to support decision making.
• Promote a communication-friendly environment.
• Provide specialist SLT input to a defined caseload.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary management of patients.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Skilled in supported conversation techniques

Good auditory and perceptual discrimination skills

Good presentation skills

Ability to be an effective team member

Negotiation and problem solving

Education

Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent qualification

HCPC Registration

Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Job description

Overview

Would you like to work in a busy acute stroke and trauma rehabilitation setting, developing your clinical skills as a Band 6 Specialist SLT? We have an exciting opportunity to join our friendly and supportive Speech and Language Therapy Rehabilitation team on a permanent, part-time basis, with potential to combine with other vacancies. There will be opportunities to work across stroke and trauma on a flexible basis according to service need. We are looking for an experienced therapist with highly developed communication skills and a solid base of knowledge in the management of swallowing and communication disorders post acquired brain injury. The team is pro-active in shared learning and supports clinical and professional development.

The Rehabilitation SLT team works closely with the MDT across trauma, stroke and neuro-rehabilitation services, providing assessment and therapy for patients with complex swallowing and communication impairments arising from stroke, TBI and spinal injury, including aphasia, cognitive communication difficulties, dysarthria and dysphagia, tracheostomy and challenging behaviour.

Main duties of the job

• Work with patients and families to support decision making and identify and work towards individual goals.
• Promote a communication-friendly environment and social model practice in the acute setting across all areas.
• Contribute to service improvement projects including staff training.
• Provide specialist SLT input to a defined caseload, prioritising needs and managing workload independently.
• Develop specialist services offered to referred patients.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary management of patients with a holistic approach to care.
• Cover for colleagues and the line manager as required in service co-ordination and representation to relevant forums (e.g. ward rounds, clinics and MDT meetings).

About us

Speech and Language Therapy at CUH is structured to maximise opportunities for support, supervision, learning and career progression. The department comprises five services: Adult Acute, Rehabilitation, Head and Neck/ENT, Acute Paediatrics and CASEE (Communication Aid Service East of England).

Our Trust is Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust, comprising Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. The Trust focuses on quality care for patients, staff and partners and is rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, or socio-economic background.

Details

Date posted: 22 January 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number: 180-B-263016

Job locations: Addenbrookes Hospital - Division B, SLT, Addenbrooke's Hospital, CUH NHS Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ

Job description and responsibilities

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities. This vacancy will close at midnight on 10 February 2026; interviews are due to be held on 25 February 2026.

Benefits

CUH offers development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Benefits include subsidised travel, free Park and Ride between sites, reduced-cost parking for eligible staff, staff cafe and break spaces, and flexible working arrangements to support a good work-life balance. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent qualification
• HCPC Registration
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Post-graduate dysphagia accreditation or equivalent
• Evidence of completion of specialist short courses in communication, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders
• Member of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks

Knowledge

• Well-established knowledge of assessment tools and interventions for communication and dysphagia in stroke and trauma caseload
• Knowledge of RCSLT guidelines and national policies relevant to the client group
• Understanding of clinical governance/audit to monitor and improve service
• Understanding of roles of other professionals relevant to the client group

Desirable

• In-depth understanding of Mental Capacity Act, supported decision making and capacity assessment

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills (observation, listening, empathy)
• Skilled in supported conversation techniques
• Good auditory and perceptual discrimination skills for analysis of speech (including phonetic transcription)
• Good presentation skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to be an effective team member
• Negotiation and problem solving

Desirable

• Advanced counselling skills
• Skills in cognitive neuropsychological assessment
• Skilled in supported decision making and capacity assessment
• Ability to analyse and interpret video fluoroscopic and/or FEES examinations

Experience

Essential

• 1 Relevant clinical experience in specialist area of communication and swallowing in acute and rehabilitation settings
• 2 Proven competence in independent assessment, treatment and management of communication and swallowing disorders
• 3 Experience in supported decision making and joint goal setting
• 4 Experience in selecting, using and programming augmentative communication systems and therapy apps

Desirable

• Trauma/Trauma Rehab experience
• Experience in independent assessment and management of patients with tracheostomies
• Experience in carrying out and interpreting video fluoroscopy studies
• Experience contributing to FEES examinations
• Experience in managing challenging behaviour

Additional Requirements

• The ability to understand and behave at all times toward patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires submission for Disclosure to the DBS to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For more information see the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Addenbrookes Hospital - Division B, SLT, Addenbrooke's Hospital, CUH NHS Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ

Employer website: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk