Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust is inviting applications for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Head & Neck. The role focuses on complex swallowing and communication needs in head and neck oncology, with MDT involvement and opportunities for service development.

The post offers a permanent contract with a salary between £39,959 and £48,117 per year (pro rata). CPD access and a strong supportive environment are highlighted within a large acute teaching trust.

Qualifications

• Experience with head and neck oncology patients.
• Experience in instrumental swallowing assessments (FEES/VF).
• Experience mentoring or supervising SLT staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of the Head and Neck SLT team in clinics and wards.
• Provide regular swallowing assessments and therapy for complex head and neck oncology patients.
• Lead or contribute to MDT initiatives and service development.

Skills

Complex swallowing disorders

FEES / VF experience

Supervision experience

MDT collaboration

Education

HCPC registration

Tools

FEES equipment

VF equipment

Job description

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

The closing date is 24 November 2026

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Head & Neck

Contract Type: Permanent

Main duties of the job

We are delighted to be advertising this exciting and rewarding role in Head and Neck oncology.

This post is ideal for a patient-centred, friendly and enthusiastic SLT who is keen to work in a stimulating environment alongside skilled colleagues from a range of professions.

The department of dietetics and speech and language therapy employs approximately 130 staff, with clinical experts working across the range of specialties, providing acute services in both adults and paediatrics.

As a tertiary hospital, we have senior SLTs in a wide range of specialist areas. There is access to regular CPD sessions, and opportunities to engage in service development and research.

The onsite Wellbeing Hub is an excellent resource for staff complete with a caf, various meeting spaces, a free gym and changing facilities.

About us

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Job responsibilities

The successful candidate will need :

Work as part of the Head and Neck SLT team, including SLT led clinics, MDT clinics, acute wards and outpatient treatment areas. Provide regular communication and swallowing assessment and therapy to patients with complex head and neck oncology diagnoses. Continually represent the SLT service within head and neck oncology. Be innovative in your approach to patient care and service delivery, whilst being part of MDT service initiatives. Support patients to have instrumental assessment of their swallowing. Offer training, supervision and support to less experienced SLTs and other staff. Support the SLT team in leading or taking on non-clinical tasks e.g. student coordination, clinical effectiveness.

What experience/skills are needed

Experienced in working with patients with complex communication and swallowing difficulties as a result of head and neck cancer diagnoses, Experienced in supporting instrumental assessments e.g. FEES and/or VF, Experienced in supervising and educating others, Experienced in representing SLT in an MDT setting, and effectively advocating for patients needs, Experienced in working in an acute hospital, and Experienced in planning, delivering and evaluating clinical audits, service evaluations and/or research,

For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• Degree or equivalent in Speech and Language Therapy
• HCPC (Health and Care professions Council) registered speech and language therapist
• Evidence of commitment to relevant ongoing CPD and development in relevant areas
• Evidence of relevant speech and language therapy knowledge and expertise with recent experience demonstrating this
• Evidence of ability to cope with unpredictable events and varying clinical and non-clinical work pressures
• Evidence of highly developed auditory and perceptive skills
• Experience of audit/project work
• Experience mentoring or supervising speech and language therapy assistants or junior staff
• Experience and involvement with speech and language therapy student training
• Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and relevant specialist groups

Trust Values and Behaviours

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Depending on experience£39,959 to £48,117 per annum, pro rata