Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Head and Neck

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Southampton is seeking a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist to join their Head and Neck oncology team. The ideal candidate will have experience working with individuals facing complex communication and swallowing challenges. This role offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• Experience with complex communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Interest in supervising and educating others.
• Experience in acute hospital settings.

Responsibilities

• Work within the Head and Neck SLT team.
• Provide therapy to patients with head and neck oncology diagnoses.
• Innovate approaches to patient care.

Skills

Patient-centred care

Communication assessment

Swallowing therapy

Team collaboration

Clinical audit

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. This role is in Head and Neck oncology and 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. UHS offers training and development to support your career goals. Development of our staff is central to the delivery of high quality, safe and effective care.

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. Review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers during shortlisting. For an overview of the main duties of the role, please see the “Job Description and Main Responsibilities” section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail, please read the full job description document attached. University Hospital Southampton is one of England\'s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. 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.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients. At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Specific to this role, we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

• 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 and support to MDT members.
• 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 or interested 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.
• Experienced in planning, delivering and evaluating clinical audits, service evaluations and/or research.

This advert closes on Wednesday 12 Nov 2025.