Trainee Clinical Specialist Sonographer (ENT)

UHCW; Coventry; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust in Coventry invites applications for a Trainee Clinical Specialist Sonographer (Head & Neck). This development post is designed for an experienced clinician to specialise in Head & Neck ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures within a supported training pathway.

You will train with expert sonographers, radiologists and ENT clinicians to gain competencies for autonomous practice, contributing to ENT, Head & Neck cancer and rapid

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography.
• Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (CASE accredited).
• Evidence of ongoing ENT (Head & Neck) Continuing Professional Development.

Responsibilities

• Undertake supervised Head & Neck ultrasound examinations as part of a defined competency framework.
• Develop the skills required to independently perform and report Head & Neck ultrasound investigations.
• Participate in training for ultrasound-guided procedures, including Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA).
• Support the delivery of ENT, Head & Neck Cancer and Rapid Diagnostic pathways.
• Work closely with Clinical Specialist Sonographers, Radiologists, ENT Consultants and multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide high-quality, patient-centred care throughout the diagnostic pathway.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to the production of diagnostic reports.
• Participate in audit, quality improvement and clinical governance activities.

Skills

Head & Neck ultrasound

Ultrasound reporting

Ultrasound scanning

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Communication skills

Education

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography

Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (CASE accredited)

Tools

PACS

RIS

Job description

Trainee Clinical Specialist Sonographer (ENT)

NHS AfC: Band 7

Main area Radiology, Ultrasound Grade NHS AfC: Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 218-AHP-B7-8314165

Site University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Town Coventry Salary £49,387 - £56,515 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 14/10/2026 23:59

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an aspiring sonographer to join our Head & Neck Ultrasound Service as a Trainee Clinical Specialist Sonographer. This developmental role is designed for an experienced healthcare professional who wishes to develop specialist skills in Head & Neck ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures within a supported training pathway.

The successful candidate will work alongside experienced Clinical Specialist Sonographers, Radiologists and ENT clinicians to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to independently perform and report Head & Neck ultrasound examinations. They will contribute to the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services supporting ENT, Head & Neck Cancer and Rapid Diagnostic pathways.

The post holder will undertake a structured programme of clinical training, supervision and competency development leading towards autonomous specialist practice. In return, the successful candidate will gain experience within a well-established specialist service, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and contributing to the timely diagnosis and management of patients with Head & Neck conditions.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with a strong commitment to patient care, professional development and advancing their career in specialist ultrasound practice.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake a structured training programme to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to become an autonomous Clinical Specialist Sonographer within the Head & Neck Ultrasound Service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertake supervised Head & Neck ultrasound examinations as part of a defined competency framework.
• Develop the skills required to independently perform and report Head & Neck ultrasound investigations.
• Participate in specialist training in ultrasound-guided procedures, including Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA).
• Support the delivery of ENT, Head & Neck Cancer and Rapid Diagnostic pathways.
• Work closely with Clinical Specialist Sonographers, Radiologists, ENT Consultants and multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide high-quality, patient-centred care throughout the diagnostic pathway.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to the production of diagnostic reports.
• Participate in audit, quality improvement and clinical governance activities.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development and successful completion of competency requirements.
• Support departmental teaching, learning and service development initiatives.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, effective and responsive diagnostic service.
• Uphold Trust values and professional standards at all times.

Working for our organisation

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

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 anenvironment 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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Trainee Clinical Specialist Sonographer (Head & Neck) will work within a structured developmental programme designed to support progression towards autonomous specialist practice in Head & Neck ultrasound.

Working under the guidance and supervision of experienced Clinical Specialist Sonographers, Radiologists and ENT clinicians, the post holder will develop the clinical knowledge, practical skills and professional competencies required to perform, interpret and report specialist ultrasound examinations within a high-quality diagnostic service.

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care, supporting ENT, Head & Neck Cancer and Rapid Diagnostic pathways while completing an agreed programme of education, competency assessment and professional development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertake specialist training in Head & Neck ultrasound practice and related diagnostic pathways.
• Perform ultrasound examinations under appropriate supervision in accordance with departmental protocols and competency requirements.
• Develop the skills required to independently interpret, report and communicate ultrasound findings.
• Participate in training for ultrasound-guided procedures, including Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), where appropriate.
• Assist in the delivery of one-stop diagnostic services and urgent cancer pathways.
• Review relevant clinical information and imaging to support patient assessment and management.
• Work collaboratively with Sonographers, Radiologists, ENT Consultants, Pathologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists and wider multidisciplinary teams.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient records, documentation and reports.
• Ensure high standards of patient care, communication and professionalism at all times.
• Participate in audit, quality assurance, service evaluation and clinical governance activities.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and the ongoing development of the Head & Neck Ultrasound Service.
• Support the education and learning environment within the department through active participation in teaching and training activities.
• Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development and successful completion of all required competencies and academic programmes.
• Comply with Trust policies, professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the delivery of a responsive, safe and effective diagnostic imaging service.

This post offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced specialist skills within an established Head & Neck Ultrasound Service and provides a clear progression pathway towards Clinical Specialist Sonographer practice.

For further details please see the attached job description.

Opportunities to progress into advanced or specialist roles, including Band 8a positions, may be available subject to the successful attainment of the required qualifications, competencies and experience, together with service requirements and the availability of suitable opportunities.'

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

Person specification

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography. HCPC Registration Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (CASE accredited). Evidence of ongoing ENT (Head & Neck) Continuing Professional Development. Independent ultrasound reporting within current scope of practice.
• Additional training or professional development in Head and Neck ultrasound. Evidence of attendance at specialist Head and Neck courses, study days or conferences. Teaching, mentorship or assessor qualification.

Experience

• Significant post-qualification ultrasound experience. Experience working as an autonomous ultrasound practitioner. Experience independently reporting ultrasound examinations. Evidence of professional development aligned to Head and Neck ultrasound practice. Demonstrable interest in Head and Neck pathology, cancer pathways or interventional ultrasound. Evidence of advanced clinical decision-making and management of complex patients. Experience participating in multidisciplinary working.
• Experience undertaking Head and Neck ultrasound examinations. Experience assessing neck lumps, thyroid pathology, salivary gland disease or cervical lymph nodes. Experience working within cancer pathways. Experience attending or contributing to MDT meetings. Experience supporting ultrasound-guided interventions. Experience working within one-stop diagnostic services.

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of Head and Neck anatomy, pathology and ultrasound imaging techniques. Detailed understanding of Head and Neck cancer pathways and national cancer standards. Knowledge of ultrasound-guided FNA procedures and associated governance requirements. Advanced knowledge of PACS, RIS and ultrasound reporting systems. Understanding of clinical governance, audit and quality assurance within ultrasound services.
• Further postgraduate training relevant to Head and Neck/ENT imaging, interventional procedures, or advanced clinical practice Additional formal training in areas such as leadership, education, research, or quality improvement

Skills

• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills. Strong ultrasound scanning and reporting skills within current scope of practice. Evidence of developing knowledge and interest in Head & Neck ultrasound practice. bility to work within complex diagnostic pathways under appropriate supervision. Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands. Demonstrable advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Commitment to developing towards autonomous Clinical Specialist practice in Head & Neck ultrasound. Ability to learn and apply new specialist knowledge and skills.
• Experience undertaking Head & Neck ultrasound examinations. Experience assessing thyroid, salivary gland or neck lump pathology. Experience supporting ultrasound-guided interventions. Experience attending MDT meetings. Evidence of specialist CPD relating to Head & Neck ultrasound. Experience teaching, mentoring or supporting colleagues. Participation in audit, service improvement or research activities

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s values. (As detailed in UHCW’s Values in Action document below) Applicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience

To ensure that we provide world-class patient care, UHCW recruits people that can demonstrate the Trust’s Values and Behaviours in their everyday life. Therefore, if you are invited to interview, you will be undertaking a Values Based Interview/Assessment, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trust’s Values and Behaviours which can be accessed on the right side of this page under the job description.
The Supporting Information Section in your application should therefore reflect your understanding of the Trust’s Values and associated Behaviours. You will be expected to provide us with examples from work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviour.

The Trust is committed to Equal Opportunities within the workplace. All vacancies will be considered for Job Share unless otherwise stated. All applicants who have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be interviewed. Where a post has an overwhelming response, this Trust may use random selection in order to reduce numbers to interview, any disabled applicants will automatically be guaranteed an interview and will be exempt from this process.

In submitting an application form, you authorise University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust to confirm from your previous or current NHS employer and other prior employers; previous NHS service details and personal data held about you, including Occupational Health data (inoculations and screening tests). This data will be transferred using NHS Electronic Staff Record and third-party systems via an automated process and only used for the purposes of obtaining and maintaining accurate employment records, should you be appointed to the post.

UHCW NHS Trust, by virtue of its Green Plan, is committed to ensuring that the way we provide services minimises the impact on the environment and the future health of the public e.g. zero waste to landfill, reducing our carbon footprint and increasing our recycling and reuse percentages.

If you are successful at interview you will receive a conditional offer of employment and we’ll ask you for information so that we can carry out pre‑employment checks. You must successfully complete all pre‑employment checks to progress to a final unconditional offer.

We must confirm the identity of our staff and their right to work in the United Kingdom. We will ask you to submit proof of your identity and right to work documents via a secure digital platform approved by the Home Office, named TrustID. Alternatively, you may be asked to attend our office with original documents.

Depending on you level of exposure with patients you may be required to undertake a Standard or Enhanced DBS. The cost of this check will be charged to you and will be deducted from your salary over the first 3 months of employment at the current rate.

All correspondence will be sent by email; please check your account regularly including your Junk/SPAM folders

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Name Navninder Gill Job title General & Ultrasound Superintendent Radiographer Email address [e-mail]