Job summary

• Provide a high-quality Speech and Language Therapy service for patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties resulting from head and neck cancer, working as an autonomous practitioner
• Independently manage a caseload of patients with complex clinical needs, using evidence-based, patient-centred approaches to assess, treat and evaluate care.
• Support the development of junior staff through supervision, training, mentorship and case discussion, as appropriate to experience.
• Maintain accurate clinical records in line with Trust policies, professional standards and local guidelines.
• Work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient management discussions and attending MDT meetings, ward rounds and family meetings as required.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the Head and Neck Speech and Language Therapy service.
• Ensure high-quality data is accurately recorded, analysed and reported in a timely manner.
• Undertake leadership, service development and line management responsibilities appropriate to the role.
• Work in accordance with Trust policies, national guidance, HCPC standards and RCSLT professional standards.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant national and local standards and use these to develop and evaluate own practice.
• Participate in bank holiday working and work flexibly to meet service needs where required.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake specialist assessment of patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties. Analyse assessment findings and develop individualised, evidence-based management plans and therapy programmes
• Use advanced clinical reasoning skills to interpret & analyse clinical & non-clinical information, formulate differential diagnoses, establish prognosis and determine the most appropriate course of intervention. Evaluate outcomes, reassess patients as required and develop comprehensive discharge plans
• Undertake instrumental assessment of dysphagia, depending upon experience and competence.
• To treat and manage patients who have undergone surgical voice restoration and require management and change of their laryngectomy speaking valve depending on experience and competence
• Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required
• Support service development, audit, research, quality improvement initiatives, and the education of students, staff, patients, and carers.

About us

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 (uhcw.nhs.uk)

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 an environment 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.

Details

Date posted

29 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

218-AHP-B7-8322162

Job locations

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Clifford Bridge Road

Coventry

CV2 2DX

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Accept clinical responsibility for the caseload, managing and prioritising workload effectively and efficiently. This will include prioritising and allocating patients appropriately for more junior staff.
• Communicate complex SLT information in an understandable form to staff, patients and carers.
• Be professionally & legally responsible & accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care.
• Lead and contribute to clinical audit, quality improvement and service development initiatives, ensuring that findings are translated into practice to improve patient care and service delivery.
• Provide specialist advice, teaching & instruction to relatives, carers & other members of the MDT regarding SLT issues.
• Plan and support with the clinical supervision and education of student SLTs on clinical placement.
• Engage in department and own CPD activities and lead on supporting the learning and development of others, particularly more junior members of the team.
• Participate in health promotion activities of the department
• Cover the work of colleagues and deputise for senior colleagues during periods of absence or peak workloads
• Participate in other duties as required such as maintaining a clean safe environment always ensuring adherence to Trust standards of cleanliness hygiene & infection control.
• To take on designated roles or responsibilities that support the overarching needs of the department.
• To provide SLT provision across sites of UHCW and Rugby St Cross as needed.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.

Secondment will be considered for internal candidates If you are successful after interview, you must obtain approval from your current line manager to accept the offer.

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

Job description Job responsibilities Accept clinical responsibility for the caseload, managing and prioritising workload effectively and efficiently. This will include prioritising and allocating patients appropriately for more junior staff. Communicate complex SLT information in an understandable form to staff, patients and carers. Be professionally & legally responsible & accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care. Lead and contribute to clinical audit, quality improvement and service development initiatives, ensuring that findings are translated into practice to improve patient care and service delivery. Provide specialist advice, teaching & instruction to relatives, carers & other members of the MDT regarding SLT issues. Plan and support with the clinical supervision and education of student SLTs on clinical placement. Engage in department and own CPD activities and lead on supporting the learning and development of others, particularly more junior members of the team. Participate in health promotion activities of the department Cover the work of colleagues and deputise for senior colleagues during periods of absence or peak workloads Participate in other duties as required such as maintaining a clean safe environment always ensuring adherence to Trust standards of cleanliness hygiene & infection control. To take on designated roles or responsibilities that support the overarching needs of the department. To provide SLT provision across sites of UHCW and Rugby St Cross as needed. For further details of the role please see the attached job description. Secondment will be considered for internal candidates If you are successful after interview, you must obtain approval from your current line manager to accept the offer. 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

Essential

• oSpeech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or Equivalent oMember of RCSLT oHCPC registration - license to practice oPostgraduate dysphagia training oExperience of working in the NHS

Desirable

• oEvidence of relevant postgraduate training in relevant clinical area oTracheostomy competencies oFEES and/or Videofluoroscopy competencies oSVR competencies oMembership of a relevant CEN

Experience

Essential

• oAdvanced clinical skills and knowledge in the assessment, differential diagnosis and management of complex adult swallowing and communication disorders oSignficant highly specialised postgraduate experience in the assessment and management of head and neck cancer oExperience of supporting and teaching junior SLT's, volunteers, assistants and students. oExperience of training staff groups at all levels oExperience of contributing to service development relating to this client group oLeadership experience oExperience of Health and Safety/ Risk Management. oExperience of participating in audit

Desirable

• oExperience of developing head and neck cancer services in line with national policy oExperience of leading an audit oExperience of being involved in research in the specialist area

Knowledge

Essential

• oKnowledge of assessment tools and a range of therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group oKnowledge of trends and best practice in the clinical specialism oGood working knowledge of national policies and procedures relating to the client group oUnderstanding of the impact of local cultural, linguistic and demographic factors influencing service delivery. oUnderstanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group)

Skills

Essential

• oExcellent written and verbal communication skills oAble to organise/manage time effectively oAbility to work under pressure and prioritise a caseload according to urgency oExcellent presentation skills oAble to adapt communication style to varied listeners oAbility to work through interpreters to gain and impart information oDemonstrates ability to be a good team member and function effectively in the multidisciplinary team oAble to judge limits of skills/competence and recognise professional boundaries where appropriate oSupportive to other staff oAbility to negotiate and manage difficult conversations oKeyboard and IT skills to support clinical practice oExcellent interpersonal skills oDemonstrates excellent clinical reasoning, risk assessment and leadership skills oAbility to work as part of a multidisciplinary team oExtensive line management/supervision experience

Desirable

• oDemonstrates good analytical and reflection skills

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

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

Person Specification Qualifications Essential oSpeech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or Equivalent oMember of RCSLT oHCPC registration - license to practice oPostgraduate dysphagia training oExperience of working in the NHS Desirable oEvidence of relevant postgraduate training in relevant clinical area oTracheostomy competencies oFEES and/or Videofluoroscopy competencies oSVR competencies oMembership of a relevant CEN Experience Essential oAdvanced clinical skills and knowledge in the assessment, differential diagnosis and management of complex adult swallowing and communication disorders oSignficant highly specialised postgraduate experience in the assessment and management of head and neck cancer oExperience of supporting and teaching junior SLT's, volunteers, assistants and students. oExperience of training staff groups at all levels oExperience of contributing to service development relating to this client group oLeadership experience oExperience of Health and Safety/ Risk Management. oExperience of participating in audit Desirable oExperience of developing head and neck cancer services in line with national policy oExperience of leading an audit oExperience of being involved in research in the specialist area Knowledge Essential oKnowledge of assessment tools and a range of therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group oKnowledge of trends and best practice in the clinical specialism oGood working knowledge of national policies and procedures relating to the client group oUnderstanding of the impact of local cultural, linguistic and demographic factors influencing service delivery. oUnderstanding of the roles of other professionals (relevant to the client group) Skills Essential oExcellent written and verbal communication skills oAble to organise/manage time effectively oAbility to work under pressure and prioritise a caseload according to urgency oExcellent presentation skills oAble to adapt communication style to varied listeners oAbility to work through interpreters to gain and impart information oDemonstrates ability to be a good team member and function effectively in the multidisciplinary team oAble to judge limits of skills/competence and recognise professional boundaries where appropriate oSupportive to other staff oAbility to negotiate and manage difficult conversations oKeyboard and IT skills to support clinical practice oExcellent interpersonal skills oDemonstrates excellent clinical reasoning, risk assessment and leadership skills oAbility to work as part of a multidisciplinary team oExtensive line management/supervision experience Desirable oDemonstrates good analytical and reflection skills Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours Essential oMust be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values. (As detailed in UHCW's Values in Action document below) oApplicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Clifford Bridge Road

Coventry

CV2 2DX

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire

Clifford Bridge Road

Coventry

CV2 2DX

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.jobsatuhcw.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)