Head & Neck Speech and Language Therapist (B5-B6 Development Consider)

The closing date is 01 July 2026

We are seeking a Speech and Language Therapist with experience in Head and Neck Cancer (HANC). Applicants who are confident autonomous practitioners with strong dysphagia and communication skills and a keen interest in developing within HANC will be considered. Applicants with transferable skills from other relevant clinical areas are encouraged to apply. Band 5-6 developmental post will also be considered, with a robust support framework available.

Experience in HANC, tracheostomy, SVR, FEES and/or Videofluoroscopy is desirable but not essential. Opportunities for developing specialist skills may be available according to service need; however, training and competency development in all specialist areas cannot be guaranteed.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report from their current UK Occupational Health provider or UK GP.

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.

• Assess, diagnose and manage adults with dysphagia and communication difficulties, including those with complex HANC presentations.
• Develop, implement and review evidence based, person centred treatment and management plans.
• Manage and prioritise a specialist caseload, taking clinical responsibility for patient care and discharge planning.
• Work as part of the multidisciplinary team, providing specialist advice, education and support to patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
• Contribute to service development, audit, quality improvement and clinical governance activities.
• Support the supervision and development of students and less experienced staff, according to experience.
• Participate in continuing professional development and maintain professional standards in line with HCPC and RCSLT requirements.
• Contribute to service delivery across UHCW and Rugby St Cross sites as required, including covering colleagues during periods of absence.
• Opportunities may be available to develop specialist competencies such as FEES, Videofluoroscopy, tracheostomy and SVR, depending on service need.

• Undertake assessment and management of adults with communication and swallowing difficulties associated with Head and Neck Cancer, with support from senior colleagues as required.
• Interpret and analyse clinical and non clinical facts to form accurate diagnosis and prognosis on a range of conditions, recommend the best course of intervention, evaluate outcomes, reassess and develop comprehensive discharge plans.
• Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required.
• Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care.
• Undertake department audit and service development work, translating findings into practice.
• Provide specialist advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers and members of the MDT regarding SLT issues.
• Engage in department and own CPD activities.
• Participate in health promotion activities of the department.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment, ensuring adherence to Trust standards for cleanliness, hygiene and infection control.
• Take on designated roles or responsibilities that support the overarching needs of the department.
• Provide SLT provision across sites of University Hospital Coventry and Hospital of St Cross.

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.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire