At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patients with communication and swallowing disorders in a dynamic rehabilitation setting.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, subsidised travel, and on-site leisure facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while developing your clinical skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree and HCPC registration.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive learning environment.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 39900 £ per year.
Would you like to work in a busy acute stroke and trauma rehabilitation setting, developing your clinical skills as a Band 6 Specialist SLT? We have an exciting opportunity to join our friendly and supportive Speech and Language Therapy Rehabilitation team on a permanent, part-time basis, with potential to combine with other vacancies. There will be opportunities to work across stroke and trauma on a flexible basis according to service need. We are looking for an experienced therapist with highly developed communication skills and a solid base of knowledge in the management of swallowing and communication disorders post acquired brain injury. The team is pro-active in shared learning and supports clinical and professional development.
The Rehabilitation SLT team works closely with the MDT across trauma, stroke and neuro-rehabilitation services, providing assessment and therapy for patients with complex swallowing and communication impairments arising from stroke, TBI and spinal injury, including aphasia, cognitive communication difficulties, dysarthria and dysphagia, tracheostomy and challenging behaviour.
Main duties of the job- Work with patients and families to support decision making and identify and work towards individual goals.
- Promote a communication-friendly environment and social model practice in the acute setting across all areas.
- Contribute to service improvement projects including staff training.
- Provide specialist SLT input to a defined caseload, prioritising needs and managing workload independently.
- Develop specialist services offered to referred patients.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary management of patients with a holistic approach to care.
- Cover for colleagues and the line manager as required in service co-ordination and representation to relevant forums (e.g. ward rounds, clinics and MDT meetings).
Speech and Language Therapy at CUH is structured to maximise opportunities for support, supervision, learning and career progression. The department comprises five services: Adult Acute, Rehabilitation, Head and Neck/ENT, Acute Paediatrics and CASEE (Communication Aid Service East of England).
Our Trust is Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust, comprising Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. The Trust focuses on quality care for patients, staff and partners and is rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, or socio-economic background.
Details- Date posted: 22 January 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
- Band: Band 6
- Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum pro rata
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: 180-B-263016
- Job locations: Addenbrookes Hospital - Division B, SLT, Addenbrooke's Hospital, CUH NHS Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ
This vacancy will close at midnight on 10 February 2026; interviews are due to be held on 25 February 2026.
BenefitsCUH offers development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Benefits include subsidised travel, free Park and Ride between sites, reduced-cost parking for eligible staff, staff cafe and break spaces, and flexible working arrangements to support a good work-life balance. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person SpecificationQualifications- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent qualification
- HCPC Registration
- Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Post-graduate dysphagia accreditation or equivalent
- Evidence of completion of specialist short courses in communication, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders
- Member of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks
- Well-established knowledge of assessment tools and interventions for communication and dysphagia in stroke and trauma caseload
- Knowledge of RCSLT guidelines and national policies relevant to the client group
- Understanding of clinical governance/audit to monitor and improve service
- Understanding of roles of other professionals relevant to the client group
- In-depth understanding of Mental Capacity Act, supported decision making and capacity assessment
- Excellent interpersonal skills (observation, listening, empathy)
- Skilled in supported conversation techniques
- Good auditory and perceptual discrimination skills for analysis of speech (including phonetic transcription)
- Good presentation skills (verbal and written)
- Ability to be an effective team member
- Negotiation and problem solving
- Advanced counselling skills
- Skills in cognitive neuropsychological assessment
- Skilled in supported decision making and capacity assessment
- Ability to analyse and interpret video fluoroscopic and/or FEES examinations
- Relevant clinical experience in specialist area of communication and swallowing in acute and rehabilitation settings
- Proven competence in independent assessment, treatment and management of communication and swallowing disorders
- Experience in supported decision making and joint goal setting
- Experience in selecting, using and programming augmentative communication systems and therapy apps
- Trauma/Trauma Rehab experience
- Experience in independent assessment and management of patients with tracheostomies
- Experience in carrying out and interpreting video fluoroscopy studies
- Experience contributing to FEES examinations
- Experience in managing challenging behaviour
The ability to understand and behave at all times toward patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires submission for Disclosure to the DBS to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Cambridge employer: Cambridge University Hospitals
Contact Detail:
Cambridge University Hospitals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at CUH through LinkedIn or professional groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your clinical knowledge, especially around swallowing and communication disorders. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific cases and how you’ve made a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! Communication is key in this role, so be sure to highlight your interpersonal skills during interviews. Share examples of how you've effectively worked with patients and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at CUH.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in speech and language therapy, especially in acute settings. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key in this role, use clear and concise language in your application. We love seeing candidates who can express their thoughts effectively, just like they would with patients.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any specific experiences you have with swallowing and communication disorders, particularly post-acquired brain injury. We’re keen to know how you’ve tackled similar challenges in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge University Hospitals
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders, especially in relation to stroke and trauma. Familiarise yourself with the latest assessment tools and interventions, as well as RCSLT guidelines. This will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, your communication skills are key. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with both patients and colleagues. Use clear, concise language and be prepared to discuss how you would promote a communication-friendly environment in your role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Think about past experiences where you've had to manage complex cases or work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, service improvement projects, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.