Head & Neck Speech & Language Therapist (B5-B6 Development Considered) in Coventry

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

NHS AfC: Band 6

Main area Speech and Language Therapy Grade NHS AfC: Band 6 Contract 18 months (Fixed term contract for 18 months from start date. Band 5 to 6 development post considered) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 218-AHP-B6-8396065

Site University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Town Coventry Salary £32,073 - £48,117 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 08/11/2026 23:59

Job overview

We are seeking a Speech and Language Therapist with experience in Head and Neck Cancer (HANC). We will also consider applicants who are confident autonomous practitioners with strong dysphagia and communication skills and have a keen interest in developing within HANC. 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 - applications from candidates awaiting registration will be considered on the development pathway.

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

• Provide specialist assessment and management for patients with dysphagia and communication difficulties related to HANC.
• Manage a complex caseload using evidence-based, person-centred practice.
• Contribute to MDT decision-making through attendance at clinics, MDT meetings, ward rounds and family discussions.
• Support the development of students, assistants and junior colleagues, according to experience.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the SLT service.

Interviews are provisionally scheduled for 16th November 2026.

Main duties of the job

• 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.

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

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.

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• 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 & analyse clinical & non-clinical facts to form accurate diagnosis & prognosis on a range of conditions to recommend the best course of intervention, evaluate outcomes, reassess & to develop comprehensive discharge plans. Seeking support from senior colleagues as required.
• Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required
• Be professionally & legally responsible & 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 & instruction to relatives, carers & other members of the MDT regarding SLT issues.
• Engage in department and own CPD activities.
• Participate in health promotion activities of the department.
• 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 University Hospital Coventry and Hospital of St Cross.

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.

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

Person specification

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent. HCPC registration Member of the RCSLT Evidence of dysphagia training and/or working towards dysphagia competencies.
• Completion of dysphagia competency programme

Experience

• Experience of assessing and managing adults with communication and/or swallowing difficulties either independently or under supervision Experience of working as part of a team. Experience of working in the NHS
• Experience of working with patients with Head and Neck Cancer Experience of managing dysphagia in an acute/outpatient setting Experience of working within oncology and/or surgical pathways Experience of delivering training. Experience of working with patients in a hospital setting Experience of working independently with patients with communication difficulties

Knowledge

• Up to date SLT knowledge acquired through degree qualification. Knowledge of types of communication difficulties affecting adults in an acute setting. Knowledge of informal and formal assessment tools and a range of therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group. Good working knowledge of national policies and procedures Aware of the different communication needs within a culturally diverse community and how this may impact on professional practice.
• Knowledge of instrumental swallowing assessment (FEES/VF) and referral criteria. Understanding of the impact of Head and Neck Cancer and its treatment on communication, swallowing and quality of life.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills Excellent presentation skills Able to adapt communication style to varied listeners Demonstrates ability to be a good team member and function effectively in the multidisciplinary team Supportive to other staff Ability to work under pressure Keyboard and IT skills to support clinical practice Flexible approach and willingness to adapt to change
• Ability to work through interpreters to gain and impart information

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Evidence of demonstrating the Trust Values (Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect) and the associated Values in Action behaviours in the workplace. For posts with managerial responsibility only Evidence of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and ensuring fair and equitable practices throughout your work experience. Evidence of promoting a culture which helps individuals live behaviours aligned to our Trust Values (Compassion, Openness, Pride, Partnership, Improve, Learn and Respect)

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.

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