Overview
We are seeking a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) in head and neck cancer (HANC). Candidates who are confident, working autonomously and skilled in dysphagia and communication management, with enthusiasm and commitment to specialise in HANC, will be considered. Applicants who bring transferable skills from other relevant clinical areas are also welcome. Band 6 to 7 development will be considered, supported by a robust framework.
Responsibilities
* Provide a high‑standard SLT service, assessing and advising on patients’ care & treatment as an autonomous practitioner for patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties resulting from HANC.
* Independently manage a caseload of patients with HANC and complex needs relative to your clinical area using evidence‑based, client‑centred principles.
* Support the development of junior staff members through case discussions, supervision and training, dependent on experience.
* Work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to discussions and influencing decisions about patient care programmes; attend MDT meetings, ward rounds and family meetings where necessary.
* Contribute to maintenance and development of the SLT service.
* Take on leadership and line‑management duties as required for the post.
* Undertake complex assessment of patients with dysphagia and/or communication difficulties; investigate, analyse skills and formulate individualised management and treatment plans and specialised programmes of care.
* Use expert clinical reasoning to interpret and analyse clinical & non‑clinical facts to form accurate diagnosis & prognosis for highly complex conditions, recommend best courses of intervention, evaluate outcomes, reassess and develop comprehensive discharge plans.
* Carry out instrumental assessment of dysphagia, depending upon experience and competence.
* 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.
* Accept clinical responsibility for the caseload and organise it effectively and efficiently; prioritise and allocate patients appropriately for 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.
* Take a lead on department audit and service development work, translating findings into practice as required.
* Provide specialist advice, teaching & instruction to relatives, carers & other members of the MDT regarding SLT issues.
* Plan and support the clinical supervision of student SLT’s 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.
* Maintain a clean, safe environment, adhering to Trust standards of cleanliness, hygiene & infection control.
* Provide SLT provision across sites of UHCW and Rugby St Cross as needed.
Additional Requirements and Commitments
* Successful applicants must provide an immunisation and vaccination report from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.
* Secondment will be considered for internal candidates — if successful after interview, you must obtain approval from your current line manager to accept the offer.
About the Trust
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 proud of our employees across our hospital sites, delivering high‑quality patient care at the heart of everything we do. Our modern facilities are among the most advanced in Western Europe, and we are recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation.
We are 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 respected, valued and able to achieve their potential, while promoting equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy as core values.
Apply
For further details of the role please see the attached job description and person specification.
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