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Clinical Lead Speech & Language Therapist Voice/Head & Neck
The closing date is 22 February 2026
We have a fantastic opportunity for the right person to come and work as a member of the Dorset County Hospital Speech and Language Therapy Team (Adult Service) and provide a highly specialist flexible service to adults with voice disorders and head and neck cancer in an outpatient and inpatient capacity.
You will have autonomy in running voice clinics and a small head and neck service to patients in West Dorset. You will be integrated into the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Team and have an opportunity to work within other areas of specialty if desired. If you have the necessary skills and a desire to lead this specialist service then we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
* To work as a member of the Dorset County Hospital Speech and Language Therapy Team (Adult Service) in the provision of a highly specialist flexible service to adults with voice disorders predominantly at the Outpatient Therapy Centre, Charlton Down.
* To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing highly specialist therapy to patients with Head and Neck Cancer related communication, voice and/or swallowing difficulties.
* In line with requirements of other Band 7s on site, to deputise for the Team Lead in respect of operational management of the service as required.
* To contribute to the Videofluoroscopy service, specifically for Head and Neck cancer patients, and to provide cover for the lead clinicians in Videofluoroscopy as required.
* Supervise and develop junior members of the team within the service.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.
Job responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training
* Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
* Registered as a Speech and Language Therapist with the Health Professions Council.
* Evidence of CPD maintained in portfolio.
* Evidence of participation in clinical excellence networks appropriate to role.
* Highly Specialist skills as a Dysphagia Practitioner.
* Minimum of 3 years working in the NHS
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
* Evidence of clinical experience leading to capability to practice at a highly specialist level in the field of Head and Neck Cancer and Voice disorders
* Experience in the independent management of dysphagia and communication difficulties in other neurological disorders.
* Experience of Videofluoroscopy.
* Experience of working in an Acute Hospital.
* Experience of working in outpatient clinics (both SLT led and consultant led).
* Experience of participating in clinical audit and risk management.
* Experience of MDT working.
* Experience of patient and public involvement in service planning and provision.
* Leadership experience or training.
* Experience of giving training to professionals.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Demonstrate leadership ability/potential.
* Up-to-date and advanced knowledge of head and neck cancer treatment approaches.
* Highly specialist skills in treating voice disorders (both benign and malignant).
* The ability to independently assess, diagnose and treat patients with complex disorders and/or presentations, to a highly specialist level and to lead in the provision of specialist speech and language therapy care to these patients.
* The ability to manage both clinical and operational demands within the role and to manage the competing demands effectively.
* Able to provide support for patients and relatives/carers through highly emotional and distressing situations.
* The ability to work effectively within a speech and language therapy team and MDT as required.
* To have up to date, evidence based knowledge of appropriate interventions and outcome measures for the client group.
* To have a demonstratable understanding of clinical governance issues and the management of risk.
* To have a thorough knowledge of National Service Frameworks, clinical guidelines and government directives specific to Voice disorders and Head and Neck Cancer.
* To have IT competency appropriate to the role.
* To have a current driving licence and access to a car for work.
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.
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£47,810 to £54,710 a year Pro Rata Per Annum
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