University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Head & Neck
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Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Head & Neck
Job Title: Senior Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) – Head and Neck Oncology
Role Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to advertise this exceptional opportunity for a patient-centred, enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to join the Head and Neck Oncology team. This role is perfect for a compassionate, skilled therapist looking to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals in a dynamic and stimulating environment.
University Hospital Southampton is one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, offering extensive career development opportunities. Located on the south coast with access to direct rail links to London and proximity to natural attractions such as the New Forest, South Downs, and Jurassic Coast, this role provides an ideal balance between rewarding work and a fulfilling lifestyle.
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Main Duties & Responsibilities
As a Senior Speech and Language Therapist in Head and Neck Oncology, successful candidates will:
Core Responsibilities
- Work within the Head and Neck SLT team, contributing to SLT-led clinics, MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) meetings, as well as acute wards and outpatient settings.
- Provide evidence-based communication and swallowing assessments and interventions to patients with complex head and neck oncology diagnoses.
- Represent the SLT service within Head and Neck Oncology settings as part of multidisciplinary discussions.
- Demonstrate innovation in patient care and service delivery, contributing to MDT initiatives and supporting service development.
- Support patients undergoing instrumental swallowing assessments (e.g., FEES – Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing or VF – Videofluoroscopy).
- Train, supervise, and mentor junior SLTs and other healthcare staff to ensure best practice.
- Assist the SLT team in non-clinical tasks, such as student coordination and clinical effectiveness evaluations.
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Key Skills & Experience
Candidates should preferably have: ✔ Significant experience working with patients experiencing communication and swallowing difficulties due to head and neck malignancies. ✔ Competency in instrumental assessments, including FEES or VF. ✔ Proven track record in supervision, mentoring, and staff education. ✔ Expertise in MDT collaboration, effectively advocating for patient needs. ✔ Experience in an acute hospital setting, including detailed case evaluations. ✔ Ability to plan, conduct, and analyse clinical audits, service evaluations, and research projects.
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Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience
Essential Criteria
- Qualification: Degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent).
- Postgraduate Level: Master’s qualification or equivalent professional experience in relevant speciality.
- HCPC Registration: Current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as a Speech and Language Therapist.
- Commitment to CPD: Demonstrated dedication to continuous professional development (CPD) and speciality-specific training.
- Specialist Expertise: Strong relevant experience in Head and Neck Oncology, evidenced by recent practice.
- Supervision & Training: Proven experience in supervising staff and managing educational roles.
- Effective Communication: Ability to explain complex information clearly to patients, carers, senior staff, and healthcare professionals.
- Clinical Judgement: Demonstrated capacity to manage emotionally challenging and complex clinical circumstances.
- Professional Relationships: Strong ability to build rapport with patients, colleagues, and carers while maintaining empathy and sensitivity.
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Desirable Criteria
- Membership: Registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), including relevant specialist group affiliations.
- Audit & Research: Experience in leading or coordinating audit/research projects.
- Supervisory Training: Completed clinical supervision skills training.
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Trust Values
University Hospital Southampton prioritises patient-centred care and continuous improvement, upholding the following principles:
- Patients First: Putting care and support at the centre of all actions.
- Always Improving: A commitment to best practice through evidence-based practice and innovation.
- Working Together: Fostering collaboration across professions to deliver exceptional care.
We are also fully committed to diversity, inclusivity, and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our antiracist and inclusive approach encourages excellence, supporting a thriving care environment for all.
Flexible working arrangements, including study support, family-friendly adjustments, and wellbeing initiatives, are available where possible to enhance the work-life balance of our staff.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust: Where outstanding healthcare is delivered with humanity, compassion, and innovation.
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