Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist: Head

We are excited to be seeking a Band 7 Highly Specialist Head & Neck Cancer SLT to manage the head & neck cancer service whilst the Principal Band 8a SLT is on maternity leave. To optimise clinical time, we have chosen to advertise this role at Band 7, with management provided by the Professional Lead for Adult SLT.

The post-holder will be responsible for the provision of highly specialist assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders arising from head & neck cancer, working within a close MDT. This includes management of surgical voice restoration for total laryngectomy patients. At UHP, we also have access to videofluoroscopy and FEES services, which the post holder would be encouraged to access and support.

Clinical supervision and operational support will be provided by the Professional Lead for Adult SLT, to ensure you feel well supported as part of the wider team. Peer supervision can also be accessed through a close network of regional head & neck cancer SLTs. Surgical caseloads will often be shared across RCHT and UHP, meaning collaborative working between SLT departments is vital.

We are an innovative, experienced and supportive SLT service with excellent opportunities for professional and personal growth. Our ideal candidate will be compassionate, organised and experienced, with a passion for supporting head & neck cancer patients at all stages of their pathway.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

To deliver highly-specialist clinical work to patients with communication and swallowing disorders arising from head & neck cancer and the treatment thereof, in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

To provide management of surgical voice restoration for total laryngectomy patients, including an ad hoc voice prosthesis change service.

To act as a member of the head & neck MDT and to contribute to the coordination of SLT input within this setting. This includes the provision of training and supervision for students and others as appropriate.

To participate in audit and data collection as necessary, including outcome measures.

To participate in instrumental assessment, including videofluoroscopy and FEES where necessary.

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Clinical: Head & Neck Cancer

1. To be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, development, implementation and monitoring of treatment for a personal or shared caseload of head and neck cancer patients, with access to clinical supervision and advice from senior colleagues, peer networks and relevant others.

2. To make appropriate differential diagnoses and highly-specialist clinical decisions on the evidence of assessment of complex cases including need to refer for further diagnostics.

3. To provide highly-specialist SLT advice to head & neck cancer MDTs and others regarding the management and care of both outpatients and inpatients.

4. To undertake and interpret highly-specialist assessments using instrumental assessment techniques such as videofluoroscopy and fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

5. To work closely with MDT colleagues across a range of outpatient settings, including support within specialist clinics and attendance at MDT, local and regional meetings.

6. To provide support to total laryngectomy services across in- and outpatient settings, including assessment, treatment and management of surgical voice restoration, communication and dysphagia.

7. To manage the provision, maintenance and safety of physical resources, such as voice prostheses and electrolarynxes, at all times within the designated area, including liaising with budget holders.

Please see the attached JD & PS for further details