Specialist Speech and Language Therapist: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our welcoming Adult Acute Speech and Language Therapy team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate SLT with relevant post-registration experience in adult dysphagia and acquired communication disorders. You will bring sound clinical reasoning, effective multidisciplinary-working skills and a commitment to evidence-based, person-centred care.

This role offers the opportunity to work within a major teaching hospital and regional specialist centre, alongside experienced clinicians and a broad range of acute specialties. It would suit an SLT who enjoys the pace and variety of acute care and is ready to develop their specialist practice while contributing positively to the team.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, comprising Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals, is one of the largest and busiest teaching trusts in the country and has a national and international reputation for clinical excellence.

This is a permanent, full-time post of 37.5 hours per week.

Main duties of the job

You will contribute to the provision of specialist SLT services within the Adult Acute Service and provide specialist clinical input to a defined caseload, prioritising clinical need and managing their workload independently.

You will work autonomously within professional and local standards, applying specialist knowledge and evidence-based practice. Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, they will take a coordinated and holistic approach to patient care.

You will contribute proactively to service development and provide cover for colleagues as required. They may also support service coordination and represent SLT at ward rounds, clinics and multidisciplinary meetings. The role includes contributing to student supervision, teaching, audit and clinical governance.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent
• HCPC Registration
• RCSLT member
• Post-graduate dysphagia accreditation or equivalent
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses in communication and swallowing disorders in neurology

Desirable

• Member of relevant RCSLT CEN(s)

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience at undergraduate/post graduate level (pre-qualification)
• Post graduate experience in the areas of dysphagia and communication, including proven independent assessment, treatment and management of a neurological caseload
• Undertaking video fluoroscopic examinations
• Experience in developing and delivering training to other professionals
• Experience of supervising students
• Involvement in multidisciplinary working

Desirable

• Experience in managing patients with tracheostomies
• NHS Experience

Knowledge

Essential

• Well established knowledge of a range of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions in the areas of communication and dysphagia.
• Demonstrate knowledge of RCSLT guidelines and national policies and procedures relevant to client group
• Understanding of the principles of clinical governance / audit and use of outcome measures
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals relevant to client group
• Knowledge of standards of record keeping

Skills

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including observation, listening and empathy skills
• Good auditory and perceptual discriminator skills for analysis of voice and speech, including phonetic transcription
• Ability to analyse and interpret video fluoroscopic examinations
• Good presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Demonstrates ability to be an effective team member
• Negotiation and problem solving skills
• Good analytical and reflection skills
• Prioritisation and organisational skills
• Demonstrates ability to lead on service projects
• Computer skills for the preparation of reports, presentations and therapy materials

Desirable

• Counselling Skills

Additional Requirements

Essential

• The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of kind, safe and excellent.

Closing Date: 1 November 2026