Job summary B6 Speech and Language Therapist (0.8 wte) to cover maternity leave until March 2025. The post holder will be joining our experienced team of SLT's who work with the Luton and Dunstable ENT MDT supporting patients Head and Neck Cancer, Laryngectomy/Surgical Voice Restoration (SVR) and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) disorders. We welcome applicants to call the Team lead for an informal discussion before applying. Main duties of the job He/she will independently manage and have day to day responsibility for a caseload of adults across the caseloads mentioned. As part of this, he/she will independently devise strategies for complex caseload management. We are looking for applicants to apply who have established skills in the assessment and management of Benign ENT Voice disorders, and/or those who have established skills in the field of Head and Neck Cancer, Laryngectomy/Surgical Voice Restoration (SVR). About us Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology. Our Values We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences. Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job. Date posted 31 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Monthly. Dep-start date/hours. 0.7-0.8 wte for 9-12 months Contract Fixed term Duration 10 months Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number 418-DTO7726-KA Job locations Luton and Dunstable Hospital Lewsy Road Luton LU4 0DZ Job description Job responsibilities The SLT department are a welcoming group of SLTs working across acute, stroke, and community caseloads with a variety of patient caseloads. We work mindfully and collaboratively to create a well-organised, professional, and supportive atmosphere that achieves the best possible outcomes for all. You can look forward to: A well-established and growing team of SLTs who are dedicated to supporting staff and encouraging career development. Friendly colleagues with a range of specialist knowledge and expertise, and open to new ideas or perspectives. Opportunities for external CPD. Regular internal CPD. Previous colleagues have shared: "This has honestly been the friendliest team I have worked in. I am grateful for the learning opportunities, such as the chance to develop my skills in video-fluoroscopy and tracheostomy. Not only that, I have had so much support on a personal level and social celebrations together. It really makes a difference. Thank you L&D SLT team" Job description Job responsibilities The SLT department are a welcoming group of SLTs working across acute, stroke, and community caseloads with a variety of patient caseloads. We work mindfully and collaboratively to create a well-organised, professional, and supportive atmosphere that achieves the best possible outcomes for all. You can look forward to: A well-established and growing team of SLTs who are dedicated to supporting staff and encouraging career development. Friendly colleagues with a range of specialist knowledge and expertise, and open to new ideas or perspectives. Opportunities for external CPD. Regular internal CPD. Previous colleagues have shared: "This has honestly been the friendliest team I have worked in. I am grateful for the learning opportunities, such as the chance to develop my skills in video-fluoroscopy and tracheostomy. Not only that, I have had so much support on a personal level and social celebrations together. It really makes a difference. Thank you L&D SLT team" Person Specification Qualifications Essential Experience in the assessment and treatment of ENT/Voice patients. Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree HCPC registration Relevant post registration training in specialist area Post graduate training in dysphagia. Desirable Training in supervision Relevant post registration training in ENT/Voice. Relevant post registration training in Head and Neck Oncology/ENT (1), including laryngectomy (1)and tracheostomy (1). RCSLT membership Experience Essential Experience of complex assessment and intervention for adults with communication disorders and swallowing problems associated with a wide range of conditions Experience working in a multidisciplinary team Experience of adapting and facilitating assessment and treatment according to perceived patient needs, including cultural and linguistic differences Well established experience in a range of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions in the areas of communication (1) and dysphagia 1) relevant to the specialist area Experience in the selection, use and programming of augmentative communication systems. Experience in developing and delivering training to other professionals. Desirable Experience of supervising students and supporting less experienced SLTs. Experience in the assessment and management of trismus including provision of appropriate therapeutic devices. Independent use and interpretation of videofluoroscopic (1) and FEES examinations (1). Proven experience in the independent assessment, treatment and management of patients with tracheostomies. Proven competence in the independent management of laryngectomy patients (1), including surgical voice restoration (1) Experience of supervision of other staff or students Involvement in service improvement / evaluation via clinical audit Experience in tracheostomy management NHS based experience Knowledge Essential Theoretical knowledge underpinning the assessment, treatment and management of complex voice, communication (1) and swallowing (1) disorders associated with an ENT caseload Understanding of the need of confidentiality awareness at all times Clear understanding of the principles of clinical governance/audit to monitor and improve service Understanding of clinical governance (1) and its implications for the service (1) In depth knowledge of RCSLT guidelines(1) and national policies and procedures (1) relevant to client group Desirable Theoretical knowledge underpinning the assessment, treatment and management of complex voice, communication (1) and swallowing disorders (1) associated with a Head and Neck caseload. Awareness of the wider local and national agenda around SLT and NHS developments Knowledge of service improvement techniques e.g. change management Skills Essential Excellent interpersonal skills Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate appropriately for self and for team to facilitate efficient working Good time management and record keeping Able to cope with difficult situations, and communicate information sensitively Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to the needs of a changing diverse environment Demonstrates self-awareness, and ability to seek appropriate support Able to respond appropriately to pressure Demonstrates a positive approach to problem solving Desirable Audit / project leadership Person Specification Qualifications Essential Experience in the assessment and treatment of ENT/Voice patients. Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree HCPC registration Relevant post registration training in specialist area Post graduate training in dysphagia. Desirable Training in supervision Relevant post registration training in ENT/Voice. Relevant post registration training in Head and Neck Oncology/ENT (1), including laryngectomy (1)and tracheostomy (1). RCSLT membership Experience Essential Experience of complex assessment and intervention for adults with communication disorders and swallowing problems associated with a wide range of conditions Experience working in a multidisciplinary team Experience of adapting and facilitating assessment and treatment according to perceived patient needs, including cultural and linguistic differences Well established experience in a range of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions in the areas of communication (1) and dysphagia 1) relevant to the specialist area Experience in the selection, use and programming of augmentative communication systems. Experience in developing and delivering training to other professionals. Desirable Experience of supervising students and supporting less experienced SLTs. Experience in the assessment and management of trismus including provision of appropriate therapeutic devices. Independent use and interpretation of videofluoroscopic (1) and FEES examinations (1). Proven experience in the independent assessment, treatment and management of patients with tracheostomies. Proven competence in the independent management of laryngectomy patients (1), including surgical voice restoration (1) Experience of supervision of other staff or students Involvement in service improvement / evaluation via clinical audit Experience in tracheostomy management NHS based experience Knowledge Essential Theoretical knowledge underpinning the assessment, treatment and management of complex voice, communication (1) and swallowing (1) disorders associated with an ENT caseload Understanding of the need of confidentiality awareness at all times Clear understanding of the principles of clinical governance/audit to monitor and improve service Understanding of clinical governance (1) and its implications for the service (1) In depth knowledge of RCSLT guidelines(1) and national policies and procedures (1) relevant to client group Desirable Theoretical knowledge underpinning the assessment, treatment and management of complex voice, communication (1) and swallowing disorders (1) associated with a Head and Neck caseload. Awareness of the wider local and national agenda around SLT and NHS developments Knowledge of service improvement techniques e.g. change management Skills Essential Excellent interpersonal skills Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate appropriately for self and for team to facilitate efficient working Good time management and record keeping Able to cope with difficult situations, and communicate information sensitively Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to the needs of a changing diverse environment Demonstrates self-awareness, and ability to seek appropriate support Able to respond appropriately to pressure Demonstrates a positive approach to problem solving Desirable Audit / project leadership 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Luton and Dunstable Hospital Lewsy Road Luton LU4 0DZ Employer's website https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)