Job summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Band 7 Speech & Language Therapist to join the Adult Acute SLT Service at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
This is a full-time specialist post working across adult acute wards in a large tertiary teaching hospital. You will manage a complex, high-risk caseload, working autonomously within fast-paced acute environments and contributing to multidisciplinary decision-making.
The role involves specialist SLT input for adults with complex dysphagia and acquired communication difficulties, including patients under medical, respiratory, surgical and oncology services (including brain tumours).
This post does not include stroke rehabilitation wards, designated neurology wards, or ENT / Head & Neck / Maxillofacial cancer services.
You will demonstrate advanced competencies in complex dysphagia and adult communication disorders, including independent instrumental assessment (FEES and/or VFS), and will play a key role in supporting, supervising and advising other SLT colleagues within the adult acute service.
You will be expected to show excellent clinical reasoning, effective risk management, the ability to work autonomously within MDTs, and a strong work ethos aligned with CUH values of Safe, Kind and Excellent.
Main duties of the job
To provide advanced specialist Speech & Language Therapy assessment and management for adults with complex dysphagia and acquired communication difficulties within acute hospital settings.
To manage a high-risk, complex caseload autonomously, prioritising workload and clinical risk in fast-paced adult acute environments.
To undertake and interpret instrumental swallowing assessments (FEES and/or videofluoroscopy) in line with service competencies and professional standards.
To contribute specialist SLT input to multidisciplinary decision-making, including risk management, care planning and discharge planning.
To provide specialist advice, supervision and clinical support to other Speech & Language Therapists and support staff within the Adult Acute SLT service.
To contribute to service development, clinical governance, audit and quality improvement activities within the adult acute service.
To work in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards and CUH values of Safe, Kind and Excellent.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for a full list of duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
This vacancy will close at midnight on 22nd January 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for a full list of duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
This vacancy will close at midnight on 22nd January 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent
- Health professions Council Registration
- Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Post-graduate dysphagia accreditation or equivalent
- Evidence of successful completion of advanced specialist short courses in communication and swallowing disorders in neurology, including tracheostomy management, to masters level equivalent
- Member of Specialist Interest Groups
Experience
Essential
- In depth post graduate experience in specialist area of neurology
- Proven competence in the independent assessment, treatment and management of complex communication, swallowing disorders associated with a neurology caseload.
- Independent use and interpretation of videofluoroscopic and FEES examinations
- Proven experience in the independent assessment, treatment and management of patients with tracheostomies, including ventilator dependent patients
- Experience in the selection, use and programming of augmentative communication systems
- Experience in developing and delivering training to other professionals
- Involvement in multidisciplinary working
Knowledge
Essential
- Well established knowledge of a range of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions in the areas of communication and dysphagia relevant to neurology.
- In depth knowledge of RCSLT guidelines and national polices and procedures relevant to client group.
- In depth understanding of the principles of clinical governance/audit to monitor and improve service
- 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.
- Highly developed auditory and perceptual discriminatory skills for analysis of speech, including phonetic transcription
- Advanced clinical skills in analysis and interpretation of videofluoroscopic and FEES examinations, including ability to pass the nasendoscope
- Excellent presentation skills, both verbal and written
- Demonstrates ability to be an effective team member and assume leadership responsibilities
- Excellent negotiation and problem solving skills for management of complex cases
- Excellent analytical and reflection skills
- Excellent prioritisation and organisational skills
- Computer skills for the preparation of reports, presentations and therapy materials
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent
- Health professions Council Registration
- Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Post-graduate dysphagia accreditation or equivalent
- Evidence of successful completion of advanced specialist short courses in communication and swallowing disorders in neurology, including tracheostomy management, to masters level equivalent
- Member of Specialist Interest Groups
Experience
Essential
- In depth post graduate experience in specialist area of neurology
- Proven competence in the independent assessment, treatment and management of complex communication, swallowing disorders associated with a neurology caseload.
- Independent use and interpretation of videofluoroscopic and FEES examinations
- Proven experience in the independent assessment, treatment and management of patients with tracheostomies, including ventilator dependent patients
- Experience in the selection, use and programming of augmentative communication systems
- Experience in developing and delivering training to other professionals
- Involvement in multidisciplinary working
Knowledge
Essential
- Well established knowledge of a range of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions in the areas of communication and dysphagia relevant to neurology.
- In depth knowledge of RCSLT guidelines and national polices and procedures relevant to client group.
- In depth understanding of the principles of clinical governance/audit to monitor and improve service
- 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.
- Highly developed auditory and perceptual discriminatory skills for analysis of speech, including phonetic transcription
- Advanced clinical skills in analysis and interpretation of videofluoroscopic and FEES examinations, including ability to pass the nasendoscope
- Excellent presentation skills, both verbal and written
- Demonstrates ability to be an effective team member and assume leadership responsibilities
- Excellent negotiation and problem solving skills for management of complex cases
- Excellent analytical and reflection skills
- Excellent prioritisation and organisational skills
- Computer skills for the preparation of reports, presentations and therapy materials
Desirable
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.
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.
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
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes Hospital-Division B
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB22 0QQ
Employer's website
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)