Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapist who has, or wants to develop, specialist skills in Head & Neck Cancer and Voice.
Within our Head & Neck service, we work across all areas of the pathway from pre- treatment to post treatment therapy . We run 2 x weekly AHP clinics jointly with our CNS and specialist dietitian, and also provide individual therapy clinics. For our Dysphonia service, this post is a core part of service provision given jointly with our Highly Specialist SALT and is closely aligned with our ENT colleagues.
At MSEFT Basildon, we aim to be an innovative, supportive and patient focused SLT service, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth. Primarily serving an acute in-patient caseload, we are also commissioned to provide specialist assessment and intervention to a designated caseload of out-patients including MND and complex degenerative neurological conditions, plus ENT, Respiratory and Gastroenterology referrals, where SALT assessment may form part of their diagnostic pathway.
We have a robust supervision and appraisal system, and training and CPD are actively encouraged and supported, including bi-monthly 'lunch & learn' sessions/Journal Club. As MSEFT is a meager of 3 Acute Trusts in 2022, we have access to other specialists across 3 sites, and opportunities for shadowing and peer support/discussions are encouraged.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder is responsible, once suitably skilled, for the provision of specialist assessment, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention for people with Dysphonia or for those patients with a range of communication and swallowing disorders arising from Head & Neck Cancer and the treatment thereof.
The post holder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), to ensure evidenced based and excellent professional care for patients with Head and Neck cancer and Voice disorders.
The post holder will be required to participate in team meetings, audit, and research projects. They will provide training and clinical support to the wider SLT team and other healthcare professionals, as relevant to their own skill level.
About us
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Are you looking for an exciting Therapy role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.
We look forward to your application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Are you looking for an exciting Therapy role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you.
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.
We look forward to your application.
Person Specification
Professional Qualification
Essential
- Degree qualification as a Speech & Language Therapist
- HCPC Registered Speech & Language Therapist
- RCSLT membership
Desirable
- Post-graduate attendance on courses related to management of Head & Neck Cancer or Voice
Dysphagia Management
Essential
- Attained RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies (2014) at Level C or RCSLT EDS Competency Framework (2025) Foundation level
Desirable
- Attendance on recognised Dysphagia course such as MLH or similar
- Experience working within a Videofluoroscopy clinic
- Attained or started to attain RCSLT Videofluoroscopy Competencies and /or MBSIMP qualification
- Experience observing or assisting with FEES
- FEES training received
- Achieved, or started to achieve, RCSLT FEES compencies
Dysphonia
Desirable
- Observed Dysphonic clients in an assessment/treatment setting
- Experience at student level, or post qualification in the assessment, therapy and management of patients with Dysphonia
- Attendance on courses related to management of Dysphonic clients post-qualification
- Experience in ENT setting or EELs clinic in the assessment of laryngeal appearance, movement and functioning
- Achieved or partial achievement of EELS competencies
Head & Neck Cancer
Desirable
- Observation or clinical placement within Head & Neck MDT/Support clinic
- Observation of patients following Laryngectomy, +/- SVP management
- Achieved or partially achieved RCSLT Laryngectomy competencies
Person Specification
Professional Qualification
Essential
- Degree qualification as a Speech & Language Therapist
- HCPC Registered Speech & Language Therapist
- RCSLT membership
Desirable
- Post-graduate attendance on courses related to management of Head & Neck Cancer or Voice
Dysphagia Management
Essential
- Attained RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies (2014) at Level C or RCSLT EDS Competency Framework (2025) Foundation level
Desirable
- Attendance on recognised Dysphagia course such as MLH or similar
- Experience working within a Videofluoroscopy clinic
- Attained or started to attain RCSLT Videofluoroscopy Competencies and /or MBSIMP qualification
- Experience observing or assisting with FEES
- FEES training received
- Achieved, or started to achieve, RCSLT FEES compencies
Dysphonia
Desirable
- Observed Dysphonic clients in an assessment/treatment setting
- Experience at student level, or post qualification in the assessment, therapy and management of patients with Dysphonia
- Attendance on courses related to management of Dysphonic clients post-qualification
- Experience in ENT setting or EELs clinic in the assessment of laryngeal appearance, movement and functioning
- Achieved or partial achievement of EELS competencies
Head & Neck Cancer
Desirable
- Observation or clinical placement within Head & Neck MDT/Support clinic
- Observation of patients following Laryngectomy, +/- SVP management
- Achieved or partially achieved RCSLT Laryngectomy competencies
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).
