Clinical Specialist Sonographer, ENT Ultrasound

Job overview

We are seeking an experienced Clinical Specialist Sonographer to join our established Head and Neck Ultrasound Service at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.

The successful candidate will independently perform, interpret and report specialist Head and Neck ultrasound examinations and undertake ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) procedures within a high-volume one-stop diagnostic service. Working as an autonomous practitioner, the post holder will support rapid cancer diagnosis, multidisciplinary decision-making, service development, clinical governance and workforce development.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced sonographer with substantial expertise in Head and Neck ultrasound, advanced clinical reasoning skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality patient-centred care within complex cancer and diagnostic pathways.

The role works closely with ENT Consultants, Radiologists, Pathologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists and wider multidisciplinary teams to provide expert diagnostic services supporting ENT, Maxillofacial and Head & Neck Cancer pathways.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

Main duties of the job

• Independently perform and report specialist Head and Neck ultrasound examinations.
• Undertake ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) procedures.
• Assess and manage complex Head and Neck diagnostic pathways.
• Support rapid access and one-stop neck lump and cancer diagnostic services.
• Review relevant imaging and clinical information to inform patient management.
• Work collaboratively with ENT, Radiology, Pathology and Oncology multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide expert clinical advice to colleagues and contribute to MDT discussions.
• Ensure the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care.
• Support clinical audit, quality improvement projects and service development initiatives.
• Contribute to clinical governance and maintenance of professional standards.
• Supervise, mentor and support trainee and junior sonographers.
• Participate in teaching, training and workforce development activities.
• Monitor service performance and support delivery of cancer pathway targets.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records and reports.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Head and Neck Ultrasound Service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Clinical Specialist Sonographer (Head & Neck) will be an autonomous practitioner responsible for delivering a high-quality specialist ultrasound and ultrasound-guided intervention service, supporting both routine and urgent cancer pathways. The post holder will independently perform, interpret and report complex Head and Neck ultrasound examinations, providing expert clinical assessment and contributing directly to patient diagnosis and management. The role includes undertaking ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) procedures within established governance frameworks and supporting one-stop diagnostic clinics. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with ENT Consultants, Radiologists, Pathologists, Oncologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists and allied healthcare professionals to ensure timely investigation and management of patients with suspected Head and Neck pathology. Key responsibilities include:

• Independently perform and report advanced Head and Neck ultrasound examinations.
• Undertake ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) procedures.
• Provide expert clinical opinion and diagnostic support for complex cases.
• Participate in one-stop neck lump and cancer diagnostic pathways.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support patient management.
• Maintain accurate, timely and comprehensive clinical documentation and reports.
• Ensure compliance with professional, departmental and Trust policies and procedures.
• Contribute to service development, pathway improvement and innovation.
• Participate in clinical audit, quality assurance and governance activities.
• Support service performance monitoring and achievement of cancer and diagnostic targets.
• Provide teaching, supervision and mentorship to trainee sonographers, radiographers and other healthcare professionals.
• Support workforce development through education, training and competency assessment.
• Contribute to protocol development, standard setting and implementation of best practice.
• Maintain continued professional development and specialist clinical expertise.
• Act as a role model for excellent patient care, professionalism and clinical leadership.

This role offers an opportunity to work within an established specialist Head and Neck Ultrasound Service with strong multidisciplinary links, supporting the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services and improving outcomes for patients across ENT and Head & Neck Cancer pathways.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.