Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Voice and Respiratory Service at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. We are looking for a motivated SLT to join our experienced team, supporting people with complex voice and upper airway disorders.

The successful candidate will have experience in the assessment and management of dysphonia, chronic cough and inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO). Experience in dysphagia is welcomed. Laryngoscopy expertise is desirable, but internal training is available.

Our SLT's work closely with the respiratory multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, clinical psychologists and lung physiologists. Our SLT's attend specialist clinics including Complex Breathlessness, Joint Cough and Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstructions clinics, with collaboration with regional Ear, Nose and Throat services.

Our service is recognised as a leading UK service, with team members contributing to national clinical guidelines, research and teaching. We value ongoing learning through structured CPD, peer supervision and case discussion.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received.

Main duties of the job

This post is based at North Tyneside General Hospital, with outreach clinics in Hexham and/or Blyth. Locations and frequency can be negotiated.

The role involves triaging voice referrals, waiting list management and advanced assessment and management of complex voice and upper airway disorders, both independently and within multidisciplinary clinics. Advanced competencies in psychotherapeutic approaches and laryngoscopy are desirable. There will be opportunities to lead and contribute to service development, innovation and quality improvement, and to supervise colleagues and students.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist expertise within a supportive, forward-thinking team while contributing to a nationally recognised service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the post include:

• Independently assess, diagnose and treat own highly specialised caseload of patients / clients and maintain associated records.
• Participate in research in your specialist area.
• Take a leadership role in voice and upper airways, offering advice to other SLT's / staff on SLT issues.
• Provide specialist voice and respiratory support and supervision to the SLT team, integrating goals for the team into wider service objectives.
• Support pathway development and multidisciplinary relationships internally, externally and across agencies to enable creation and maintenance of local flexible service provision.
• Supervise assistants/volunteers/junior staff and others working with the post holder.
• Contribute to induction, mentoring and support of junior staff and facilitate clinical case discussions as part of peer review.
• Take full SLT student placements, contributing to their assessment and examination.

Due to the nature of this role, it is essential that the post holder has a valid driving licence and can meet the travel requirements of the post.

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.