Job overview

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.

Working for our organisation

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.