Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a compassionate individual to join the Adult Acute Speech and Language Therapy team at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
This role involves supporting adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties across a range of acute wards, including medical, surgical, respiratory and other specialist services. This includes patients with complex medical conditions, deconditioning, and tracheostomy.
You will work closely with qualified Speech and Language Therapists as part of a wider multidisciplinary team, supporting assessment and rehabilitation under the direction of a Speech and Language Therapist.
The role is varied and includes both direct patient contact and non-clinical support, including preparation of therapy resources, supporting service organisation and administrative tasks.
You will receive structured support, supervision and training to develop within the role, including opportunities to build skills in communication and dysphagia.
Main duties of the job
You will support delivery of an effective Speech and Language Therapy service under the supervision of a registered SLT.
This includes assisting with assessment and therapy, delivering delegated therapy programmes, and supporting communication and dysphagia management plans with close attention to safety.
The role involves working with patients with complex needs, making observations and reporting progress, preparing therapy resources, and supporting use of communication aids and digital tools.
You will maintain accurate documentation, contribute to data collection and service organisation, and work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team while recognising the limits of their role and seeking guidance as required.
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK and a leading centre for specialist and acute care.
Our Adult Acute Speech and Language Therapy team provides assessment and rehabilitation for adults with communication and swallowing difficulties across a wide range of services.
We are a supportive and collaborative team, working closely with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.
We are committed to staff development through supervision and training, and to creating a positive and inclusive working environment. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in acute care and develop skills in managing complex patients.
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 see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key 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 the 26th April 2026.
Interviews are due to be held on the 14th May 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 see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key 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 the 26th April 2026.
Interviews are due to be held on the 14th May 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
- Good general education to GCSE level or equivalent including English and Maths GCSE level A-C
- Relevant other qualification to A-level/ NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
- Evidence of achievement and/or attendance at short courses or relevant training related to speech, language, communication and swallowing.
- Associate member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Experience
Essential
- Experience of supporting others with health, social or educational needs.
- Working as a team member
- Working with indirect supervision
Desirable
- Working with individuals with a communication impairment/ disability/ illness.
- Working in a clinical or education setting.
- Working with a Speech and Language Therapist
- Working as an assistant/ support worker/ carer role
- Use of Microsoft word and excel
- Use of apps
- NHS Experience
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of the role of confidentiality within healthcare
- Knowledge of the role of Speech and Language Therapy in the hospital setting.
- Basic understanding of acquired neurological and respiratory disorders which may lead to communication or swallowing problems.
- Knowledge of the NHS
Desirable
- Evidence of participation in personal/ professional development activities relevant to post.
- Knowledge of communication support methods.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to use a range of communication skills including, but not limited to, building rapport, motivation, explanation and education
- Ability to follow instructions/ directions regarding tasks assigned
- Excellent listening and observation skills
- Able to report on patient related activities accurately and in detail, both verbally and in writing
- Skills in managing time/ prioritising work pressures
- IT skills including Microsoft word and Excel, Twitter, Apps.
- Negotiating and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work autonomously when required and work with patients unsupervised
- Excellent communication skills including telephone, email, face to face
- Evidence of good organisational and administrative skills
- Motivation to carry out self-directed learning and show a commitment to personal and team development
- Ability to work as part of a team including liaising with professionals in medical and educational settings
- Ability to show excellent attention to detail and accuracy in all areas work.
- Ability to work flexibly in order to adapt to change and cope under pressure.
Desirable
- Able to adjust style of communication for those with communication difficulties
- Able to demonstrate sensitivity and empathy in order to motivate and support patients with physical, cognitive and communication difficulties.
- Managing resources
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good general education to GCSE level or equivalent including English and Maths GCSE level A-C
- Relevant other qualification to A-level/ NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
- Evidence of achievement and/or attendance at short courses or relevant training related to speech, language, communication and swallowing.
- Associate member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Experience
Essential
- Experience of supporting others with health, social or educational needs.
- Working as a team member
- Working with indirect supervision
Desirable
- Working with individuals with a communication impairment/ disability/ illness.
- Working in a clinical or education setting.
- Working with a Speech and Language Therapist
- Working as an assistant/ support worker/ carer role
- Use of Microsoft word and excel
- Use of apps
- NHS Experience
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of the role of confidentiality within healthcare
- Knowledge of the role of Speech and Language Therapy in the hospital setting.
- Basic understanding of acquired neurological and respiratory disorders which may lead to communication or swallowing problems.
- Knowledge of the NHS
Desirable
- Evidence of participation in personal/ professional development activities relevant to post.
- Knowledge of communication support methods.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to use a range of communication skills including, but not limited to, building rapport, motivation, explanation and education
- Ability to follow instructions/ directions regarding tasks assigned
- Excellent listening and observation skills
- Able to report on patient related activities accurately and in detail, both verbally and in writing
- Skills in managing time/ prioritising work pressures
- IT skills including Microsoft word and Excel, Twitter, Apps.
- Negotiating and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work autonomously when required and work with patients unsupervised
- Excellent communication skills including telephone, email, face to face
- Evidence of good organisational and administrative skills
- Motivation to carry out self-directed learning and show a commitment to personal and team development
- Ability to work as part of a team including liaising with professionals in medical and educational settings
- Ability to show excellent attention to detail and accuracy in all areas work.
- Ability to work flexibly in order to adapt to change and cope under pressure.
Desirable
- Able to adjust style of communication for those with communication difficulties
- Able to demonstrate sensitivity and empathy in order to motivate and support patients with physical, cognitive and communication difficulties.
- Managing resources
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
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).
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).
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)