Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job responsibilities

1. To undertake a range of specialist formal and informal assessments in a variety of settings with children of pre-school age and school-age, including analysis of understanding and use of vocabulary, speech sounds, grammar, voice, social use of language, non-verbal communication, carer-child interaction and play skills.

2. To provide recommendations for the multi-disciplinary team regarding differential diagnoses based on assimilated evidence from formal and informal assessments, in line with current NICE guidance regarding assessment for children with a possible diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition

3. To work with the Clinical Lead for autism assessment pathways in coordinating multi-disciplinary meetings, including acting in their absence to chair the meeting.

4. To be responsible for writing and disseminating clinical reports based on assessment findings to appropriate professionals and relevant others, which include any recommendations regarding a young persons ongoing speech & language needs.

5. To provide advice to team members and other professionals in relation to the ongoing care of children on your caseload, including contributing to statutory processes as required

6. To manage own time effectively to meet any objectives set

7. To support the wider role of the Speech & Language team in providing assessment and support to young people with feeding difficulties

8. Maintain clear and concise clinical records in line with trust policy.

9. To maintain a high standard of professional and clinical practice

10. To maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council

11. To recognise own professional and clinical boundaries and competencies and seek advice, support and training when necessary with in an individual performance review framework.

12. To be proactive and innovative and encourage this in others.

13. To respect cultural differences and ensure that the service provided are available for all children.

14. To actively participate in meetings within the service as appropriate.

15. To ensure that Trust policies and local policies are adhered to implementing local and national policies as appropriate.

16. To participate in the evaluation of the autism spectrum and speech & language services and contribute to the development of current best practice through the clinical governance process.

17. To provide clinical activity data and routine recording of CPD, travel, and other related activity, observing data protection guidelines

18. To continue to develop specialist professional expertise and clinical skills across a range of speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD) by working with highly specialist staff, attending Specific Interest Groups (RCSLT), and self-directed study, as agreed, and maintaining personal portfolio.

19. To encourage and ensure user involvement in the evaluation of the service provided.

20. To provide advice and training to multi-agency colleagues in relation to children with ASD

21. To take part in research and clinical audit as directed by senior staff

22. Participate in child safeguarding procedures as necessary.

Qualifications

Essential

• oHCPC registered Speech and Language Therapist
• oRCSLT membership
• oChild protection training
• oDegree or equivalent in Speech and Language Therapy

Desirable

• oPost basic training in dysphagia
• oEvidence of additional training in specialist areas such as Autism and neurodivergent conditions

Experience

Essential

• oProven evidence of continuing professional development
• oDemonstrable experience of working with children with autism, learning disabilities and associated additional needs
• oProven working knowledge of safeguarding children
• oDemonstrable experience of specialist assessments
• oWorking proven knowledge of visual communication such as PECS or Makaton

Desirable

• oBroad knowledge of current legislation surrounding children and young people
• oADOS training
• oDemonstrable experience of assessing children for possible autistic spectrum disorders
• oProven knowledge and demonstrable experience of feeding difficulties in young people

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

• oAbility to work autonomously
• oAbility to create and present complicated and sensitive information effectively
• o Ability to communicate in an appropriate way to meet the needs of the individual children and their families
• oExcellent written and spoken communication skills
• oGood time management and organisational skills
• oAbility to to make judgements and recommendations, and present these to others
• oAbility to prioritise a busy and unpredictable workload
• oBasic IT skills

Disposition and Attitude

Essential

• oResponsive to change and ideas.
• oAbility to influence and motivate others
• oCritical thinker
• oBe able to demonstrate self-directed development.
• oPositive, assertive but non-judgemental manner
• oEnthusiastic and committed to working with children and young people
• oFriendly and approachable

other factors

Desirable

• oUnderstanding of audit process
• oAbility to travel between sites

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).