Advanced Speech and Language Therapist

Job description

Job responsibilities

This post will deliver trauma-informed services to children and young people up to the age of 25. Research indicates that children who have experienced abuse and neglect are more likely to have poor language and social communication skills. Flashbacks and chronic stress can shut down language areas in the brain, and language skills may be diminished or lost in the longer term. Children and young people who have had very negative early experiences often find it difficult to interact positively with others, so they miss out on opportunities to learn positive language and interaction skills.

As a result, the NICE guidelines recommend that if children in care are identified as having speech, language and communication problems (whether or not these have been previously diagnosed), they should be able to access support from speech and language therapists for assessment and for advice on how to communicate effectively with them.

This post is part of a pilot project and will involve an element of research, data collection and analysis as well as assessment, consultation, formulation, and training for the wider workforce.

The role will involve contributing to understanding the needs of children and young people in the local authority who may be considered to present high risk to themselves, high risk to others or are highly vulnerable within external relationships. This will include children in care, and those in contact with the youth justice service. As part of a wider team, the successful candidate will support consultations, assessments and formulation with professionals and carers working with children and young people to support the principles of the Integrated Care Framework outlined below.

• Every Interaction Matters: There is a focus first on building and supporting positive collaborative relationships.
• Children and young people and the relationships they experience are at the centre of all care they receive through genuine co-production.
• Those spending most time with young people are the primary facilitators of change.
• Positively influencing the day-to-day care is the basis of any intervention and primary focus of support.
• All behaviour is understandable in context; there is a focus on developing an understanding of each CYPs behaviour and needs based on their story.
• There is a commitment by all to build and sustain trauma-informed organisations.

You should have qualifications and experience relevant in this clinical field and work well as part of a close team and be able to work independently. You will liaise closely with fellow professionals to address communication difficulties as part of a holistic, service user centred service and be confident in providing high quality, evidence-based assessments and interventions and possess excellent communication and organisational skills.

This post is part of a national NHS England 2-year pilot to deliver extended services for children and young people with complex trauma.

This post is employed by CNTW and embedded into Local Authorities and will be based at Gateshead Civic Centre.

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 17th June 2025

Closing date : 1st July 2025

We welcome your application.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

• Recognised SALT degree or equivalent and registered with HCPC
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses/CPD to Masters level equivalence
• Post graduate level qualification relevant to area of specialism

Desirable

• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Attendance at a leadership course

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills including negotiation and conflict management
• Evidence of effective organisational skills
• Expert supervision skills and experience to support others
• Evidence of maintaining accurate and contemporaneous record keeping
• Be able to travel between various locations across the Trust geographical area

Desirable

• Demonstrate change management skills
• Knowledge of RiO data systems and IT skills
• Experience of conduction and evaluating clinical audit

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with CYP who have complex and challenging behaviours
• Experience of promoting inclusive communication by developing communication-friendly environments that remove barriers
• Experience of collaborative working with families, carers and other professionals around a CYP
• Coordinating and supporting staff in the day to day provision of clinical services
• Experience and ability to work in community settings and within an MDT
• Experience of delivering appropriate specialist assessments and evidence-based interventions
• Able to provide training to carers and professionals and support professionals to consider a child's speech, language and communication skills
• Experience of providing clinical supervision to clinical staff and undertaking appraisals
• Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload in a flexible manner as required
• Knowledge of health and safety, equal opportunities legislation and policies

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Gateshead Civic Centre

Gateshead

NE8 1HH

Employer's website

https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)