Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join the Regional Communication Aid Service (RCAS) as part of the Speech and Language Therapy service in Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
We are seeking applications from registered Speech and Language Therapists with experience of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Aids.
The Regional Communication Aid Service is based at Walkergate Park and is a specialist Electronic Assistive Technology Service. Our service aims to improve the independence of people of all ages who experience severe communication difficulties through the provision of specialised services for alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) aids. We support local teams in working with individuals to understand their AAC needs; and in providing specialised communication aids.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to develop a high level of specialised knowledge and skills in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, as well as building a network of contacts and visiting other locations (e.g. special schools) across the region.
Main duties of the job
You will have a particular interest and enthusiasm to work in this area and work well as part of a close team as well as be able to work independently.
You will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to contribute to the multi-disciplinary teams. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to engage and work collaboratively with others and understand complex systems in order to support patients with their AAC needs.
You will carry out initial assessments, visiting an adult or child, with their family and key local professionals in their own home, school, day centre, etc. Observing their current communication, discussing their skills and needs, trying different communication aids, jointly agreeing targets, beginning to introduce key implementation strategies.
You will carry out a handover and training session for a client / their family and key professionals on a communication aid and how to use it, discussing therapy activities, etc. and provide additional sessions as required.
You will carry out review appointments to agree whether the communication aid is right for the client and whether any other trials or support is required.
You will provide training sessions to other speech and language therapy teams part of a wider regional training programme
About us
The Speech and Language Therapy Service in Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is continuing to develop and grow to meet the needs of our patients and local communities.
You will join a large, dynamic team of Speech and Language Therapy colleagues in established, multi-disciplinary teams who are committed to providing the best quality service to our patients. We actively encourage professional development and provide opportunities for all in the Speech and Language Therapy team to contribute to the development of the service.
We will provide you with a comprehensive induction period and you will have access to ongoing clinical supervision and appraisal with development reviews that will provide you with support and the specialist skills required to meet the holistic needs of the patients in your care. You will be expected to actively engage in the Trusts supervision and continuing professional development process.
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the separate job description, person specification and the service and role descriptor for more information.
Advertising date : 9th September2025
Closing date : 23rd September2025
We welcome your application.
You may be required to travel across the Trust area as part of the role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the separate job description, person specification and the service and role descriptor for more information.
Advertising date : 9th September2025
Closing date : 23rd September2025
We welcome your application.
You may be required to travel across the Trust area as part of the role.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Recognised SALT degree qualification and up to date HCPC registration
- Evidence of completion of a short course relevant to the area of specialism
Desirable
- Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Log of supervised hours/completion of dysphagia competencies
- A dysphagia qualification or commitment to attain this qualification and practice in this clinical area
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Experience of delivering appropriate specialist assessments and evidence based interventions to service users with communication and/or swallowing disorders
- Specialist communication skills, considering a variety of strategies to support service users with complex communication/cognitive needs
- Experience of developing therapeutic partnerships with service users and carers
- Experience of communicating interventions to service users and Experience of working with service users with complex needs and their carers in successful delivery of treatment plans
- Working knowledge of statutory issues which impact on service users eg safeguarding
- Experience of working within a mult-disciplinary environment
- Experience of supervising others eg assistant practitioners, students
- Experience of contributing to audit and/or service evaluation
- Knowledge and an understanding of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act
- Experience of working at post graduate level as a Speech and Language Therapist with service users who have complex and varied needs
Desirable
- Knowledge of assessment and management of challenging behaviours
- Experience of delivering training relevant to SALT
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex needs
- Risk assessment, risk/safety management planning skills
- Demonstrate an understanding of effective and appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in the NICE guidance
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and good conflict resolution skills
- Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self and others)
- Ability to adapt within a changing environment and work under pressure
- Ability to use electronic recording and relevant IT equipment
- Ability to work effectively with other professionals using a multi-agency approach. Ability to work autonomously and within a team
- Excellent time and case management skills
- Proven track record of acting as an effective advocate for service users and their carers
Desirable
- Clinical leadership skills
- Teaching and presentation skills
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Recognised SALT degree qualification and up to date HCPC registration
- Evidence of completion of a short course relevant to the area of specialism
Desirable
- Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Log of supervised hours/completion of dysphagia competencies
- A dysphagia qualification or commitment to attain this qualification and practice in this clinical area
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Experience of delivering appropriate specialist assessments and evidence based interventions to service users with communication and/or swallowing disorders
- Specialist communication skills, considering a variety of strategies to support service users with complex communication/cognitive needs
- Experience of developing therapeutic partnerships with service users and carers
- Experience of communicating interventions to service users and Experience of working with service users with complex needs and their carers in successful delivery of treatment plans
- Working knowledge of statutory issues which impact on service users eg safeguarding
- Experience of working within a mult-disciplinary environment
- Experience of supervising others eg assistant practitioners, students
- Experience of contributing to audit and/or service evaluation
- Knowledge and an understanding of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act
- Experience of working at post graduate level as a Speech and Language Therapist with service users who have complex and varied needs
Desirable
- Knowledge of assessment and management of challenging behaviours
- Experience of delivering training relevant to SALT
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex needs
- Risk assessment, risk/safety management planning skills
- Demonstrate an understanding of effective and appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in the NICE guidance
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and good conflict resolution skills
- Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self and others)
- Ability to adapt within a changing environment and work under pressure
- Ability to use electronic recording and relevant IT equipment
- Ability to work effectively with other professionals using a multi-agency approach. Ability to work autonomously and within a team
- Excellent time and case management skills
- Proven track record of acting as an effective advocate for service users and their carers
Desirable
- Clinical leadership skills
- Teaching and presentation skills
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).
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
