Job summary
The Manchester Speech and Language Therapy Service is committed to providing a high-quality service to children and families across Manchester.
We are part of Manchester Local Care Organisation - bringing together NHS community health services and social care services in the city. We're driven by the aim of improving the health of local people in Manchester by working across organisational boundaries.
An exciting full-time, fixed-term, Band 4, permanent role has become available within the Community Speech and Language Therapy Team. As a Language Development Worker you will work as part of the community Speech and Language Therapy team as an assistant practitioner to Speech and Language Therapists (SALTs).
Main duties of the job
We are looking foran experienced, flexible and enthusiastic Language Development Workerto provide a service to children, some of whom may have special educational needs, and their families. You will work in various locations, including children's centres, community clinics, nurseries, schools and the child's home environment.
You will work as part of a supportive team of SALTs and other Language Development Workers to implement language programmes devised by SALTs with individual children and groups.
You will also produce resources using creative and IT skills to support the SALTs work with children and families.
The post is Band 4 full time - 37.5 hours a week.
This is a fixed-term post.
You will need an NVQ Level 3 in childcare or other relevant equivalent. You will have knowledge and understanding of children's early language development and a wide range of experience of working with children and their parents is essential.
The post holder will be sensitive to the needs of Manchester's diverse population.
You will be required to work independently and as part of a multi-agency team.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your applicationHere at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application. Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guide that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your applicationHere at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application. Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education or equivalent relevant qualification.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding
Essential
- Good theoretical knowledge of child development
- Understading of the implications of language impairment
- Understanding of the role of a Speech and Language Therapist
- Understanding the issues affecting an inner city, multi-ethnic community
- To be a competent use of a variety of IT programs
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children 0-5 in a variety of settings
- Experience of working with early years children with communication difficulties
- Experience of working as an effective team member
- Experience of working in partnership with parents and other agencies
Desirable
- Experience of working with children with additional needs
- Experience of working alongside a Speech and Language Therapist
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Good written and oral language skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to communication effectively with children and adults
- Good time management skills
- Ability to work in a flexible and responsive way
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education or equivalent relevant qualification.
Skills, Knowledge and Understanding
Essential
- Good theoretical knowledge of child development
- Understading of the implications of language impairment
- Understanding of the role of a Speech and Language Therapist
- Understanding the issues affecting an inner city, multi-ethnic community
- To be a competent use of a variety of IT programs
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with children 0-5 in a variety of settings
- Experience of working with early years children with communication difficulties
- Experience of working as an effective team member
- Experience of working in partnership with parents and other agencies
Desirable
- Experience of working with children with additional needs
- Experience of working alongside a Speech and Language Therapist
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Good written and oral language skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to communication effectively with children and adults
- Good time management skills
- Ability to work in a flexible and responsive way
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.
