Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Special Schools team in Berkshire West.
This Children's Speech & Language Advanced Therapist role is to support the communication of school age children with complex needs in the community. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced therapists in special schools, developing & sharing your skills in clinical areas such as AAC, eating + drinking and group sessions. You will work directly with the extended therapy team of physios, OTs & assistants, as well as highly skilled school staff.
This is a full time, fixed term role for 1 year. Flexible working opportunities, such as term time only & annualised hours, are available. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced therapists in Addington (Wokingham) & Avenue (Reading) special schools.
Our teams are enthusiastic, flexible & forward-thinking, embracing the use of social media to engage with our service users & exploring digital solutions to make us more accessible to children & their families.
Our Children & Young People's Integrated Therapy service (CYPIT) supports children & young people from birth to 19 years of age across Berkshire. As a service we are committed to an impact-based model of clinical decision making & co-production of therapy plans & next steps with our families & partners.
Main duties of the job
- To have highly developed specialist knowledge and expertise in the specific clinical specialism area of school age complex needs, including experience of supporting children/young people with communication difficulties as part of a complex learning profile.
- To manage a caseload of complex children within special schools and physical disability resources.
- To be a source of expertise for the defined area of specialism and be able to support and develop colleagues working across Berkshire West and be a point of reference for colleagues and managers where advice may be requested/needed.
- To undertake specialist clinical assessment and treatment of children and young people (CYPF) within the speciality of communication difficulties who may have complex presentations and/or support other clinicians to do this.
- To contribute to the development of service provision within their area of specialism alongside the CYPF operational team leads and professional leads. This includes ensuring best practice across the area of speciality and the service within CYPF.
- To lead the development of other therapists within the defined specialist area offering support, mentoring, training and specialist advice, as well as defining core competencies for staff to work towards.
- To undertake clinical audits and research within specialist area as required.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare has a record of achievement and success that places us as one of the best performing Trusts in the country. We are rated 'Outstanding' by the CQC, we have a history of strong financial performance, and we have a highly skilled and engaged workforce. We aspire to be an outstanding organisation for everyone: our people, our patients, their families, and their carers.
Some of the benefits of joining our team:
- Flexible working opportunities & a strong emphasis on your work, life balance
- Annual leave - 27 days for new starters, plus bank holidays. Increasing to 29 days after 5 years & 33 days after 10 years NHS service. Pro rata for part time staff
- Excellent learning & development opportunities
- Salary sacrifice scheme for a new car
- Generous maternity, paternity & adoption leave for eligible staff
- Advanced IT enablement & support
- Confidential telephone care service providing independent support & advice for staff.
- And so much more
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required. The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The3 must haves for you to be considered for this role:
1. Qualified Speech and Language Therapist, registered with HCPC
2. Experience of working within the Special School environment
3. Experience line managing / supporting junior members of staff
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The3 must haves for you to be considered for this role:
1. Qualified Speech and Language Therapist, registered with HCPC
2. Experience of working within the Special School environment
3. Experience line managing / supporting junior members of staff
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training
Essential
- Diploma / Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
- HCPC Registered
Desirable
- Member of a clinical interest group
Continuous Professional Development
Essential
- Masters degree in relevant area OR evidence of relevant experience within area of specialism, together with relevant short courses and/or post graduate training within a relevant field
- Evidence of CPD maintained in a portfolio including attendance at recent relevant post graduate courses
Previous Experience
Essential
- Evidence of experience in the field of specialism to a level of in depth knowledge and expertise
- Comprehensive range of supervisory experience
- Contribution to clinical education of less experienced staff, students or assistants
- Work in special school and / or physical disability resource settings
- Experience with AAC assessment / management
Desirable
- Experience with dysphagia assessment / management
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Essential
- High level of clinical knowledge and skill appropriate area of specialism
- Ability to pass on skills/knowledge to others within both formal and informal environments
- Ability to provide leadership to other team members
- Efficient, effective and diplomatic communication skills both written and verbal
- Awareness of the commissioning and provider landscape within children's services
- Basic computer literacy
Desirable
- Effective people management skills
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel to multiple sites
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training
Essential
- Diploma / Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
- HCPC Registered
Desirable
- Member of a clinical interest group
Continuous Professional Development
Essential
- Masters degree in relevant area OR evidence of relevant experience within area of specialism, together with relevant short courses and/or post graduate training within a relevant field
- Evidence of CPD maintained in a portfolio including attendance at recent relevant post graduate courses
Previous Experience
Essential
- Evidence of experience in the field of specialism to a level of in depth knowledge and expertise
- Comprehensive range of supervisory experience
- Contribution to clinical education of less experienced staff, students or assistants
- Work in special school and / or physical disability resource settings
- Experience with AAC assessment / management
Desirable
- Experience with dysphagia assessment / management
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Essential
- High level of clinical knowledge and skill appropriate area of specialism
- Ability to pass on skills/knowledge to others within both formal and informal environments
- Ability to provide leadership to other team members
- Efficient, effective and diplomatic communication skills both written and verbal
- Awareness of the commissioning and provider landscape within children's services
- Basic computer literacy
Desirable
- Effective people management skills
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel to multiple 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.
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).
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
