Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist

Job summary

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead and inspire the Speech and Language Therapy team within the Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge (BHR) Neurodevelopmental Service, situated in one of London's most culturally rich and diverse areas. You will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for children and young people with complex communication needs, including autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

You will lead the development of a specialist, child-centred service that works closely with families, schools, and wider agencies to ensure truly integrated care. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you'll manage a specialist caseload, delivering expert clinical opinions and contributing to diagnostic assessments, as well as supporting children with speech, language and communication needs.

A unique feature of this role is the chance to be involved in a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded research project focused on improving the preschool autism diagnostic pathway - collaborating with leading experts, including a Specialist Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician and Assistant Professor at the University of Cambridge. You'll also contribute to pioneering digital innovations aimed at enhancing assessment and reporting processes.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

• Provide clinical leadership and operational management to the Speech and Language Therapy team, supporting service delivery across both health and education settings.
• Develop and lead innovative, evidence-based therapy services that align with integrated care pathways for children and young people with complex communication needs.
• Manage staff supervision, recruitment, and professional development to build a skilled and motivated team.
• Foster strong partnerships with Local Authorities, schools, and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team including Paediatricians, Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists to design and deliver coordinated neurodevelopmental care.
• Engage actively with families and community networks to ensure services are responsive, inclusive, and outcome-focused.
• Maintain a specialist clinical caseload, providing expert assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.
• Promote ongoing service evaluation, quality improvement, and compliance with Trust policies.
• Drive forward innovation in service delivery, including digital resource development and embedding research within clinical practice.
• Champion culturally sensitive approaches and contribute to reducing health inequalities within the diverse communities we serve.

About us

Starting with NELFTNELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop in sessions focusing in engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).High Cost Area Supplement - London

This post attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum payment of £4,714 and a maximum payment of £5,941 per annum pro rata).

Our Values 2025 - 2030

Working with our colleagues, patients and carers we have co-produced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.

They are:

• We are kind.
• We are respectful.
• We work together with our communities.

These three values help us tostrive to provide the best care by the best people.

Employer details

Employer name

NELFT North East London Foundation Trust

Address

The Child and Family Centre

79 Axe Street

Barking

IG11 7LZ

Employer's website

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

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Employer details

Employer name

NELFT North East London Foundation Trust

Address

The Child and Family Centre

79 Axe Street

Barking

IG11 7LZ

Employer's website

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

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