Clinical Lead Speech & Language Therapist (Autism and ADHD)

Job description

Job responsibilities

To lead, develop, and deliver a high-quality, neuro-affirmative Speech and Language Therapy service within the adult neurodevelopmental pathway, working in partnership with multidisciplinary colleagues, service leads, and partner agencies.

The postholder will provide specialist assessment, intervention, and diagnosis contribution for autistic adults and adults with ADHD, focusing on authentic communication, participation, and strengths-based support. They will also lead on service improvement, staff supervision, and pathway development, ensuring that all work is inclusive, evidence-based, and identity-affirming.

Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesClinical Leadership & Service Development

Lead and coordinate SLT provision within the adult neurodevelopmental service, embedding neuro-affirmative and strengths-based principles into all practice.

Work with operational leads, AHP professional leads, and multidisciplinary colleagues to design, deliver, and review integrated clinical pathways.

Take a lead role in service innovation, quality improvement, and evaluation, using outcome measures that reflect participation, wellbeing, and client priorities.

Act as a clinical pathway lead where appropriate, ensuring seamless multidisciplinary coordination.

Clinical Practice

Undertake specialist assessment of speech, language, and communication skills, using both standardised tools and flexible, client-led approaches.

Contribute to the multidisciplinary diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions, communicating outcomes sensitively and clearly.

Provide individual and group therapy supporting authentic communication, self-advocacy, and participation in everyday life.

Develop and share communication management plans for implementation by assistants, support workers, and other professionals.

Provide accessible advice, guidance, and training to clients, partners, families, and carers.

Supervision, Training & Support

Supervise SLTs, assistants, students, and other clinicians, including competency sign-off, appraisals, and clinical development.

Deliver neuro-affirmative communication training to the wider workforce, partner agencies, and student SLTs.

Participate in and lead training sessions, both internally and externally, to promote inclusive communication practice.

Collaboration & Multi-Agency Working

Work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues (psychology, psychiatry, occupational therapy, nursing, etc.) to ensure coordinated and effective care.

Liaise with external agencies, including education providers, employers, and voluntary sector organisations, to advocate for communication access and inclusion.

Attend and contribute to MDT meetings, case conferences, and professional forums.

Professional Standards & Record Keeping

Maintain accurate, timely, and GDPR-compliant clinical records, reports, and data entries.

Keep up to date with research, legislation, and professional guidance relevant to neuro-affirmative practice.

Maintain professional registration with the HCPC and adhere to the RCSLT code of ethics.

Participate in continuous professional development, reflective practice, and clinical supervision.

Other Responsibilities

Contribute to the development and evaluation of accessible, inclusive clinical resources and service information.

Use negotiation and conflict resolution skills to manage complex situations with clients, families, and professionals.

Act as an ambassador for the SLT profession and the Trust, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion at all times.

Person Specification Summary

Essential

HCPC registration as a Speech and Language Therapist.

Experience working with autistic adults and/or adults with ADHD.

Strong understanding of neuro-affirmative, strengths-based approaches.

Experience in assessment, intervention, and collaborative MDT working.

Skills in staff supervision, mentoring, or training.

Excellent communication skills across a range of formats and audiences.

Desirable

Experience in service development or quality improvement projects.

Competence in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).

Knowledge of relevant legislation and national guidance relating to neurodevelopmental services.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Further training and experience in specialist area to Masters level or equivalent
• Significant post graduate training in relevant to the role
• Current Registration with Health Professions Council without restriction

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• An excellent understanding of the specific contribution of Speech and Language Therapists in Specialist Learning Disability and Autism services.
• Ability to demonstrate team building, leadership and organisational skills
• Demonstrates an understanding and ability to practice in a person-centred way within community and inpatient settings.
• Knowledge in developing and delivering specialist clinical interventions e.g. PBS within Specialist Learning Disability and Autism services.
• Demonstrates an understanding of clinical and management supervision skills
• Knowledge of assessment and treatment services and the specialist role of Speech and Language Therapists.

Experience

Essential

• Broad range of experience in working in Learning disability and/or Autism services or Mental Health Services.
• Significant experience in working in specialist community or Inpatient Learning Disability ,Autism services
• Competence with clients with complex needs.
• Experience of supervising registered and/or non-registered staff.
• Experience of delivering and receiving clinical supervision.

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

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust

Address

Wayside House

Wilsons Ln, Longford, Coventry

Coventry

CV6 6NY

Employer's website

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