Paediatric Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time (1.0 WTE) Paediatric Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with expertise in high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to join the Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT) Service covering South Wales.

The successful candidate will be part of a well-established, friendly, and supportive multidisciplinary team delivering high-tech AAC solutions to children and young people with complex speech, language, and communication needs. This role requires a passionate clinician with insight, experience, and enthusiasm for AAC and a keen interest in working with technology to improve communication outcomes.

You will work collaboratively with AAC Leads across South Wales and local Speech and Language Therapists to ensure coordinated and effective service delivery. The role involves travel across the region, with full expenses paid or access to a pool car. Flexible working arrangements, including home working, are supported.

Training in AAC systems and techniques will be provided, and you will be encouraged to further develop your expertise through CPD opportunities, attendance at relevant conferences, and involvement in research. Clinical supervision and peer support will be available from experienced team members.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will undertake assessment of paediatric patients with acquired, progressive, and developmental neurological conditions across South Wales, providing high-tech AAC systems as part of the review and intervention process.

• The post holder will visit children and young people in their homes, educational settings (including schools and colleges), healthcare environments, or other appropriate locations to carry out clinical duties.

• The post holder will apply advanced problem-solving skills to appropriately match AAC devices to paediatric patients with significant communication impairments. They will deliver training to families, carers, education staff, and other stakeholders to support successful and sustained use of AAC systems.

• The post holder will work collaboratively with AAC Leads across South Wales, as well as with local Speech and Language Therapists, to ensure coordinated and effective AAC provision.

• The post holder will contribute to research and development projects relevant to the EAT Service, including those that support innovation and evidence-based practice in AAC provision for paediatric populations.

• The post holder will bring considerable knowledge and experience of AAC to benefit their caseload and act as a clinical resource to the wider multidisciplinary team, supporting colleagues working with children and young people.

• The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.

Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.