Speech and Language Therapist

Job responsibilities

You will be responsible for the provision of a range of Speech and Language Therapy Services and intervention packages to a designated caseload of students, including to meet EHCP requirements, at Sutherland House School. In addition, you will be responsible for promoting collaborative working practices with all staff in order to ensure Speech and Language Therapy is integrated into planning and delivery within the school.

Please see the attached documentation for the full job description.

Experience

Essential

• *Experience of working with school-aged children and/or adults with Autism and associated complex needs, including high behavioural and emotional needs.
• *Experience of working with complex sensory processing needs.
• *Experience of working with higher functioning individuals.
• *Experience of delivering a range of intervention programmes including both direct support, training and in an advisory capacity.
• *Experience of working collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team and/or supporting a range of staff with varying levels of expertise.
• *Active knowledge and understanding of Autism good practice and current legislation and guidelines.
• *Understanding of legislation pertaining to children/individuals with learning disabilities around safeguarding, equality and diversity.

Desirable

• *Experience of working with a range of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and associated complex needs for a minimum of 4 years.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• *Skilled understanding of communication difficulties in autism and how it can affect an individuals social, emotional and cognitive development and well-being.
• *Ability to implement a range of interventions including working directly with individuals and/or small groups of children/service users.
• *Ability to use a wide range of low tech AAC e.g. sign, symbols
• *Facilitating effective communication skills in staff and those working with individuals with Autism
• *Ability to deliver training to staff and key people in autism and topics associated with speech therapy and autism
• *Ability to demonstrate good practice in and awareness of national legislation relating to working with children and/or adults with Autism.
• *Commitment to working in partnership with families/carers and local communities.
• *Good organisational skills and ability to work to deadlines.
• *Ability to keep accurate records and produce high quality detailed reports which reflect clear target setting and reflective practice.
• *High professional standards and ability to understand and follow best Autism practice in service delivery and provision as defined by RCSLT, HCPC, National and local legislation and AEM company policy.
• IT skills, e.g. Microsoft office, accessing & using email / internet, In Print 3.

Desirable

• *Ability to independently assess and prioritize needs of individuals within their learning/social care contexts.
• *Ability to use a range of aided AAC devices and communication software.
• *Ability to implement specific methods widely regarded as beneficial when working with individuals with Autism e.g. intensive interaction, social stories, person centred planning.
• *Skilled in using learned strategies that enable communication skills for independence, choice, inclusion and rights whilst maximising the involvement of the individual.
• *Ability to develop and devise appropriate training for staff.
• *Ability to work independently with pupils with ASD who have a wide range of needs and cognitive abilities.

Qualifications

Essential

• *Qualification in Speech and Language Therapy
• *Membership of RCSLT and HCPC
• *Evidence of continuing professional development
• *Completed courses in relevant qualifications including at least one of the following: Signing, PECS, TEACCH, More Than Words

Desirable

• *Further relevant post graduate qualification

Personal Qualities

Essential

• *To be a competent communicator, be able to clearly explain yourself and listen carefully to others
• *To be sensitive to others circumstances but also aware of the need to challenge others thinking in influencing change and development in practice.
• *To have an open and positive attitude to work, also with drive and resilience.
• *An ability to provide a genuinely person-centred approach and to apply that to service improvement.
• *A personal commitment to driving up standards in order to benefit service recipients.
• *A passion for the rights of individuals to have the maximum possible choice and control over their lives.
• *Always maintain professional relationships.
• *Commitment to undertake further training and continued professional development.
• *To be in good general health and be fit for work.
• *Ability to work as a member of a team or on own initiative
• *Full current driving licence and access to vehicle
• *Ability to fulfil all aspects of job description

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).