Speech & Language Therapist

NHS; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community health service in Plymouth is seeking a full-time Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist. The role involves managing a diverse paediatric caseload, providing tailored interventions, and collaborating with schools and families. The organization emphasizes continuous professional development and a supportive work environment, making it an excellent opportunity for those passionate about improving children's communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with a paediatric caseload.
• Knowledge of assessment materials and therapy approaches for children with SLCN.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage personal caseload with supervision from senior colleagues.
• Provide assessment and communication advice in schools and nurseries.
• Undertake formal and informal assessments based on clients' needs.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Team Working

Education

Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy

Membership of RCSLT

HCPC registration

Job description

Job summary

CYP Speech and Language Therapist

Band 5, 37.5 hours (5 days) per week, permanent

The CYP Speech & Language Service has an exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent, Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist. You will join our busy community teams supporting the delivery of speech and language interventions across the city of Plymouth.

We are looking for Band 5 therapists who will be able to work with a mixed paediatric caseload with children with speech and language needs in community clinics, early years settings and mainstream schools.

We provide a service based on the Care Aims philosophy which means you can deliver direct therapy that is matched to the childs individual needs. The service is committed to CPD, research and audit and a mentor system, clinical supervision and annual appraisal are in place.

The post holder may be required to work anywhere in the city as directed by the service team leaders, so flexibility is essential.

The closing date for applications to be submitted by: 15.06.2025

Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity

All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7-day service

Job Share(s) Considered

Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route

Main duties of the job

Toprovide an independently managed speech and language service to a mixed paediatric caseload with speech language and communication needs (SLCN) with support from senior colleagues.

To collect, identify and interpret complex case related information, undertake a range of formal and informal assessments, propose differential diagnosis based on evidence and prioritise, decide on appropriate treatment/management of CYP speech language and communication needs matched to the client/family need. To provide training and communication advice in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher assistants and other professionals.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Details Date posted

16 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year pa, pro-rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2025-PTA-1517

Job locations

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY

Job description Job responsibilities

Clinical

To independently manage personal caseload with reference to theory, published research and evidence, and agreed best practice with supervision available from senior colleagues.

To identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information and data from clients, carers and other relevant sources including cross agency working.

To undertake a range of formal and informal assessments as indicated by the presenting speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD) and other factors, including analysis of understanding and use of voice, grammar, vocabulary, speech sounds, fluency, social use of language, non-verbal communication, carer-child interaction and play skills and make judgements from these concerning prioritisation and future management.

To propose differential diagnoses on the basis of assimilated evidence gathered from a range of assessments - some of which may be conflicting - and with reference to typical and atypical developmental norms and research evidence.

To prioritise and decide on appropriate treatment/management matched to individual client/family need from a range of options ensuring client/carers are fully involved in the decision making process.

To provide assessment and communication advice in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher assistants and other professionals.

To be responsible for the writing and dissemination of clinical reports based on assessment and treatment findings to appropriate professionals and relevant others including legal Education Health and Care Plans and/or documentation for child protection cases.

To be responsible for admission, management and discharge of clients in relation to personal caseload with appropriate caseload supervision from senior colleagues.

To explain highly complex and sensitive case related information to meet a range of levels of understanding of clients and carers, where anxiety often acts as a barrier and co-operation is not guaranteed. To recognise that the communication difficulty may be the first indicator of deeper more complex problems and to counsel parents and carers accordingly.

To demonstrate empathy and reassurance when providing clients and carers with information that has long-term implications for lifestyle and educational and social development e.g. children whose communication difficulties are not likely to be resolved and which will affect their ability to learn with lifelong implications.

To monitor, recognise and evaluate subtle changes in the clients condition and adapt the assessment and treatment programme accordingly e.g. monitoring changes in sound production, quality and pitch.

To assess the risk to, and vulnerability of, patients and families in relation to timing and manner of treatment and amount of information provided.

To recognise the need for onward referral for second opinions, more specialist SLT intervention or multidisciplinary advice.

To negotiate with parents/carers and professionals around individual case diagnosis and management where others have less specialist knowledge and/or experience in relation to SLCD, and differences of professional judgement can occur e.g. levels of priority for treatment and impact of the communication difficulty on accessing the educational curriculum.

To allocate cases to, monitor and supervise work of speech and language therapy assistants following completion of NQP competency framework.

To initiate and/or contribute to multi-agency case discussions and management in relation to complex cases when the need for this has been identified through assessment and observation, including child protection issues, ensuring a well-coordinated care plan and pathway when professional and ethical opinions may differ.

To be responsible for raising awareness about speech and language development and disorders in relation to own personal caseload, and how to manage these in different contexts. This will include: nursery staff, teachers, teacher assistants and relevant others.

To undertake periodic supervision with more experienced colleagues and to reflect on practice with peers.

Professional

To maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists

To progress and develop professional and clinical skills across a range of speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD) by working with more experienced staff, undertaking self-directed and more formal CPD activities and maintaining personal portfolio.

To recognise own professional and clinical boundaries and competencies and seek advice, support and training when necessary within an individual performance review framework.

To maintain professional and service standards with adherence to local and national guidelines and clinical governance including confidentiality.

To record and update personally generated clinical observations, assessment results, and treatment and advice details in client case notes.

To participate in the Organisations Annual Appraisal Process.

To follow and implement local and national policies with elements of independent professional judgement.

To contribute to local policy and service development through the clinical governance process.

To be responsible for maintaining equipment records and the safe use and security of clinical equipment. To identify and request therapy equipment to meet caseload demands (according to service guidelines)

To provide clinical activity data and routine recording of CPD, travel, and other related activity, observing data protection guidelines

To provide clinical and professional education and assessment of SLT students and other AHP students as required (first year post qualification) having attended appropriate training

To take part in research and clinical audit as directed by senior staff, undertake action research with personal caseload and contribute to others research by providing data.

To be able to recognise breakdown/conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support from more senior colleagues to resolve.

Job description Job responsibilities

Clinical

To independently manage personal caseload with reference to theory, published research and evidence, and agreed best practice with supervision available from senior colleagues.

To identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information and data from clients, carers and other relevant sources including cross agency working.

To undertake a range of formal and informal assessments as indicated by the presenting speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD) and other factors, including analysis of understanding and use of voice, grammar, vocabulary, speech sounds, fluency, social use of language, non-verbal communication, carer-child interaction and play skills and make judgements from these concerning prioritisation and future management.

To propose differential diagnoses on the basis of assimilated evidence gathered from a range of assessments - some of which may be conflicting - and with reference to typical and atypical developmental norms and research evidence.

To prioritise and decide on appropriate treatment/management matched to individual client/family need from a range of options ensuring client/carers are fully involved in the decision making process.

To provide assessment and communication advice in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher assistants and other professionals.

To be responsible for the writing and dissemination of clinical reports based on assessment and treatment findings to appropriate professionals and relevant others including legal Education Health and Care Plans and/or documentation for child protection cases.

To be responsible for admission, management and discharge of clients in relation to personal caseload with appropriate caseload supervision from senior colleagues.

To explain highly complex and sensitive case related information to meet a range of levels of understanding of clients and carers, where anxiety often acts as a barrier and co-operation is not guaranteed. To recognise that the communication difficulty may be the first indicator of deeper more complex problems and to counsel parents and carers accordingly.

To demonstrate empathy and reassurance when providing clients and carers with information that has long-term implications for lifestyle and educational and social development e.g. children whose communication difficulties are not likely to be resolved and which will affect their ability to learn with lifelong implications.

To monitor, recognise and evaluate subtle changes in the clients condition and adapt the assessment and treatment programme accordingly e.g. monitoring changes in sound production, quality and pitch.

To assess the risk to, and vulnerability of, patients and families in relation to timing and manner of treatment and amount of information provided.

To recognise the need for onward referral for second opinions, more specialist SLT intervention or multidisciplinary advice.

To negotiate with parents/carers and professionals around individual case diagnosis and management where others have less specialist knowledge and/or experience in relation to SLCD, and differences of professional judgement can occur e.g. levels of priority for treatment and impact of the communication difficulty on accessing the educational curriculum.

To allocate cases to, monitor and supervise work of speech and language therapy assistants following completion of NQP competency framework.

To initiate and/or contribute to multi-agency case discussions and management in relation to complex cases when the need for this has been identified through assessment and observation, including child protection issues, ensuring a well-coordinated care plan and pathway when professional and ethical opinions may differ.

To be responsible for raising awareness about speech and language development and disorders in relation to own personal caseload, and how to manage these in different contexts. This will include: nursery staff, teachers, teacher assistants and relevant others.

To undertake periodic supervision with more experienced colleagues and to reflect on practice with peers.

Professional

To maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists

To progress and develop professional and clinical skills across a range of speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD) by working with more experienced staff, undertaking self-directed and more formal CPD activities and maintaining personal portfolio.

To recognise own professional and clinical boundaries and competencies and seek advice, support and training when necessary within an individual performance review framework.

To maintain professional and service standards with adherence to local and national guidelines and clinical governance including confidentiality.

To record and update personally generated clinical observations, assessment results, and treatment and advice details in client case notes.

To participate in the Organisations Annual Appraisal Process.

To follow and implement local and national policies with elements of independent professional judgement.

To contribute to local policy and service development through the clinical governance process.

To be responsible for maintaining equipment records and the safe use and security of clinical equipment. To identify and request therapy equipment to meet caseload demands (according to service guidelines)

To provide clinical activity data and routine recording of CPD, travel, and other related activity, observing data protection guidelines

To provide clinical and professional education and assessment of SLT students and other AHP students as required (first year post qualification) having attended appropriate training

To take part in research and clinical audit as directed by senior staff, undertake action research with personal caseload and contribute to others research by providing data.

To be able to recognise breakdown/conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support from more senior colleagues to resolve.

Person Specification Experience Essential

• Experience of working with a paediatric caseload.

Desirable

• Experience of working unsupervised.
• Able to implement and adapt specialised treatment programmes from a range of options based on extended clinical experience.
• Able to undertake and adapt wide range of formal and informal assessments to meet patient need.
• Supervision of SLT assistants.
• Experience of providing placement education for SLT students.

Qualifications Essential

• Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy.
• Membership of RCSLT.
• HCPC registration.

Knowledge Essential

• Knowledge of a range of assessment materials and therapy approaches for children with SLCN.

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD to maintain and develop competencies and knowledge base e.g. working with more specialist staff, Specific Interest Groups (RCSLT registered), Clinical Excellence Network and short specialist courses, self-directed study.
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance.

Skills Essential

• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate highly complex information to meet a range of levels of in understanding of clients and carers.
• Ability to recognise own clinical competencies and the need for onward referral for more specialist advice.
• Ability to reflect on practice to identify own strengths and development needs .
• Ability to demonstrate effective team working.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to travel to locations across Plymouth.

Desirable

• Ability to negotiate and explain complex case related information about speech & language development and disorders to a range of audiences.
• Ability to pass on skills to carers and other professionals to enable them to carry out communication advice for complex communication disorders.
• Ability to identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information.

Person Specification Experience Essential

• Experience of working with a paediatric caseload.

Desirable

• Experience of working unsupervised.
• Able to implement and adapt specialised treatment programmes from a range of options based on extended clinical experience.
• Able to undertake and adapt wide range of formal and informal assessments to meet patient need.
• Supervision of SLT assistants.
• Experience of providing placement education for SLT students.

Qualifications Essential

• Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy.
• Membership of RCSLT.
• HCPC registration.

Knowledge Essential

• Knowledge of a range of assessment materials and therapy approaches for children with SLCN.

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD to maintain and develop competencies and knowledge base e.g. working with more specialist staff, Specific Interest Groups (RCSLT registered), Clinical Excellence Network and short specialist courses, self-directed study.
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance.

Skills Essential

• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate highly complex information to meet a range of levels of in understanding of clients and carers.
• Ability to recognise own clinical competencies and the need for onward referral for more specialist advice.
• Ability to reflect on practice to identify own strengths and development needs .
• Ability to demonstrate effective team working.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to travel to locations across Plymouth.

Desirable

• Ability to negotiate and explain complex case related information about speech & language development and disorders to a range of audiences.
• Ability to pass on skills to carers and other professionals to enable them to carry out communication advice for complex communication disorders.
• Ability to identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY

Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY

Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)