Specialist Speech & Language Therapist

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Band 6 speech and language therapists for full-time permanent positions. This role involves working across diverse educational settings, providing specialized care to children and families, and collaborating with various professionals to enhance communication skills. You will be part of a supportive team that values equality and diversity, offering excellent supervision and development opportunities. Join a vibrant community committed to making a positive impact on children's lives through tailored interventions and innovative practices.

Benefits

Excellent supervision and support

Flexible home-working

Health and wellbeing activities

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy is essential.
• Experience in clinical practice with children is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment, diagnosis, and development of specialist care programs.
• Collaborate with parents and professionals for integrated care.
• Lead service development and supervise junior colleagues.

Skills

Assessment and Diagnosis

Intervention Program Development

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Cultural Competence

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Tools

Evidence-Based Practice

Job description

Job summary

We currently have full-time permanent posts available for Band 6 speech and language therapists, in our Schools and Early Years & Community teams.

In Schools, we offer a variety of settings across primary, secondary, special schools, and further education. The work involves collaborating with education staff to support functional communication, facilitate successful transitions within and between settings, and promote self-esteem, independence skills, choice, and decision-making. Our settings are in Lambeth, Southwark, and surrounding areas that commission our school service.

The Early Years & Community team focuses on community clinics, children's centres, and nurseries. You will work as part of a cluster of therapists delivering universal, targeted, and specialist services across a geographical area. We also have new funding to support a commissioned nursery service.

As a specialist therapist, you will be involved in service development work with support from senior therapists and departmental Clinical Leads.

We provide separate line management and clinical supervision to promote strong clinical performance and development opportunities. Experienced specialists may also supervise junior colleagues and provide second opinions as needed.

Main duties of the job

1. Work within the Children's Speech and Language Therapy Team to provide assessment, diagnosis, and development of specialist care programs, advice, and training across Early Years & Community and School/FE settings, depending on your role.
2. Work independently and collaboratively with parents, education, social care, voluntary, and health professionals to deliver integrated care.
3. Provide services to children and families, aiming to meet identified outcomes through direct intervention, training, health promotion, early identification, and advice.

About us

Our Community Paediatric Speech & Language Therapy team values Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, welcoming everyone. We are an enthusiastic group delivering services in partnership with various sectors across Lambeth & Southwark.

We offer:

• Varied work with a diverse population
• A data and evidence-based service led by professionals
• Excellent supervision, support, and development opportunities
• Range of training, shadowing, and online resources
• Mobile and flexible home-working supported by technology
• Opportunities for clinical area swaps and team activities
• Health and wellbeing activities and EDI initiatives

Details

Date posted: 09 May 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £44,806 to £53,134 p.a. inc HCA (pro rata)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 196-LIS9521

Location: Sunshine House CDC, Peckham Road, London, SE58UH

Job responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

• Professional / Clinical responsibilities

Assess, develop, and implement intervention programs, adapting based on individual circumstances including cultural and linguistic differences.

Develop information and resources for clients, families, and relevant others regarding communication and feeding/swallowing difficulties.

Write comprehensive reports for families and professionals, reflecting specialist knowledge.

Stay updated with new techniques and developments in the field.

Handle complex issues with appropriate strategies for caseload management.

Implement care pathways and suggest practice changes as needed.

Make appropriate onward referrals to other agencies.

Use evidence-based practice and outcome measures to demonstrate clinical effectiveness.

Raise awareness about developing communication skills within the service area.

Identify training needs and develop, deliver, and evaluate specialist training for various audiences.

Participate in projects, activities, and team meetings.

Establish partnerships with agencies promoting social and educational inclusion.

Management and Leadership

• Lead or take delegated roles as requested, including involvement in working groups and policy development.
• Use specialist knowledge to inform service delivery, policy, and address access/equity issues.
• Develop care protocols in liaison with the Team Leader to enhance client care.
• Negotiate with health, education, and social care professionals for seamless services.

Resources Responsibilities

• Monitor stock levels, request equipment, and develop resources for the client group.
• Ensure equipment security, maintenance, and infection control standards.

Education & Professional Development

• Engage in reflective practice, peer review, mentoring, and supervision.
• Support junior staff, students, and volunteers, developing their skills.
• Plan, monitor, and support the work of team members and volunteers.
• Address complaints, manage workload, and contribute to team meetings and induction processes.
• Support student placements and professional development.

Information Management

• Maintain accurate case notes and share information respecting data protection and confidentiality.
• Gather activity data and contribute to service evaluation and research projects.

Freedom to Act

• Manage an independent caseload, including complex cases.
• Be accountable for professional actions, working within protocols and standards.
• Participate in performance reviews and maintain professional boundaries.