Highly Specialist/Advanced Speech and Language Therapist (ASD)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Grimsby; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Speech and Language Therapist to work in the ASD assessment and post-diagnostic support team. The role focuses on delivering assessments that feed into multidisciplinary ASD diagnosis, triaging referrals, and shaping post-diagnostic pathways.

The post involves collaboration with other professionals, MDT meetings, and providing guidance to families and colleagues across the service as it grows and evolves.

Qualifications

• Recognised speech and language therapy degree or equivalent.
• Health and Care Professions Council licence to practise.
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Relevant undergraduate or postgraduate experience, plus substantial post-qualification expertise.

Responsibilities

• Provide speech, language and social communication assessments to inform multidisciplinary ASD assessment.
• Plan and deliver multidisciplinary assessments with other professionals to support the ASD diagnostic process.
• Deliver ASD-specific assessments to support diagnosis.
• Take part in multidisciplinary outcome meetings.
• Carry out clinical triage of new referrals to the service.
• Plan the care and assessment needs of new referrals.
• Support and deliver aspects of the post-diagnostic offer.
• Support development of assessment process and practice.
• Advise and signpost parents and professionals at any stage of the assessment process.
• Be available to advise, support and teach other therapists.

Job description

This 12-month fixed-term post sits in the ASD assessment and post-diagnostic support team at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust. The core of the work is speech, language and social communication assessment that feeds into multidisciplinary ASD diagnosis, alongside triage of new referrals and support after diagnosis. The team is expanding in remit and numbers, so the successful candidate joins as the service grows. Sponsorship under the Health and Care route may be available, so check eligibility before applying.

What the job involves

• Provide speech, language and social communication assessments to inform multidisciplinary ASD assessment
• Plan and deliver multidisciplinary assessments with other professionals to support the ASD diagnostic process
• Deliver ASD-specific assessments to support diagnosis
• Take part in multidisciplinary outcome meetings
• Carry out clinical triage of new referrals to the service
• Plan the care and assessment needs of new referrals
• Support and deliver aspects of the post-diagnostic offer
• Support development of assessment process and practice
• Advise and signpost parents and professionals at any stage of the assessment process
• Be available to advise, support and teach other therapists

What's required

Qualifications

• Recognised speech and language therapy degree or equivalent

Registration & licences

• Health and Care Professions Council licence to practise
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Experience

• Relevant experience at undergraduate or postgraduate level
• Substantial post-qualification experience, including demonstrable experience as a specialist speech and language therapist
• In-depth experience within the specialist area

Skills & knowledge

• Well-established knowledge of a broad range of assessment tools for the client group
• In-depth knowledge of national policies, procedures and therapeutic interventions for the client group, and of comparing their relative benefits
• In-depth knowledge of clinical governance and audit principles, and of record-keeping standards
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals relevant to the client group
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including observation, listening and empathy
• Excellent analytical, reflective and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise

Other

• Highly developed negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Good auditory discrimination and ability to transcribe speech phonetically
• Well-developed concentration
• Ability to travel across the geographical area covered

Nice to have

• Evidence of specialist short courses up to Master's degree equivalent
• Membership of relevant special interest groups
• Ability to be a good team member and develop leadership responsibilities
• Excellent presentation skills, verbal and written