Senior Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Burnley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Burnley seeks a Senior Speech and Language Therapist to manage a diverse caseload of children with communication needs. The ideal candidate will have a Professional Degree in Speech & Language Therapy and strong communication skills. The role requires a commitment to professional development and offers flexible working arrangements. Join a dedicated team aiming to improve quality for children and families.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Understanding of clinical governance framework and implications for practice.
• Knowledge of a broad range of assessment tools for children with diverse needs.
• Evidence of relevant post-graduate experience in specialist practice.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of children with communication needs.
• Support assistant practitioners in managing a delegated caseload.
• Develop leadership skills in service innovation and supervision.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Problem solving/Decision making

Ability to work independently as lead specialist

Education

Professional Degree in Speech & Language Therapy

Evidence of formal training / self-study / specialist experience

Evidence of continued professional development

Job description

Overview

Senior Speech and Language Therapist role within the Burnley and Pendle Children's Therapy Team. The closing date is 29 September 2025.

Main duties of the job

You must be enthusiastic and motivated and have extensive experience of managing a diverse caseload of children with speech, language and communication needs. Competency or an interest in managing eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties is desirable. We work closely with families and with colleagues in health, education and social care and you must have excellent communication skills to support these relationships. You will manage your own time and caseload effectively and also support assistant practitioners in managing a delegated caseload. We are committed to promoting professional development in all staff and you should be enthusiastic about developing your leadership skills in service innovation, supervision and line management of junior therapists and assistants. Demonstrating a proactive approach to your own clinical and professional development and having a sound understanding of evidence based practice, is important. A flexible and creative approach is essential to enable the service to continue to drive towards improving quality for children and families.

About us

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care.

The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area.

Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as; term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.

Job responsibilities

For further information about the role, please see the attached recruitment pack which includes a detailed job description and person specification, or visit our website via Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Professional Degree or equivalent in Speech & Language Therapy
• Evidence of formal training / self-study / specialist experience to post graduate level
• Evidence of continued professional development

Knowledge

• Understanding of clinical governance framework & implications for practice, including audit and research governance
• Knowledge of research, evidence-based practice and current issues relating to client group
• Knowledge of a broad range of assessment tools for children with diverse needs

Experience

• Evidence of recent and relevant post graduate experience encompassing the specialist field of practice. that demonstrates an in depth knowledge of specialist area
• Safeguarding of children and implementation of policy and procedures with evidence of training/updates
• Demonstrable evidence of improving and developing service and practice

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal
• Problem solving/ Decision making in relation to clinical practice, HCPC standards and implications for practice
• Able to work independently as lead specialist.

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.

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust