SLT Practice Development Lead for SLT Assistants

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health service provider in Welwyn Garden City seeks a motivated Practice Development Lead for Speech and Language Therapy. The role focuses on supporting the development of new Speech and Language Therapy Assistants, providing training and assessments. Ideal candidates will possess a background in speech and language therapy, strong communication skills, and experience in a collaborative setting. The position offers generous leave, flexible working, and wellbeing support, reflecting the organization's commitment to its staff and community.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Programme

Health and wellbeing support

Occupational Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Must have experience as a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Ability to provide supervision and training to junior staff.
• Knowledge of NICE guidelines and relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the learning and development of SLTAs.
• Provide specialist assessment and intervention services.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure learning opportunities reflect service needs.

Skills

Experience in Speech and Language Therapy

Ability to develop training programs

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Strong communication skills

Education

Qualified Speech and Language Therapist

Relevant professional qualifications

Job description

Role Overview

• Support the learning & development of SLTAs, to develop and deliver a resilient and capable workforce.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across CYP therapies and relevant partners to develop and deliver training to upskill the new SLTA workforce.
• Ensure learning and development opportunities for staff reflect current and future focused skills and develop the necessary skills, competencies and experience that the service needs to achieve its objectives, considering NICE guidelines, RCSLT, HCPC Standards, SEND, national/regional/local policies.
• Working as an autonomous practitioner, providing a highly specialist Speech and Language Therapy assessment, intervention, and advice service for children & young people (CYP).
• To work within a multidisciplinary team, working with other health and education professionals.

Staff Growth & Support

We believe in supporting our staff to grow, thrive and feel connected – professionally and personally.

What You Can Expect

• A structured induction period
• Regular group supervision, managerial supervision and a well‑established appraisal system
• CPD opportunities such as Bitesize tutorials, peer review and locally hosted CENs to help develop clinical knowledge and skills
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills and to supervise less experienced members of staff
• Regular clinical support groups, team meetings, team development days
• Support through a preceptorship programme in the first few months of working
• Access to mentoring and coaching support if needed

Post Details

Due to additional investment into our Children’s Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service, we are offering an amazing fixed term Band 7 opportunity, for an experienced, motivated and innovative SLT to join our growing team. The post is a Practice Development Lead and the postholder will be responsible for supporting the training and development of new Speech and Language Therapy Assistants (SLTAs) coming into the service. An essential part of the role will be working closely with clinical supervisors, line managers and operational leads, to ensure new staff are supported in their development.

Why Join Us?

At HCT, we put patients, their families, and carers at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is simple yet powerful: Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities. Our dedicated staff take pride in being Innovative, Caring, and Agile, working together to turn this vision into reality.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave (27 days rising to 33 with long service)
• Flexible working arrangements to help balance personal and professional life, including up to 5 days of carers leave (pro rata)
• Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 confidential support for personal or work‑related issues
• Cycle to Work and Car Lease Schemes
• Blue Light Card and NHS Discounts
• Health and wellbeing support, including free flu jabs, Physiotherapy referrals, eye care vouchers, etc
• Occupational Pension Scheme with competitive benefits
• Enhanced sick pay above statutory entitlements

We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds, ages, and communities to apply. Thank you for considering a role at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust.