Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to provide services across BCYP, spanning Special Schools and Early Years settings. The role involves autonomous practice, collaboration with families, education staff and a multi-disciplinary team in Cardiff and the Vale area.

For this post, HCPC registration is required, with significant post-registration experience. Welsh language ability is desirable; Welsh and English speakers are welcome to apply.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of evidence-based treatment for complex communication needs.
• Knowledge of person-centred practice.
• Knowledge of ALN Act (2018).
• Knowledge of coaching and training approaches to support families and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist assessment, diagnosis, intervention and management for children with speech, language and swallowing difficulties.
• Collaborate with parents, carers, education staff and other professionals to support communication development.
• Contribute to ALN process including statutory requests and IDPs as well as healthcare plans where appropriate.
• Supervise and develop junior SLTs, healthcare support workers and students, and contribute to teaching and multidisciplinary work.

Skills

Communication skills

Person-centred practice

Autonomous practitioner

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

HCPC registration

RCSLT membership

Postgraduate CPD/courses

Job description

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

The closing date is 29 September 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Speech and Language Therapist to join our Babies, Children, and Young People (BCYP) Speech and Language Therapy Service, working across both our Special Schools Team and Early Years Team.

The post holder will hold a degree qualification in Speech and Language Therapy and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They will have significant post-registration experience and will work as an autonomous practitioner.

The primary purpose of the role is to provide a specialist speech and language therapy service for children with speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties across our special schools, specialist provisions for children with complex needs, and early years settings. Working collaboratively across both the Special Schools and Early Years Teams, the post holder will be responsible for assessment, intervention, advice and support to children, families and the wider multidisciplinary team.

In addition, the post holder may be required to provide assessment and management for children with a broad range of paediatric conditions within other areas of the BCYP Speech and Language Therapy Service, either as part of their regular caseload or on a rotational basis, according to service need.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide specialist assessment, diagnosis, intervention and management for children with speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties across the Special Schools Team and Early Years Team. The caseload will include children with a range of developmental, medical and complex learning needs.

The service is delivered across specialist educational provisions, community clinics and, on occasion, children's homes, using both face-to-face and virtual approaches. The post holder will work collaboratively with parents, carers, education staff and other professionals to support communication development and create communication-friendly environments.

The role includes contributing to the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) process, including statutory ALN requests, person‑centred planning meetings and the development and review of Individual Development Plans (IDPs), as well as Individual Healthcare Plans where appropriate.

The post holder will participate in service development, waiting list initiatives and clinical audit activities, and will support the supervision and development of Band 5 Speech and Language Therapists, Healthcare Support Workers and student Speech and Language Therapists. They will also contribute to teaching, training and multidisciplinary working.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.

Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents

Person Specification

Knowledge

• Knowledge of evidence-based treatment for complex communication needs
• Knowledge of the principles of person‑centred practice
• Knowledge of ALNET Act (2018)
• Knowledge of coaching, training approaches to support families, education staff and wider professionals.

Experience

• Experience of a school-aged caseload, including complex communication needs
• Experience of collaborative working with additional learning needs, education staff/settings
• Experience of working closely with families
• Experience of providing clinical support for others, including SLTs and students)
• Experience of an early years caseload
• Experience of delivering SLT service in schools
• Experience of providing training to others
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of delivering SLT service in community clinics

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council
• Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Relevant post‑graduate CPD and/or courses

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.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board