Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Shiremoor; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

A NHS Health Trust is seeking a permanent Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join the Community Paediatric Therapists team. The role, aimed at experienced therapists, focuses on developing skills with children and young people. Effective organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively are essential. A driving license is necessary. This position offers competitive pay and the opportunity for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience of supervising, mentoring and supporting others.
• Knowledge of or experience in coaching and mentoring practices.
• Essential: valid driving licence and ability to use a car for work purposes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve the speech, language, and communication skills of children.
• Independently assess, diagnose and treat own specialised caseload.
• Contribute to induction and support for junior staff.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Research participation

Education

Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree

Licence to Practice from Health and Care Professions Council

Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Job description

Overview

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a permanent Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (part time 0.6 wte) to join the Community Paediatric Therapists team. This role is aimed at more experienced therapists who wish to develop specialist level skills with children and young people. There is an expectation to foster leadership ability and support localities’ structure and teams, deputising for senior staff as required. The role appeals to innovative therapists committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based practice for children and young people with a broad range of speech, language and communication needs. Excellent organisational and time management skills are essential, along with high-level interpersonal skills and the ability to participate effectively across the service and with multi-agency partners.

The closing date is 02 October 2025

Main duties of the job

To develop and improve the speech, language and communication skills of children and young people in given locations through support and intervention, liaison and joint working with other staff and parents/carers and across agencies, to maximise their potential and enable their maximum participation and inclusion within society.

• Independently assess, diagnose and treat own specialised caseload of patients/clients and maintain associated records.
• Participate in research in the specialist area.
• Advise and provide clinical support to other therapists/staff on SLT issues.
• Supervise the work of assistants/volunteers and others working with the post holder.
• Contribute to the induction, mentoring and support of other more junior staff and may be required to facilitate clinical case discussions as part of peer review.
• Take full SLT student placements, contributing to their assessment and examination.
• Be accountable for own professional actions.

About us

We manage three major locality hospitals at North Tyneside, Wansbeck and Hexham, plus a number of smaller community hospitals and clinics from Tynemouth to Berwick on Tweed, covering one of the largest geographical areas of any NHS trust in the country. Leading in innovation and quality – opening a state-of-the-art Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, the first of its kind in England. This is one of the best performing NHS organisations in England. Read applicant guidance notes before submitting your application.

Job responsibilities

We can offer:

• A robust team-based approach to caseload management and the highest quality service provision.
• A well-established network of support, clinical supervision and mentorship.
• A personal approach to induction and continued professional development.
• Collaborative working with a team of highly skilled, dedicated Assistant Speech and Language Therapists.
• Successful partnership working with colleagues in Health, Education and Children's Services.
• A nationally recognised track record of innovation and clinical excellence; teams are encouraged to explore new ways of implementing evidence into practice. Close links with Newcastle University and access to library and R&D facilities within Northumbria Healthcare.

Qualifications & Registrations

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree qualification or equivalent.
• Health and Care Professions Council – Licence to Practice.
• Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses.
• Membership of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks.

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience of supervising, mentoring and supporting others (e.g., students and assistants).
• Knowledge of or experience in coaching and mentoring practices and tools.

Other Requirements

• Essential: valid driving licence and ability to use a car for work purposes, or a Trust personal lease vehicle; the Trust would consider reasonable adjustments to enable a disabled person to undertake the role.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to be submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

£38,682 to £46,580 a year, pro rata per annum