Speech and Language Therapist *Internal Vacancy*

Sheffield; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Speech and Language Therapist for a fixed term maternity cover at 7.5 hours per week, available to internal applicants only. The role primarily serves Mainstream Schools, with potential to support the wider paediatric team as needs arise.

Reporting to the Team Leader, you will assess children with speech, language and communication needs, provide feedback to families, and contribute to reports and onward referrals.

Qualifications

• Registered with Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists and Health Professions Council.
• Evidence of CPD to post-graduate certificate level or equivalent.
• 2:1 BMed degree, or Distinction at Masters level.
• Working towards or completion of RCSLT Proficient Level EDS Competencies.

Responsibilities

• Carry out initial assessments for children with speech, language and communication needs in mainstream schools.
• Make evidence‑based decisions on diagnosis and next steps based on case history and assessment.
• Provide clear feedback to parents/carers and arrange onward referrals when needed.
• Produce reports for families and professionals reflecting specialist knowledge.
• Collaborate with the SLT team within allocated sessions and duties.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Adaptable

Team collaboration

Education

BMed with 2:1 or equivalent Masters Distinction

RCSLT Proficient Level EDS Competencies

CPD opportunities evidenced

Job description

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Speech and Language Therapist *Internal Vacancy*

The closing date is 23 September 2026

Fixed Term (Mat cover) | 7.5 hrs per week (in addition to SCH substantive contract) | SCH Internal Applicants Only

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children with complex communication needs? We're looking for a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist to join our dynamic paediatric team.

The post will primarily focus on Mainstream Schools settings, reflecting current service demands. However, as needs evolve, there could be opportunities to work across the wider paediatric team.

Main duties of the job

Reporting into the Team Leader, some of your responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to the Mainstream Schools pathways, carrying out initial assessments for children referred with speech, language and communication needs.
• Use specialist clinical skills to make efficient, evidence-based decisions on diagnosis and next steps based on case history, referral information, observation, and assessment.
• Provide clear, empathic, and accessible feedback to parents/carers, and identify and initiate appropriate onward referrals where needed.
• Produce succinct, high-quality reports for families and professionals reflecting specialist knowledge.
• Work collaboratively as part of the SLT team for the allocated sessions, demonstrating strong communication, flexibility, and advanced problem-solving skills alongside responsibilities within their substantive role.

About us

At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We're proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we're excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Job responsibilities

For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

******We strongly encourage all applicants to review their right to work eligibility before submitting an application to help avoid any disappointment during the recruitment process.

This role has been assigned occupation code 2223 using the CASCOT coding tool. Under current Home Office guidance for further information on occupation codes, sponsorship eligibility and right-to-work requirements, please visit: Skilled Worker visa: Your Job GOV.UK.

Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK

Diversity Statement

At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at [e-mail]. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Registered member of Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists and Health Professions Council
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development to post-graduate certificate level or equivalent short courses and CPD opportunities
• 2:1 BMed degree, or Distinction at Masters level.
• Working towards or completion of RCSLT Proficient Level EDS Competencies.

Experience

• Experience of working independently post completion of NQP competencies.
• Paediatric SLT experience from referral through to discharge across a range of clinical areas. This would normally be achieved within 3 years of clinical experience.
• Experience of providing reports and advice on client management to other health professionals, carers and non-specialist health colleagues.
• Experience of working within a culturally diverse demographic, and working with interpreters
• Experience of working collaboratively with carers and other professionals.
• Experience of writing EHCP reports and attending annual reviews.

Knowledge and Skills

• In depth knowledge of a range of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions with SLC and/or EDS difficulties.
• Knowledge of national and local education and health policies and legislation relevant to client group.
• Knowledge and understanding of universal, targeted and specialist provision.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills with an ability to manage specialist and complex caseload independently.
• Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance, audit and required standards of record keeping.
• Due to the requirement to undertake visits and transport non-portable equipment, the post holder is required to have access to their own transport.

Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially in relation to liaison and joint working
• Resilience in coping with a busy, complex caseload, and carers/ professionals who are under emotional strain.
• Evidence of highly developed negotiation skills and management of conflict
• Commitment to continued professional development and reflective practice
• Adaptable to new situations and personnel.
• Commitment to person centred planning and user and carer involvement in service delivery and development

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.

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

£39,959 to £48,117 a yearPer annum, pro rata