Speech and Language Therapist Lead

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

Job summary

A dedicated children's charity is seeking a Speech and Language Therapist Lead to support children and families, especially those with autism. The role involves assessments and interventions, collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, and mentorship of less experienced professionals. Candidates should have relevant qualifications, considerable post-registration experience, and strong interpersonal skills.

Benefits

University campus location

Purpose-built neurodiversity-friendly building

Support with CPD

On-site free parking

Qualifications

• At least 3 years post-registration experience, ideally with specialist client groups.
• Experience of working with children with autism and/or complex needs.
• Experience of undertaking specialist assessments of communication.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to specialist autism diagnostic assessments.
• Undertake specialist assessments of communication.
• Support the development of Speech and Language Therapy pathways.

Skills

Experience in autism

Specialist skills in neurodevelopmental disorders

Strong communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent qualification

Postgraduate training or CPD in autism

Job description

Overview

Caudwell Children is seeking a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist Lead to join the Speech and Language Therapy Team on a permanent basis. The role supports the delivery of clinical support through assessment, formulation and ongoing support to children and families accessing the service. Experience in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and specialist skills related to these areas are required.

Main duties of the job

• As an important part of the MDT, contribute to specialist autism diagnostic assessments, formulation and recommendations.
• Undertake assessments of communication, including informal and formal standardised assessments.
• Engage in clinical work with individuals and groups, providing advice, resources, strategies and workshops as appropriate.
• Mentor parents, teaching staff and other carers in skill building communication and the development of nurturing language learning environments for children with speech and language needs.
• Communicate results of assessment and make recommendations within the multidisciplinary team and to families.

About us

WORKING FOR YOUR ORGANISATION

Caudwell Children is a Staffordshire-based national charity, registered since 2000, providing practical and emotional support to children with a disability and their families. Supporting children aged 0 to 18 years, with some services extended to young people transitioning into adulthood to age 25 years. The Caudwell International Children’s Centre is the UK’s first independent purpose-built facility dedicated to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.

We offer multidisciplinary assessment and intervention, practical and emotional support for children with autism and their families, and an active research programme for all work undertaken.

We offer:

• University campus location
• Purpose-built neurodiversity-friendly building
• Support with CPD
• Regular 1:1 management supervision
• Regular 1:1 clinical supervision
• On-site free parking

Job responsibilities

• Specialised Speech and Language Therapist Lead
• Under the direction of the Clinical Team Manager, supervise less experienced SaLTs, offering advice and training where needed
• Support the development of the Speech and Language Therapy pathway within the Autism Diagnostic service, and development of the new Speech and Language Therapy Intervention pathway
• Undertake specialist assessments of communication (informal and formal standardised)
• Communicate results of assessment and therapeutic findings with the multidisciplinary team
• Undertake clinical work with individuals and groups, providing advice, resources, strategies and programmes using specialist skills and autism-specific approaches
• Support in developing post-diagnostic communication workshops and recommendations for parents and teachers, ensuring up-to-date evidence base
• Support the development of communication training programmes and communicate these to our Communication Trainers for implementation
• Direct and supervise less experienced SaLTs, developing leadership skills
• Contribute to the MDT and act as a specialist resource for communication issues
• Participate in practice development, evaluation, audit and research to inform evidence-based practice
• Support and manage SaLTs under the direction of the Clinical Team Manager
• Share and disseminate research findings with professional colleagues when appropriate
• Provide mentorship and clinical supervision for practice education placements for students of Speech and Language Therapy
• Participate in specialist education and training of professionals, students, visitors and volunteers
• Ensure compliance and completion of Continuing Professional Development activities
• Contribute to CPD of colleagues, particularly in relation to communication
• Communicate with children and families in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture
• Collaborate with all members of the MDT and share information in informal and formal situations
• Demonstrate high level of personal communication skills
• Represent the profession in team meetings and working groups
• Support the SaLT team to positively promote the SaLT role
• Share relevant information with SaLT colleagues and other members of the clinical team
• Liaise with other departments and services within CICC

General

• Under the direction of the Clinical Team Manager, ensure compliance with professional standards for Speech and Language Therapy practice
• Adhere to HCPC regulations and RCSLT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Speech and Language Therapists
• Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development through supervision and appraisal
• Maintain professional portfolios in line with HCPC and RCSLT requirements
• Apply specialist knowledge to demonstrate professional proficiency
• Develop and maintain links with other SaLTs in the specialist field
• Keep up to date and integrate relevant initiatives and recommendations from RCSLT and other organisations
• Ensure confidentiality in line with policies and procedures
• Take responsibility for continuing personal development to enhance knowledge, skills and experience
• Keep comprehensive records of activity in line with IT systems and professional standards
• Ensure record keeping aligns with local, professional, organisational and National guidelines
• Attend training and maintain an up-to-date training profile
• Engage in Support and Supervision sessions to reflect on practice and improve service quality
• Work effectively as part of a team and maintain good working relationships
• Promote anti-discriminatory practice and equality and diversity
• Adhere to Caudwell Children policies and procedures
• Be flexible with hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays as needed

Person specification

Qualifications

• Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent qualification
• Postgraduate training or CPD in autism
• Registered member of Health Professions Council

Experience

• At least 3 years post-registration experience, ideally with a specialist client group
• Experience of working with children with autism and/or complex needs/LD
• Experience of undertaking specialist assessments of communication
• Formulation and implementation of appropriate interventions/strategies
• Experience of working with children who use AAC
• Production of generic and individual communication resources including AAC
• Experience of delivering training to a range of audiences
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience of working with families
• Experience of working with children with sensory differences
• Training and experience working with children with challenging behaviours
• Experience of working with volunteers

Knowledge

• Knowledge of statutory/mandatory training requirements
• Knowledge of relevant legislation (Children Act 2004, Mental Capacity Act 2005)
• Knowledge of current safeguarding and child protection legislation and practice
• Knowledge of Information Governance Standards
• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation
• Knowledge of SEND agenda and Education Health Care Plans
• Excellent team-working and communication skills
• Excellent leadership, time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure

Disclosure and DBS

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a submission for Disclosure to the DBS will be required. This role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS with barred lists check.