Clinical Lead: (DLD) Speech and Language Therapist

• Act as the Clinical Lead for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) across Children's Speech and Language Therapy Services.
• Provide strategic, clinical and professional leadership for the development and delivery of high-quality DLD services.
• Lead service developments, care pathways and quality improvement initiatives relating to children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder and associated speech, language and communication needs.
• Promote evidence-based practice and ensure clinical services reflect current research, national guidance and professional standards.
• Contribute to strategic planning and service transformation to improve outcomes for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.

• Provide highly specialist assessment, differential diagnosis, consultation and intervention for children and young people presenting with Developmental Language Disorder and complex speech, language and communication needs.
• Provide specialist advice and second opinions for complex cases, statutory assessments and Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments.
• Develop and implement highly specialist intervention programmes informed by evidence-based practice and outcome measurement.
• Produce high-quality reports for EHCPs, annual reviews, placement consultations and tribunal proceedings as required.
• Support the development of communication-friendly environments within educational and community settings.
• Ensure delivery of safe, effective and person-centred services that promote meaningful participation and improved outcomes.

• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous and legally compliant clinical records in line with Trust, HCPC and RCSLT standards.
• Monitor and evaluate service activity, performance and outcomes and provide reports as required.
• Contribute to policy, protocol and pathway development within the service.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, information governance and risk management requirements.

• Provide professional leadership, clinical supervision and mentorship to therapists, assistants and students.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, induction, retention and staff development.
• Lead and facilitate clinical networks, communities of practice and professional forums.
• Contribute to appraisal and performance development processes.
• Lead projects and working groups as delegated by the Service Manager.
• Develop effective partnerships with education, health, social care and voluntary sector organisations.

• Lead and participate in audit, service evaluation, quality improvement and research projects.
• Promote the use of outcome measures and data-driven service improvements.
• Disseminate research findings and learning through presentations, publications and training activities.
• Maintain awareness of emerging evidence and developments relating to Developmental Language Disorder.

• Contribute to efficient use of staffing and service resources.
• Support cost-effective service delivery through service planning and evaluation.

• Participate in appraisal and personal development review processes.
• Undertake relevant training, research, networking and leadership development activities.

Essential

• Degree or recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy
• HCPC Registered.
• Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Evidence of substantial postgraduate training or experience relevant to Developmental Language Disorder and associated SLCN

Essential

• Significant post-registration experience working with children and young people with speech, language and communication needs
• Extensive experience of assessment and intervention for Developmental Language Disorder
• Experience of differential diagnosis and complex case management
• Experience contributing to EHCP assessments and statutory processes
• Experience providing clinical supervision

Essential

• Advanced specialist clinical skills in Developmental Language
• Ability to manage highly complex cases and make autonomous clinical decisions
• High-quality report writing and presentation skills
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences
• Strong organisational, prioritisation and project management skills