Communication and Language Specialist (CALS)

• Screen children and young people using Brightspeech tools in accordance with training, protocols and agreed competence.
• Deliver individual and group interventions based on screening outcomes or plans agreed with the supervising SLT.
• Re-screen at agreed review points and accurately record screening, intervention and progress outcomes.
• Report progress, unexpected findings, risks and concerns promptly to the supervising SLT.
• Escalate concerns and refer to an SLT through agreed pathways where further assessment is required.
• Contribute to SLT assessments through structured observations and information gathered from children, families and education practitioners.
• Prepare and deliver intervention activities, adapting them within agreed parameters while maintaining clinical aims.
• Use visual supports, signs, symbols and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) approaches following training and SLT guidance.
• Support families and education practitioners to implement agreed communication strategies.
• Manage delegated workloads, seek supervision and recommend intervention reviews to the SLT. Final clinical decisions remain with the SLT.
• Contribute to service improvement and maintain screening and therapy resources safely.

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with children, families, colleagues and professionals, considering individual, cultural and linguistic needs.
• Explain screening and intervention activities within the scope of the role and share agreed strategies accessibly.
• Keep the supervising SLT informed of progress, barriers, risks, safeguarding concerns and changes in presentation.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in Chatterbug systems, complying with confidentiality, data protection and information governance requirements.
• Attend relevant meetings, reviews and service-promotion activities.

• Deliver prepared training, demonstrations and workshops within agreed competence and with SLT support.
• Support families and education practitioners to deliver agreed interventions and communication strategies.
• Gather feedback and review the effectiveness of training with the supervising SLT.

• Follow Chatterbug policies, procedures, clinical pathways and standard operating procedures.
• Follow safeguarding guidance and act promptly on concerns in accordance with local and national procedures.
• Submit screening, activity, progress and quality data accurately and on time.
• Participate in supervision, audits, quality assurance, incident reporting and service improvement.
• Comply with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and Chatterbugs confidentiality requirements.

• Complete induction, competency development and mandatory training.
• Participate in clinical supervision, line management, appraisal and objective setting.
• Develop knowledge of SLCN, Brightspeech, intervention delivery, digital systems and outcome measurement.
• Recognise personal limits of competence and seek guidance when required.

• Observe and describe communication skills objectively, distinguishing observations from interpretations.
• Apply agreed screening thresholds and intervention and escalation procedures consistently.
• Reflect on practice, use feedback constructively and identify learning needs.
• Identify barriers to engagement or progress and discuss adjustments with the supervising SLT.

• Build positive relationships through empathy, patience and a non-judgemental approach.
• Promote participation, choice and dignity through developmentally appropriate, neurodiversity-affirming practice.
• Adapt agreed activities to individual circumstances while maintaining intervention aims and seeking guidance when necessary.
• Maintain professional boundaries and respond sensitively to distress or barriers to understanding.

• Contribute to projects, quality improvement and organisational initiatives with SLT guidance.
• Represent Chatterbugs values and social-enterprise mission.
• Collaborate across teams and share ideas to improve outcomes and service-user experience.

• Ensure the safe use, security and maintenance of screening, therapy and digital equipment.
• Monitor resources and request replacements through agreed processes.
• Follow infection prevention, lone-working, online safety and health and safety requirements.
• Complete required risk assessments and report hazards, incidents and near misses.
• Take reasonable care of personal safety and that of others.

• Relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Education, Health or Care, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• English and Maths at Level 2/GCSE or equivalent.

• Relevant Level 4 or higher qualification.
• Training in SLCN, Brightspeech, Makaton, AAC or safeguarding.

• Experience working with children and young people, including those with SLCN.
• Experience collaborating with families, education practitioners or other professionals.
• Experience following structured programmes, recording outcomes and working within agreed boundaries.
• Experience of safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality.

• Delivering individual or group communication interventions.
• Using screening tools, visual supports or AAC, or coaching others.
• Working across education, home, clinic, community or online settings.

• Understanding of typical speech, language and communication development and awareness of SLCN.
• Clear written and verbal communication, observation and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to follow protocols, use screening tools and deliver structured interventions following training.
• Ability to recognise limits of competence, escalate concerns and use supervision effectively.
• Confidence using digital systems and willingness to learn Brightspeech tools.
• Strong relationship-building, organisation and time-management skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, neurodiversity-affirming practice and Chatterbugs values.

• Ability to travel independently between service settings.
• Flexibility to deliver face-to-face and online services according to service needs.
• Enhanced DBS clearance and ongoing suitability to work with children and young people.
• Ability to work independently within delegated responsibilities and collaboratively with regular supervision.

• Innovative and Knowledgeable: Apply creativity, understand best practice and suggest improvements.
• Respectful: Treat others fairly, listen actively and maintain professionalism.
• Collaborative: Build effective relationships and support shared goals.
• Resilient: Respond constructively to challenges and maintain focus.
• Customer Focused: Prioritise childrens and families needs and resolve issues proactively.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity, initiative and accountability.
• Flexible: Adapt to changing priorities and new approaches.
• Curious: Seek learning opportunities and support continuous improvement.
• Results Oriented: Focus on meaningful outcomes and deliver agreed objectives.

Essential

• Relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Education, Health or Care, or equivalent demonstrable experience
• English and Maths at Level 2/GCSE or equivalent

Desirable

• Relevant Level 4 qualification or higher
• Additional training in speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), Brightspeech, Makaton, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), or safeguarding

Essential

• Experience of working with children and young people, including those with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)
• Experience of working collaboratively with parents/carers, education practitioners and/or other professionals
• Experience of following structured programmes and recording activities, progress and outcomes accurately
• Experience of following safeguarding procedures and maintaining confidentiality
• Experience of working within defined responsibilities, recognising limits of competence and seeking guidance when required

Desirable

• Experience of delivering individual or group speech, language and communication interventions
• Experience of using screening tools, visual supports, signs, symbols or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
• Experience of supporting or coaching parents/carers and education practitioners to implement communication strategies
• Experience of working across schools, nurseries, homes, clinics, community venues or online settings
• Experience of contributing to service improvement, training or project work