Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Should we receive a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 13th October 2026

The post holder will independently manage a specialist caseload in the locality and the surrounding area. The client group is children who have a range of difficulties in understanding and/or using speech and language. You will work independently with access to more senior colleagues as needed. You will provide supervision and guidance to colleagues.

Qualified SLT with HCPC registration Demonstrated experience managing a varied/complex caseload Strong clinical reasoning and autonomous decision-making Ability to provide guidance, supervision or training to others Excellent communication and partnership-working across the MDT Commitment to person-centred, evidence-based practice Confident, reflective and motivated to develop specialist skills

To independently manage a specialist caseload of pre-school and school age children who have speech, language and communication difficulties.

To undertake a range of assessments, both standardised and non-standardised, taking account of medical, social and educational factors, which combined with specialist theoretical knowledge will lead to differential diagnosis

To plan, deliver and evaluate specialist intervention following professional guidelines and agreed service standards

As part of that process, to be able to plan appropriate long term and short term goals working towards discharge

To undertake administrative duties connected with the caseload including maintenance of case notes and provision of written reports, following service standards

To ensure that all work is carried out in close collaboration with all those involved in childrens care so that the approach to intervention and support is co-ordinated and comprehensive

To identify when there is a need for a second opinion, referring to senior colleagues or SLT specialists as appropriate

To make onward referral as appropriate

To identify any variations to service delivery or demands and inform the Locality Co-ordinator and Area & Clinical Lead of the likely impact on the service

Policy & Service Development To participate in development of policy, clinical guidelines, clinical governance and service development through discussion and involvement in projects as appropriate, including innovative practice, in collaboration with senior colleagues

Responsibility for specific, clearly defined projects as delegated by the Locality Co-ordinator.

To be familiar with local and national standards and to work in line with these

To ensure that parents/carers are aware of the standards they should expect from the speech and language therapy service.

Communication To ensure effective communication of complex condition-related information to parents/carers regarding the assessment process, assessment findings and planned intervention, including engagement of parents/carers in intervention

To ensure children are involved in goal setting and decision making around their own care as appropriate to their age, developmental level and language skills

To ensure parents/carers are involved in decision making around their childs care including discharge from the service

To liaise effectively and work in partnership with other professionals (particularly teachers and teaching assistants), including the development of shared goals for intervention

To write reports on children, in line with service standards, including contributions to statutory assessment

To offer advice to others concerning support for individual children

To actively contribute to case conferences/ review meetings for children on the caseload

To recognise how and when information may be shared within the bounds of confidentiality and the Data Protection Act

To attend SLT team meetings, actively contributing as appropriate

Contribute to EECs internal communication strategies ensuring effective two-way communication and engagement within the organisation

Contribute to EECs external communication strategies working with the Head of Communications to raise awareness and promote the reputation of EECs services

Patient and Public Engagement To contribute to ensuring that EEC responsibilities to engage and consult with patients and the public are met in line with statutory requirements

Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.

There's one reason why our services are outstanding - and that's our amazing staff who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey.

If you share our passion for innovative and high-quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading-edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.

Please be aware that East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust will never ask applicants to pay fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including job applications, sponsorship arrangements, or employment offers. All recruitment communications and job applications should only be made through our official careers website and published contact details.

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Qualifications & Training

Desirable: - Evidence of commitment to CPD; - Membership of relevant Clinical Excellence Network; - ADOS-trained

Experience

Desirable: - Previous experience supervising less experienced colleagues

Knowledge & Skills

Desirable: - Worked in a mainstream school with children who have complex communication needs; - Worked in a special school; - Knowledge of Makaton or BSL signing

Safeguarding