Speech & Language Therapist Advanced Practitioner - Band 8a

• Provide strategic, population-level clinical SLT leadership to improve outcomes for children and young people (0-25) with speech, language and communication needs.
• Strengthen the SLT workforce pipeline across education settings through placements, apprenticeships and supervision capacity.
• Increase access to Speech and Language Therapy expertise within mainstream education settings.
• Support delivery of SEND reform and the Experts at Hand programme across the Essex system.
• Work with commissioners and system partners to implement evidence-based, scalable solutions which improve access to speech and language expertise within education.
• Develop sustainable partnerships with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), providers and wider stakeholders to strengthen workforce supply, capability and sustainability.

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that strengthen the Speech and Language Therapy workforce across mainstream education settings.
• Support implementation of national SEND reforms and the Experts at Hand programme across Essex.
• Influence policy development relating to workforce planning, education placements, apprenticeship pathways and inclusive practice.
• Ensure compliance with relevant NHS, HCPC, SEND and ICB governance requirements.
• Promote evidence-based practice and innovation across education, health and social care systems.
• Support development of local area SEND strategies and contribute to SEND inspection readiness and improvement activity.

• Analyse complex workforce, service and population health data to identify opportunities for workforce growth and service improvement.
• Use evaluation, audit and outcome measures to demonstrate impact and inform commissioning decisions.
• Develop reports, business cases and recommendations for commissioners and system leaders.
• Apply population health approaches to improve access to Speech and Language Therapy expertise in education settings.
• Use system intelligence to identify barriers, inequalities and opportunities relating to speech, language and communication needs.

• Lead and coordinate programmes that increase student placements, apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development across Essex.
• Develop and implement work plans aligned with agreed programme objectives and governance requirements.
• Manage competing priorities across partner organisations and system programmes.
• Maintain robust records, reporting arrangements and programme documentation.
• Contribute to delivery of relevant ICB and SEND partnership priorities.

• Operate as a system leader across education, health and care.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with:
• Local Authorities
• Education settings (early years, schools and post-16)
• NHS and independent providers
• Universities and training providers
• Parent carer forums
• Commissioners
• Designated Clinical Officers
• Professional bodies including the RCSLT
• Present complex information to varied audiences and facilitate collaborative decision making.
• Champion co-production with children, young people and families.
• Influence senior leaders and stakeholders across organisational boundaries to support system-wide improvement.
• Able to manage conflict, find compromise and persuade based on evidence as needed

• Support the effective use of programme funding associated with the SLT Advanced Practitioner programme.
• Contribute to business cases and investment proposals relating to workforce development initiatives.
• Support procurement and commissioning activities where required.
• Ensure value for money and achievement of agreed programme outcomes.

• Act as an educator, mentor, supervisor and coach to students, clinicians and supervisors.
• Support development of innovative placement supervision models.
• Build workforce capability through professional learning and development initiatives.
• Promote and support Speech and Language Therapy degree apprenticeships.
• Facilitate communities of practice and professional networks across Essex.
• Provide professional leadership without direct responsibility for line management of therapy services.

• Able to use initiative and work independently as needed to deliver on requirements of the role
• Primarily desk-based work that requires use of visual display units, focused concentration and frequent participation in on-line or in person meetings
• Able to use software required to develop report, including ability to deliver high quality documents through Microsoft suite (word, power point, excel)

• ICB senior leadership including DCO and Associate Director Strategic Commissioning
• Local Authority partners
• NHS and Independent Speech & Language Therapy Providers
• Early Years Settings
• Mainstream and Special Schools
• Further Education and Post-16 Providers
• Universities and Higher Education Institutions
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• Parent Carer Forums
• Children and Young People Participation Groups
• NHS England Regional Teams
• SEND Partnership Boards

Essential

• Experience delivering projects that require collective decision-making and how to negotiate success in those situations
• A good understanding effective corporate governance and the route for decision making within the ICB

Essential

• Personal commitment to the values of the NHS 10-year Plan, the NHS People Plan, the Nolan Principles, to championing equality, diversity and inclusion within the ICB and the wider health system
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work as part of a team and independently
• Takes personal responsibility and works with a high level of integrity

Essential

• Experience in leading and motivating teams, including recognising and promoting talent, as well as appropriately dealing with under-performance, when necessary
• Evidence of compassionate leadership and experience in promoting diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity
• A commitment to continuous improvement, organisation learning and achieving positive outcomes for all staff, patients, service users and carers working in line with the NHS People Promise

Essential

• Experience working across organisational boundaries in the development and delivery of projects
• Able to represent the organisation credibly and positively in internal and external meetings
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, challenging within areas of responsibility and escalating appropriately where necessary

Essential

• Educated to Masters level (relevant focus) or equivalent managerial experience
• Evidence of sustained commitment to continuing professional development
• HCPC Registered Speech and Language Therapist.

Essential

• Experience as a Speech and Language Therapist working with children and young people aged 0-25
• Experience of delivering complex and contentious change and transformation projects
• Experience of workforce development including students, apprentices and support staff.

Essential

• A good understanding of current education, health and social care national aims and policy, and other determinants that impact on healthcare provision
• Able to translate complex information into clear communications for a range of audiences, including to deliver effective reports to senior leadership
• Experience using analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex problems, ability to recognise policy implications and how to manage potential competing priorities / interests in developing strategies