Speech & Language Therapist in Autism Assessment and Early Years

• Act within the Professional Bodies Code of Practice
• Maintain their own work profile to ensure revalidation standards are met, and assist junior registered staff in achieving revalidation.
• Contribute and participate in the development of colleagues professional practice across the trust through leading ward and/or department projects, and supporting training
• Ensure optimum use is made of working time.

• To provide specialist input into autism assessments for children 2-12 years. This could involve detailed development case histories from parents/carers and/or ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule) assessments with the child/young person.
• To provide specialist input into assessment and therapy for children with SLCN (including autism) and their families (age under 5 years).
• The postholder will demonstrate a high level of clinical expertise and participate in continuing professional development to maintain and further develop specialist knowledge and clinical practice.
• To be involved in clinical governance issues by keeping up to date with developments in paediatrics, undertaking audits to evaluate practice and participating in research projects.
• To have a support role with junior colleagues, therapy assistants and students.
• To advise and train carers and multi-agency staff on issues related to both individual cases and effective communication and language strategies.

Essential

• Diploma, Degree or MSC in Speech and Language Therapy
• Registered Member of the RCSLT and HCPC Registration to Practice
• Evidence of successful completion of short courses and other CPD in clinical area

Desirable

• Membership of Clinical Excellence Network in relevant area of work

Essential

• Knowledge of autism assessment practice including NICE guidelines and DSM 5/ICD 11.
• Experience working with children with additional needs, especially children with autism and communication difficulties, their relatives and carers.
• Experience of prioritisation of therapy/ own workload. Experience working collaboratively with colleagues in health and other agencies including education.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of using autism assessment tools such as ADOS, Vanderbilt ASD PEDs, ADI-R, DISCO
• Minimum of 6 months experience working with children
• Evidence of delivering training online or settings to EYPs and parents

Essential

• To take the majority of leave in school holidays

Desirable

• An ability to speak other language e.g. Turkish, Polish, Spanish/ Portuguese, or a non-European language - i.e. an African language.