Job summary Children Young People and Families Service Childrens Speech and Language Service POST: Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. LOCATION: Childrens Speech & Language Service based at one of CYP SLT sites within Plymouth / Agile / Hybrid Working, will be required to work anywhere in the city HOURS: 37.5 hours per week, full-time, Monday to Friday. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic team player to work full-time as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to support a waiting list initiative. The closing date for receipt of completed applications on NHS Jobs 3 is: Thursday 16th January 2025. Interviews are expected to take place early February 2025, date to be agreed. Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity. All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7-day service. Job Share(s) Considered Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility Main duties of the job To provide an independently managed speech and language service to a mixed paediatric caseload with complex speech, language and communication difficulties. A broad experience of at least 24 months with a paediatric caseload is essential. The post holder will receive supervision and support from a Team Manager alongside Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapists. The post holder may be required to work anywhere in the city, so flexibility is essential. Informal enquires to: Julie Melville-Brown (07771 614986) About us Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs. As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve. We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives. We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation. Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert. Date posted 19 December 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pa, pro-rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number B9832-2024-PTA-1477 Job locations Four Greens Community Trust 15 Whitleigh Green Plymouth PL5 4DD Job description Job responsibilities JOB PURPOSE To provide an independently managed speech and language service to mixed paediatric caseload with complex speech, language and communication difficulties To provide line management and supervision to less experienced speech and language therapists and assistants as required by the team. To demonstrate specialist competencies in a specific clinical area with support from the Band 7 clinical specialists and to provide supervision to junior staff in this clinical specialism. SCOPE AND RANGE, Clinical To independently manage personal complex caseload with reference to theory, published research and evidence, and agreed best practice. To identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information and data from clients, carers and other relevant sources, including cross agency working. To demonstrate specialist knowledge in a specific area of speech and language therapy and support the development of other staff in this area. To undertake a range of formal and informal assessments as indicated by the presenting speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD) and other factors, including analysis of understanding and use of voice, grammar, vocabulary, speech sounds, fluency, social use of language, non-verbal communication, carer-child interaction and play skills, and make judgements from these concerning prioritisation and future management. To reach differential diagnoses on the basis of assimilated evidence from formal and informal assessments some of which may be conflicting, and with reference to typical and atypical developmental norms and research evidence. To prioritise and decide on appropriate treatment/management matched to individual client/family need, and to adapt and modify treatment options based on extended clinical expertise whilst ensuring client/carers are fully involved in the decision-making process. To provide assessment and communication advice in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher assistants and other professionals. To be responsible for writing and dissemination of clinical reports based on assessment and treatment findings to appropriate professionals and relevant others, including legal Education Health and Care Plans and/or documentation for child protection cases. Autonomous responsibility for admission, prioritisation, management and discharge of clients in relation to personal caseload. To explain highly complex and sensitive case related information to meet a range of levels of understanding of clients and carers, where anxiety often acts as a barrier and co-operation is not guaranteed. To recognise that the communication difficulty may be the first indicator of deeper more complex problems and to counsel parents and carers accordingly. To demonstrate empathy and reassurance when providing clients and carers with complex information that has long-term implications for educational and social development e.g. children whose communication difficulties are unlikely to resolve and there are lifelong implications. To monitor, recognise, assess and evaluate subtle changes in clients conditions and adapt assessment and specialised treatment programmes accordingly, based on extended clinical experience. To assess the risk to, and vulnerability of, patients and families in relation to timing and manner of treatment and amount of information provided. To implement the second opinion process as and when necessary, and refer on for highly specialist SLT intervention or multidisciplinary input. To negotiate with carers/clients and professionals around individual case diagnosis and management where others have less specialist knowledge and/or experience in relation to SLCD, and differences of professional judgement can occur e.g. levels of priority for treatment and impact of the communication difficulty on accessing the educational curriculum. To allocate cases to, monitor and supervise work of speech and language therapy assistants. To initiate and/or contribute to multi-agency case discussions and management in relation to complex cases when the need for this has been identified through assessment and observation, including child protection issues, ensuring a well-coordinated care plan and pathway when professional and ethical opinions may differ. To be responsible for training others about speech & language development and disorders and how to manage these in different contexts to include: nursery staff, teachers, teacher assistants and relevant others. To reflect on practice both individually and with peers/mentors to identify own strengths and development needs. Line management, To have a line management function with support from the team leader, to include: mentoring, coaching, counselling and support of staff caseload supervision undertaking staff appraisals monitoring and managing sickness absence maintaining confidential Staff Personnel Files according to PCH policy recruitment, selection and induction of new staff managing performance, disciplinary and grievance Professional, To maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists To develop deeper and more specialist professional expertise and clinical skills across a range of speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD) by working with highly specialist staff, attending Specific Interest Groups (RCSLT), specialist courses, self-directed study and maintaining personal portfolio. To recognise own professional and clinical boundaries and competencies and seek advice, support and training when necessary with in an individual performance review framework. To be responsible for evaluating service innovation as agreed by appropriate manager. To maintain professional and service standards with adherence to local and national guidelines and clinical governance including confidentiality. To record and update personally generated clinical observations, assessment results, and treatment and advice details in client case notes. To participate in the Organisations Annual Appraisal Process. To follow and implement local and national policies with elements of independent professional judgement and to make recommendations for change. To contribute to local policy and service development through the clinical governance process. To comply with all infection control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office) To be responsible for maintaining equipment records and the safe use and security of clinical equipment. To identify and request therapy equipment to meet caseload demands (according to service guidelines) To provide clinical activity data and routine recording of CPD, travel, and other related activity, observing data protection guidelines To provide clinical and professional education and assessment of SLT students and other AHP students as required. To take part in research and clinical audit as directed by senior staff, undertake action research with personal caseload and contribute to others research by providing data. To be able to recognise breakdown/conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support from more senior colleagues to resolve. Job description Job responsibilities JOB PURPOSE To provide an independently managed speech and language service to mixed paediatric caseload with complex speech, language and communication difficulties To provide line management and supervision to less experienced speech and language therapists and assistants as required by the team. To demonstrate specialist competencies in a specific clinical area with support from the Band 7 clinical specialists and to provide supervision to junior staff in this clinical specialism. SCOPE AND RANGE, Clinical To independently manage personal complex caseload with reference to theory, published research and evidence, and agreed best practice. To identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information and data from clients, carers and other relevant sources, including cross agency working. To demonstrate specialist knowledge in a specific area of speech and language therapy and support the development of other staff in this area. To undertake a range of formal and informal assessments as indicated by the presenting speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD) and other factors, including analysis of understanding and use of voice, grammar, vocabulary, speech sounds, fluency, social use of language, non-verbal communication, carer-child interaction and play skills, and make judgements from these concerning prioritisation and future management. To reach differential diagnoses on the basis of assimilated evidence from formal and informal assessments some of which may be conflicting, and with reference to typical and atypical developmental norms and research evidence. To prioritise and decide on appropriate treatment/management matched to individual client/family need, and to adapt and modify treatment options based on extended clinical expertise whilst ensuring client/carers are fully involved in the decision-making process. To provide assessment and communication advice in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher assistants and other professionals. To be responsible for writing and dissemination of clinical reports based on assessment and treatment findings to appropriate professionals and relevant others, including legal Education Health and Care Plans and/or documentation for child protection cases. Autonomous responsibility for admission, prioritisation, management and discharge of clients in relation to personal caseload. To explain highly complex and sensitive case related information to meet a range of levels of understanding of clients and carers, where anxiety often acts as a barrier and co-operation is not guaranteed. To recognise that the communication difficulty may be the first indicator of deeper more complex problems and to counsel parents and carers accordingly. To demonstrate empathy and reassurance when providing clients and carers with complex information that has long-term implications for educational and social development e.g. children whose communication difficulties are unlikely to resolve and there are lifelong implications. To monitor, recognise, assess and evaluate subtle changes in clients conditions and adapt assessment and specialised treatment programmes accordingly, based on extended clinical experience. To assess the risk to, and vulnerability of, patients and families in relation to timing and manner of treatment and amount of information provided. To implement the second opinion process as and when necessary, and refer on for highly specialist SLT intervention or multidisciplinary input. To negotiate with carers/clients and professionals around individual case diagnosis and management where others have less specialist knowledge and/or experience in relation to SLCD, and differences of professional judgement can occur e.g. levels of priority for treatment and impact of the communication difficulty on accessing the educational curriculum. To allocate cases to, monitor and supervise work of speech and language therapy assistants. To initiate and/or contribute to multi-agency case discussions and management in relation to complex cases when the need for this has been identified through assessment and observation, including child protection issues, ensuring a well-coordinated care plan and pathway when professional and ethical opinions may differ. To be responsible for training others about speech & language development and disorders and how to manage these in different contexts to include: nursery staff, teachers, teacher assistants and relevant others. To reflect on practice both individually and with peers/mentors to identify own strengths and development needs. Line management, To have a line management function with support from the team leader, to include: mentoring, coaching, counselling and support of staff caseload supervision undertaking staff appraisals monitoring and managing sickness absence maintaining confidential Staff Personnel Files according to PCH policy recruitment, selection and induction of new staff managing performance, disciplinary and grievance Professional, To maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists To develop deeper and more specialist professional expertise and clinical skills across a range of speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD) by working with highly specialist staff, attending Specific Interest Groups (RCSLT), specialist courses, self-directed study and maintaining personal portfolio. To recognise own professional and clinical boundaries and competencies and seek advice, support and training when necessary with in an individual performance review framework. To be responsible for evaluating service innovation as agreed by appropriate manager. To maintain professional and service standards with adherence to local and national guidelines and clinical governance including confidentiality. To record and update personally generated clinical observations, assessment results, and treatment and advice details in client case notes. To participate in the Organisations Annual Appraisal Process. To follow and implement local and national policies with elements of independent professional judgement and to make recommendations for change. To contribute to local policy and service development through the clinical governance process. To comply with all infection control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office) To be responsible for maintaining equipment records and the safe use and security of clinical equipment. To identify and request therapy equipment to meet caseload demands (according to service guidelines) To provide clinical activity data and routine recording of CPD, travel, and other related activity, observing data protection guidelines To provide clinical and professional education and assessment of SLT students and other AHP students as required. To take part in research and clinical audit as directed by senior staff, undertake action research with personal caseload and contribute to others research by providing data. To be able to recognise breakdown/conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support from more senior colleagues to resolve. Person Specification knowledge and skills Essential Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate highly complex information to meet a range of levels in understanding of clients and carers. Ability to negotiate and explain complex case related information about speech & language development and disorders to a range of audiences. Ability to pass on skills to carers and other professionals to enable them to carry out communication advice for complex communication disorders. Ability to motivate and develop parents and other professionals and to work collaboratively. Ability to implement and adapt specialised treatment programmes from a range of options based on extended specialist clinical experience. Ability to identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information. Knowledge and experience of clinical governance. Ability to recognise own clinical competencies and the need for onward referral for more highly specialist advice. Ability to reflect on practice to identify own strengths and development needs. Working knowledge in use of sign and symbol systems such as Makaton. Knowledge of the national curriculum and its differentiation for children with additional needs. Evidence of CPD to maintain and develop specialist competencies and knowledge base, e.g. working with more specialist staff, Clinical Excellence Networks (RCSLT registered) and short specialist courses, self-directed study. Ability to demonstrate effective team working. Ability to travel to locations across Plymouth. Desirable Evidence of attendance at line management training and workshops. Knowledge of specialist approaches for CYP with complex SLCN difficulties. Ability to provide specialist advice and training for less experienced/skilled colleagues and parents/carers. Experience of working within multi-disciplinary teams. Experience of line management. Specific experience working with a specialist caseload. Experience Essential A broad experience of at least 24 months with a mixed paediatric caseload. Experience of working unsupervised across a range of NHS and non NHS settings. Experience of parent support and liaison. Experience of supervising assistants. Experience of providing placement education for SLT students. Desirable Ability to provide specialist advice and training for less experienced/skilled colleagues and parents/carers. Experience of working within multi-disciplinary teams. Experience of line management. Specific experience working with a specialist caseload. Qualifications Essential Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy. Membership of RCSLT. HCPC registration. Documented evidence of continuing professional development. Desirable Training in a clinical specialism. Person Specification knowledge and skills Essential Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate highly complex information to meet a range of levels in understanding of clients and carers. Ability to negotiate and explain complex case related information about speech & language development and disorders to a range of audiences. Ability to pass on skills to carers and other professionals to enable them to carry out communication advice for complex communication disorders. Ability to motivate and develop parents and other professionals and to work collaboratively. Ability to implement and adapt specialised treatment programmes from a range of options based on extended specialist clinical experience. Ability to identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information. Knowledge and experience of clinical governance. Ability to recognise own clinical competencies and the need for onward referral for more highly specialist advice. Ability to reflect on practice to identify own strengths and development needs. Working knowledge in use of sign and symbol systems such as Makaton. Knowledge of the national curriculum and its differentiation for children with additional needs. Evidence of CPD to maintain and develop specialist competencies and knowledge base, e.g. working with more specialist staff, Clinical Excellence Networks (RCSLT registered) and short specialist courses, self-directed study. Ability to demonstrate effective team working. Ability to travel to locations across Plymouth. Desirable Evidence of attendance at line management training and workshops. Knowledge of specialist approaches for CYP with complex SLCN difficulties. Ability to provide specialist advice and training for less experienced/skilled colleagues and parents/carers. Experience of working within multi-disciplinary teams. Experience of line management. Specific experience working with a specialist caseload. Experience Essential A broad experience of at least 24 months with a mixed paediatric caseload. Experience of working unsupervised across a range of NHS and non NHS settings. Experience of parent support and liaison. Experience of supervising assistants. Experience of providing placement education for SLT students. Desirable Ability to provide specialist advice and training for less experienced/skilled colleagues and parents/carers. Experience of working within multi-disciplinary teams. Experience of line management. Specific experience working with a specialist caseload. Qualifications Essential Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy. Membership of RCSLT. HCPC registration. Documented evidence of continuing professional development. Desirable Training in a clinical specialism. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Livewell Southwest Address Four Greens Community Trust 15 Whitleigh Green Plymouth PL5 4DD Employer's website https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)