Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our friendly and well established team in Trafford. This is a split post and the post holder will be based for half the week with Trafford Extended Service (TES) and the other half on the Trafford Community Learning Disabilities Team ( CLDT).
The post requires an enthusiasm and commitment to working with adults with autism and/or learning disabilities within a person-centered approach. This is a band 6 role, however we would be willing to consider applications from band 5 speech and language therapists. In the event that a band 5 applicant was successful the post would be a band 5/6 development post.
The post holder will receive a high level of support and supervision from both the CLDT and TES.
The CLDT is part of Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust (CWP). We are part of the wider learning disability care group within CWP and and link with colleagues in Greater Manchester, as part of a wider Greater Manchester Network.
TES is part of Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust and is based in Urmston providing support to adults with autism.
The CLDT is a well-established and friendly team in Trafford, which is based in Sale, to the South of Manchester. Speech and Language Therapy is a valued and respected component of the team and has access to locality management coupled with parallel professional systems for support and supervision.
Main duties of the job
CLDT- The main duties of this post will be to provide assessment, diagnosis, speech and language therapy interventions for patients who are referred to the service. The role will involve managing a defined caseload and ensuring there are well coordinated care plans. The successful candidate will have the ability to manage their time to prioritise tasks Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the Team is is essential that the post holder will work collaboratively with all appropriate agencies to ensure there is effective communication so the service can provide a high quality service to patients.
TES - To carryout assessments and diagnosis for adults seeking an autism diagnosis. To provide support and consultation to the TES team and other agencies on communication strategies and capacity assessments for people who have an ASC diagnosis. To increase the TES team and other agencies understanding of the impact of communication difficulties and how to overcome them.
About us
CWP provides health and care services for local people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care - including the provision of three GP surgeries.
Our aim is to help people to be the best they can be, adopting a compassionate, person-centred approach to everything we do. We were recently rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission with a Good rating overall.
We offer a variety of roles at all levels, so whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your skills and experience in a new role, CWP is the right employer for you.
CWP are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences.
To support this, we offer up to three weeks induction, dependent on role, with our Prepare to Care programme for all new starters. This aims to give you all the knowledge and guidance to help you grow and flourish with CWP.
We welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please download a copy of the job description for full details.
Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.
CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trusts Values and Behaviours in their everyday life. Therefore, if you are invited to interview, you will be undertaking a Values Based Interview/Assessment, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and Behaviours which are the 6 Cs Communication, Competence, Courage, Care, Compassion and Commitment. The supporting information section in your application should therefore reflect your understanding of the Trusts Values and associated behaviours. You will be expected to provide us with examples from work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviour.
An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email or by calling 01244 393100.
If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer YES to the question: Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?
Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.
CWP is proud to be an accredited Veteran Aware organisation helping to provide and share best practice in NHS care for our armed forces community. As a veteran aware organisation, CWP is committed to delivering on the principles of the Armed Force Covenant and has a Silver award with the MOD Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS).
The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £13 per year applies.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
If you experience any technical difficulties or need help when making an application please contact our Recruitment Team on 01244 393100.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team CWP very soon.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Degree level qualification or equivalent in Speech & Language Therapy
2. HPC Registered
3. Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
4. Undertaken a range of short, relevant, training courses
5. Demonstrates commitment to ongoing training and personal development
Desirable
6. Evidence of attendance at management/ leadership short courses
7. Evidence of successful completion of post graduate courses/training in dysphagia
8. Autism diagnostic qualification, ADOS, DISCO, etc.
Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
9. Can manage own caseload of complex problems independently.
10. Established detailed knowledge of current evidence in the management of communication difficulties in adults with learning disabilities and adults with ASC
11. Knowledge of Alternative and Augmentative means of communication
12. Awareness of Total Communication
13. Established knowledge of relevant national policies and procedures
14. Knowledge and experience of clinical governance/audit
15. Interest in continuing professional development in the specified area of work
16. Ability to produce reports / guidelines using media software etc.
Desirable
17. Membership of an appropriate Specialist Interest Group / Regional Hub
18. Experience of work in a variety of settings
19. Evidence of postgraduate study
20. Some experience of supervising/ mentoring junior staff
21. Ability to use video/digital camera
22. Familiar with signing systems Makaton/ Signalong
Experience
Essential
23. Minimum of 2 years qualified with relevant specialist experience
24. Experience of working with people with ASC and/or learning disabilities
25. Experience of working with complex cases alongside or with supervision from a specialist therapist
26. Experience of working independently
27. Experience of working collaboratively with other professionals
28. Assessment and implementation of Alternative and Augmentative communication systems
Desirable
29. Experience of delivering training to others
30. Experience of working within the CPA process