Job summary We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 6 Children's Speech and Language Therapist to join our innovative Speech and Language Therapy Team in Wigan. This is a permanent part time role (30 hours) across Monday to Friday. NHS Band 5 experience is essential. Main duties of the job The successful candidate will work predominantly with a caseload of school age children presenting with communication disorders alongside special educational needs and disability. The role will be based in specialist provision schools as well as in the mainstream schools. They will assess and diagnose children's speech, language and communication needs and agree functional goals for the child with the family and wider workforce. This will include contributing to the multi-disciplinary team planning and EHC process. They will use evidence-based practice to support parents and the wider children's workforce to develop children's speech, language and communication skills in an inclusive environment. This will include providing formal training and informal coaching sessions in a range of settings. An interest in working with a wide range of children and young people including those with additional educational needs and an awareness of a person-centred approach to assessment, intervention and support is also required. An active role in the development and delivery of training will be an essential part of this role. The successful candidate will also be required to supervise Band 5 SLT colleagues, carrying out specialist advisory visits as required. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence and develop others is essential for this role. An Enhanced DBS with Children's and Adults' Barred List check will be obtained during pre-employment checks. About us Choose Well - Choose WWL Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that 'happy staff, makes for happy patients'. WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs. COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information available by contacting covid-19.vaccinewwl.nhs.uk where you can also ask about how to access vaccinations. Date posted 07 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pa Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number 302-25-7091577CM Job locations Platt Bridge HC Rivington Avenue Platt Bridge Wigan Wigan WN2 5NG Job description Job responsibilities Key results from the job holder To assess and diagnose children with communication disorders, including those with special needs. Will be required to take a lead role in the day to day running of a specialist caseload To develop and implement Speech and Language Therapy programmes for school staff to implement and to evaluate outcomes To take clinical responsibility for a varied paediatric caseload of differing complexities and to organise this effectively with regard to clinical priorities and use of time. To ensure that clients are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their treatment plans wherever possible. To provide advice and coaching to others regarding the management and care of clients with communication difficulties To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures To produce reports regarding clients needs and summarising proposed treatment plans To contribute to legal documents such as Education Health & Care Plans, Individual Education Plans and Annual Reviews To adapt practice to meet individual clients circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local trust policies To share information with clients, carers and other professionals, observing data protection guidelines To contribute to multi disciplinary teams to ensure a client focused approach to treatment To communicate complex information from assessment and treatment to clients, carers and other professionals To communicate effectively with the child or young person and their carers to maximise treatment potential and ensure understanding of their condition. Addressing physical, psychological and emotional barriers to effective communication will be regularly required. To work closely with clients, carers and other professionals to negotiate and agree client management To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where significant barriers to understanding exist To respond sensitively at all times particularly when imparting potentially distressing information regarding the nature of the clinical difficulties and their implications To demonstrate skills in motivating clients, carers and other professionals to engage in the therapeutic process To demonstrate negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible, in line with Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust policy To foster productive relationships with others who have challenging communication difficulties and may be under stress To employ excellent communication skills To identify appropriate strategies to facilitate and enhance the effectiveness of communication, both verbal, non- verbal and environmental To assess and advise on optimising the clients communicative environment, taking into consideration the communication skills of carers and other professionals To assess the capacity of the child or young person to give valid, informed consent. To be able to work within a legal framework with children and parents for consent to treatment. To gather statistical data punctually To participate in departmental research as required To undertake Clinical Governance/audit projects within the local service as required. To develop a working knowledge of relevant procedures including: safeguarding children, SEN procedures, working with vulnerable adults and other legal frameworks To identify personal/professional development by Personal Development Plan/Professional Portfolio developed within an appraisal framework. To participate in individual performance review ensuring that the objectives set reflect the service and trust plans. To attend relevant training and development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge required of a specialist speech and language therapist and maintain up to date HCPC and RCSLT registration. To demonstrate knowledge of and adhere to RCSLT Professional and Local Clinical Guidelines. To attend relevant courses, in service training, meetings and special interest groups. To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate To work within defined departmental and national protocols / policies and professional code of conduct To manage and prioritise own caseload independently. To discharge appropriately, agreeing a point of closure with the clients and carers and informing other professionals Planning and Organisational Duties To be aware of and adhere to service and team plans and policies To comment on proposed service / policy developments as appropriate. To manage and prioritise own workload. To demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers/clinical supervisor and to identify own strengths and development needs. To demonstrate the ability to integrate information taking account of all aspects of the clients communication including verbal, non verbal and environmental To make appropriate clinical decisions following assessment, seeking support and advice from a supervisor as appropriate To make a differential diagnosis on the basis of evidence from assessment seeking advice as appropriate Communications and Key Working Relationships To supervise and support the work of Band 5 SLTs, newly qualified therapists, assistants and volunteers. To participate in student placements as appropriate. To explain the role of speech and language therapist to visitors, students and volunteers. Responsibility for Health & Safety Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Responsibility for Teaching To participate in the development and delivery of training/coaching to others with and without support. To demonstrate the ability to target training appropriately to the needs of course participants. To demonstrate the ability to reflect on and evaluate training provided Job description Job responsibilities Key results from the job holder To assess and diagnose children with communication disorders, including those with special needs. Will be required to take a lead role in the day to day running of a specialist caseload To develop and implement Speech and Language Therapy programmes for school staff to implement and to evaluate outcomes To take clinical responsibility for a varied paediatric caseload of differing complexities and to organise this effectively with regard to clinical priorities and use of time. To ensure that clients are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their treatment plans wherever possible. To provide advice and coaching to others regarding the management and care of clients with communication difficulties To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures To produce reports regarding clients needs and summarising proposed treatment plans To contribute to legal documents such as Education Health & Care Plans, Individual Education Plans and Annual Reviews To adapt practice to meet individual clients circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local trust policies To share information with clients, carers and other professionals, observing data protection guidelines To contribute to multi disciplinary teams to ensure a client focused approach to treatment To communicate complex information from assessment and treatment to clients, carers and other professionals To communicate effectively with the child or young person and their carers to maximise treatment potential and ensure understanding of their condition. Addressing physical, psychological and emotional barriers to effective communication will be regularly required. To work closely with clients, carers and other professionals to negotiate and agree client management To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where significant barriers to understanding exist To respond sensitively at all times particularly when imparting potentially distressing information regarding the nature of the clinical difficulties and their implications To demonstrate skills in motivating clients, carers and other professionals to engage in the therapeutic process To demonstrate negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible, in line with Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust policy To foster productive relationships with others who have challenging communication difficulties and may be under stress To employ excellent communication skills To identify appropriate strategies to facilitate and enhance the effectiveness of communication, both verbal, non- verbal and environmental To assess and advise on optimising the clients communicative environment, taking into consideration the communication skills of carers and other professionals To assess the capacity of the child or young person to give valid, informed consent. To be able to work within a legal framework with children and parents for consent to treatment. To gather statistical data punctually To participate in departmental research as required To undertake Clinical Governance/audit projects within the local service as required. To develop a working knowledge of relevant procedures including: safeguarding children, SEN procedures, working with vulnerable adults and other legal frameworks To identify personal/professional development by Personal Development Plan/Professional Portfolio developed within an appraisal framework. To participate in individual performance review ensuring that the objectives set reflect the service and trust plans. To attend relevant training and development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge required of a specialist speech and language therapist and maintain up to date HCPC and RCSLT registration. To demonstrate knowledge of and adhere to RCSLT Professional and Local Clinical Guidelines. To attend relevant courses, in service training, meetings and special interest groups. To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate To work within defined departmental and national protocols / policies and professional code of conduct To manage and prioritise own caseload independently. To discharge appropriately, agreeing a point of closure with the clients and carers and informing other professionals Planning and Organisational Duties To be aware of and adhere to service and team plans and policies To comment on proposed service / policy developments as appropriate. To manage and prioritise own workload. To demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers/clinical supervisor and to identify own strengths and development needs. To demonstrate the ability to integrate information taking account of all aspects of the clients communication including verbal, non verbal and environmental To make appropriate clinical decisions following assessment, seeking support and advice from a supervisor as appropriate To make a differential diagnosis on the basis of evidence from assessment seeking advice as appropriate Communications and Key Working Relationships To supervise and support the work of Band 5 SLTs, newly qualified therapists, assistants and volunteers. To participate in student placements as appropriate. To explain the role of speech and language therapist to visitors, students and volunteers. Responsibility for Health & Safety Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Responsibility for Teaching To participate in the development and delivery of training/coaching to others with and without support. To demonstrate the ability to target training appropriately to the needs of course participants. To demonstrate the ability to reflect on and evaluate training provided Person Specification Qualifications Essential Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or Equivalent Health Care Professions Council registration. RCSLT Licence to Practice Experience Essential Experience independently managing a wide range of communication disorders including communication linked to ASD, SLI, Fluency, Speech disorders including Dyspraxia, disorders existing alongside moderate and severe learning difficulties, including managing AAC Experience working in collaboration, sharing strategies and implementing programmes and advice and coaching staff in mainstream / special schools Experience in day to day running of a community / mainstream /special school caseload and supporting newly qualified staff and assistants Experience in training/coaching other professionals / parents NHS experience Skills Essential Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills Negotiation and problem solving skills Demonstrates good analytical and reflection skills Well-developed concentration skills Good presentation skills, both written and verbal Good organisational skills Prioritisation skills Good auditory skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically IT skills Demonstrates ability to work well in a team Knowledge Essential Knowledge of EYFS and SEND Code of Practice Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group Knowledge of national policies and procedures (relevant to the client group) Well established knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions (relevant to the client group) Understanding of the roles of other professionals Knowledge of standards of record keeping Additional Essential Able to travel across Trust independently Speaks English to appropriate standard Person Specification Qualifications Essential Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or Equivalent Health Care Professions Council registration. RCSLT Licence to Practice Experience Essential Experience independently managing a wide range of communication disorders including communication linked to ASD, SLI, Fluency, Speech disorders including Dyspraxia, disorders existing alongside moderate and severe learning difficulties, including managing AAC Experience working in collaboration, sharing strategies and implementing programmes and advice and coaching staff in mainstream / special schools Experience in day to day running of a community / mainstream /special school caseload and supporting newly qualified staff and assistants Experience in training/coaching other professionals / parents NHS experience Skills Essential Excellent interpersonal skills - including observation, listening and empathy skills Negotiation and problem solving skills Demonstrates good analytical and reflection skills Well-developed concentration skills Good presentation skills, both written and verbal Good organisational skills Prioritisation skills Good auditory skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically IT skills Demonstrates ability to work well in a team Knowledge Essential Knowledge of EYFS and SEND Code of Practice Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group Knowledge of national policies and procedures (relevant to the client group) Well established knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions (relevant to the client group) Understanding of the roles of other professionals Knowledge of standards of record keeping Additional Essential Able to travel across Trust independently Speaks English to appropriate standard 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 Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Platt Bridge HC Rivington Avenue Platt Bridge Wigan Wigan WN2 5NG Employer's website http://www.wwl.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)