Job summary Job Title: Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist 9 Months (Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover) We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time 9-month post within the Camden Complex Needs team to cover maternity leave. You will be based at Swiss Cottage School, an OFSTED rated 'Outstanding' school for children and young people aged 2-19 years with complex needs, including Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, Severe Learning/Motor Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. You will work in specialist clinical areas including AAC and dysphagia, and as part of a multi-agency team. We offer excellent professional development opportunities with a strong emphasis on clinical supervision, individual performance appraisal and joint working with experienced clinicians. You would be welcomed into a friendly team with a positive, solution focused approach. As a service, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our colleagues. We are supportive of flexible working patterns and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities and access for all. Main duties of the job You will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive and specialist service to children and young people with complex communication needs. The caseload includes autism, cerebral palsy, profound and multiple learning difficulties and sensory impairments. Some use AAC including Makaton signing, low and high tech communication aids. Intervention includes assessment, differential diagnosis and therapy for individuals or groups. You will need experience in dysphagia and AAC. A knowledge of communication strategies used with the client group is essential and may include the use of specific programmes e.g. SCERTS, TEACCH. You will deliver individualised and specialist interventions to support the learner's needs as identified in their Education Health and Care Plans. You will be involved in providing targeted and universal support to school and families. About us Whittington Health serves a richly diverse population and works hard to ensure that all our services are fair and equally accessible to everyone. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the way we look after our staff. We aim to employ a workforce which is as representative as possible of this population, so we are open to the value of differences in age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation, and religion or belief. The Trust believes that as a public sector organisation we have an obligation to have recruitment, training, promotion and other formal employment policies and procedures that are sensitive to these differences. We think that by doing so, we are better able to treat our patients as well as being a better place to work. Date posted 06 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £54,320 to £60,981 a year pro rota inclusive of HCAS Contract Fixed term Duration 9 months Working pattern Part-time Reference number 220-WHT-2987 Job locations Swiss Cottage School 80 Avenue Road London NW8 6HX Job description Job responsibilities 1. To hold a personal caseload, maintaining a high level of professional competence and to demonstrate highly specialist clinical expertise in the assessment, treatment and management of speech, language and communication needs associated with complex needs. 2. To manage and prioritise a specialist caseload independently, advising line manager on issues of service delivery including shortfall, service pressures etc. 3. To monitor and review the progress of CYP on the caseload and facilitate the development or modification of packages of care/targets as appropriate using evaluation/outcome measurement tools. 4. To work effectively as part of the MDT with clients, carers, and colleagues around individual case management; providing specialist advice, guidance and support as necessary and involving them in the planning and prioritisation of care wherever possible. 5. To reflect on clinical practice; adequately identifying strengths & needs of clients, reviewing their response to therapy and providing evidence of expert clinical judgement including in cases which are complex and challenging. 6. To have completed additional training around the needs of CYP with dysphagia and to have at least one year experience of assessment/treatment of CYP with eating and drinking difficulties in order to communicate and deliver a highly effective service to CYP with complex needs. 7. To have clinical experience of both low and high tech AAC, including assessment, goal setting, evaluation and training, to work with MDT professionals, school staff and outside agencies as required to co-run the schools AT.AAC pathway with a Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist. 8. To be able to analyse conflicting information and provide clear guidance and detailed reports on children seen. 9. To demonstrate excellent communication skills. 10. To promote awareness about speech and language therapy in Camden. 11. To facilitate and support schools and families in providing appropriate communication environments to develop CYP language and interaction skills. 12. To take a clinical lead as required within the team. 13. To demonstrate highly specialist knowledge and clinical effectiveness underpinned by current evidence based practice and outcome measures. 14. To make appropriate diagnoses and highly specialist clinical decisions on evidence from assessment of complex cases, including differential diagnoses. 15. To work closely with clients, carers and families, with empathy, tact, reassurance and active listening to fully discuss assessment results, treatment options, and agree a plan of management. 16. To communicate complex information to carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist. 17. To maintain sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of CYP with special and complex needs and their carers, in particular when imparting potentially distressing information regarding the nature of the clients difficulties and implications of the same. 18. To undertake home visits, as necessary, in compliance with Home Visiting/ Lone Working Safety Policy. 19. To contribute to the clinical team by discussing own and others input, ensuring a well co-ordinated care plan that reflects the holistic needs of the CYP and their parents/carers. 20. To discuss diagnosis and potential outcomes with parents/carers and work collaboratively in decision making regarding onward referrals and intervention. 21. To ensure that CYP are referred to other services as appropriate. 22. To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible, and employ counselling skills with children, carers/families with highly complex needs. 23. To demonstrate good negotiation skills across a range of issues and situations, recognising and resolving potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs. 24. To demonstrate skills in motivating clients and /or carers to engage in the therapeutic process. 25. To liaise regularly with Senior Management within the complex needs team and with the MDT team to agree and review effective service delivery to CYP with complex needs. 26. To be aware of legal requirements relating to the provision of a speech and language therapy service. 27. To contribute to multi-agency assessment procedures as required, including statutory educational assessment. 28. To maintain up to date and accurate case notes and write reports reflecting highly specialist knowledge, ensuring that they meet departmental standards and are in line with local Trust Policy, and RCSLT professional standards. 29. To demonstrate knowledge of current policies and practice in the education and health sector and incorporate these into the model of working as appropriate. 30. To attend further training as necessary to maintain and further develop the skill and knowledge required of a highly specialist SLT. 31. To keep up to date with current clinical developments through reading, attendance at courses, meetings and Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs). 32. To provide training to SLTs developing a specialism in Complex Needs and those working with some CYP with special needs on their caseload. 33. To demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the issues associated with clinical governance and their application to professional practice. This will include compliance with / adherence to, and implementation of service and service area and Trust policies, National and Local guidelines and RCSLT Professional and Clinical and Guidelines. 34. To develop a working knowledge of relevant procedures including: Safeguarding Children, SEN procedures, Working with Vulnerable Adults and other legal frameworks. 35. To contribute to the local Trusts systems of clinical governance, developing innovations in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness in collaboration with others. 36. To be accountable for professional action and recognising professional boundaries, and working within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct. 37. To work independently accessing appraisal within an Professional Development Plan (PDP) at pre-determined intervals. 38. To have due regard for personal safety and that of CYP /carers, adhering to moving and handling regulations, restraining policies and ensure the safe positioning of self and others. 39. To reflect and adhere to infection control and health and safety guidelines in order to deal with specific issues related to client contact: for example exposure to body fluids, infectious conditions, encountered on a daily basis. 40. To provide advice and second opinions to non-specialists and other specialists/ professionals within clinical field, regarding the management and care of CYP with complex needs. 41. To provide clinical supervision and support and advice to less experienced speech and language therapists, and to assistants and volunteers. 42. To provide leadership within appropriate specialist area(s). 43. To assume delegated tasks as requested by line manager, including participation in working groups, policy development groups related to clinical specialism. 44. To carry out administrative duties including activity data collection, updating this accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information promptly within local Trust guidelines. 45. To maintain up to date records of annual leave and other absence. 46. To participate in the clinical education of students, undertaking assessment of the placement as appropriate, and attending teaching sessions and meetings organised by the education establishments. 47. To initiate and undertake Research/Clinical Governance /audit projects within area of expertise. 48. To be able to be flexible within the service for complex needs, and as required by the Speech and Language Therapy Services Manager, this may include a change in workplace. Job description Job responsibilities 1. To hold a personal caseload, maintaining a high level of professional competence and to demonstrate highly specialist clinical expertise in the assessment, treatment and management of speech, language and communication needs associated with complex needs. 2. To manage and prioritise a specialist caseload independently, advising line manager on issues of service delivery including shortfall, service pressures etc. 3. To monitor and review the progress of CYP on the caseload and facilitate the development or modification of packages of care/targets as appropriate using evaluation/outcome measurement tools. 4. To work effectively as part of the MDT with clients, carers, and colleagues around individual case management; providing specialist advice, guidance and support as necessary and involving them in the planning and prioritisation of care wherever possible. 5. To reflect on clinical practice; adequately identifying strengths & needs of clients, reviewing their response to therapy and providing evidence of expert clinical judgement including in cases which are complex and challenging. 6. To have completed additional training around the needs of CYP with dysphagia and to have at least one year experience of assessment/treatment of CYP with eating and drinking difficulties in order to communicate and deliver a highly effective service to CYP with complex needs. 7. To have clinical experience of both low and high tech AAC, including assessment, goal setting, evaluation and training, to work with MDT professionals, school staff and outside agencies as required to co-run the schools AT.AAC pathway with a Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist. 8. To be able to analyse conflicting information and provide clear guidance and detailed reports on children seen. 9. To demonstrate excellent communication skills. 10. To promote awareness about speech and language therapy in Camden. 11. To facilitate and support schools and families in providing appropriate communication environments to develop CYP language and interaction skills. 12. To take a clinical lead as required within the team. 13. To demonstrate highly specialist knowledge and clinical effectiveness underpinned by current evidence based practice and outcome measures. 14. To make appropriate diagnoses and highly specialist clinical decisions on evidence from assessment of complex cases, including differential diagnoses. 15. To work closely with clients, carers and families, with empathy, tact, reassurance and active listening to fully discuss assessment results, treatment options, and agree a plan of management. 16. To communicate complex information to carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist. 17. To maintain sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of CYP with special and complex needs and their carers, in particular when imparting potentially distressing information regarding the nature of the clients difficulties and implications of the same. 18. To undertake home visits, as necessary, in compliance with Home Visiting/ Lone Working Safety Policy. 19. To contribute to the clinical team by discussing own and others input, ensuring a well co-ordinated care plan that reflects the holistic needs of the CYP and their parents/carers. 20. To discuss diagnosis and potential outcomes with parents/carers and work collaboratively in decision making regarding onward referrals and intervention. 21. To ensure that CYP are referred to other services as appropriate. 22. To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible, and employ counselling skills with children, carers/families with highly complex needs. 23. To demonstrate good negotiation skills across a range of issues and situations, recognising and resolving potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs. 24. To demonstrate skills in motivating clients and /or carers to engage in the therapeutic process. 25. To liaise regularly with Senior Management within the complex needs team and with the MDT team to agree and review effective service delivery to CYP with complex needs. 26. To be aware of legal requirements relating to the provision of a speech and language therapy service. 27. To contribute to multi-agency assessment procedures as required, including statutory educational assessment. 28. To maintain up to date and accurate case notes and write reports reflecting highly specialist knowledge, ensuring that they meet departmental standards and are in line with local Trust Policy, and RCSLT professional standards. 29. To demonstrate knowledge of current policies and practice in the education and health sector and incorporate these into the model of working as appropriate. 30. To attend further training as necessary to maintain and further develop the skill and knowledge required of a highly specialist SLT. 31. To keep up to date with current clinical developments through reading, attendance at courses, meetings and Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs). 32. To provide training to SLTs developing a specialism in Complex Needs and those working with some CYP with special needs on their caseload. 33. To demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the issues associated with clinical governance and their application to professional practice. This will include compliance with / adherence to, and implementation of service and service area and Trust policies, National and Local guidelines and RCSLT Professional and Clinical and Guidelines. 34. To develop a working knowledge of relevant procedures including: Safeguarding Children, SEN procedures, Working with Vulnerable Adults and other legal frameworks. 35. To contribute to the local Trusts systems of clinical governance, developing innovations in areas of risk management, quality standards setting and clinical effectiveness in collaboration with others. 36. To be accountable for professional action and recognising professional boundaries, and working within defined departmental and national protocols/policies and professional code of conduct. 37. To work independently accessing appraisal within an Professional Development Plan (PDP) at pre-determined intervals. 38. To have due regard for personal safety and that of CYP /carers, adhering to moving and handling regulations, restraining policies and ensure the safe positioning of self and others. 39. To reflect and adhere to infection control and health and safety guidelines in order to deal with specific issues related to client contact: for example exposure to body fluids, infectious conditions, encountered on a daily basis. 40. To provide advice and second opinions to non-specialists and other specialists/ professionals within clinical field, regarding the management and care of CYP with complex needs. 41. To provide clinical supervision and support and advice to less experienced speech and language therapists, and to assistants and volunteers. 42. To provide leadership within appropriate specialist area(s). 43. To assume delegated tasks as requested by line manager, including participation in working groups, policy development groups related to clinical specialism. 44. To carry out administrative duties including activity data collection, updating this accurately and regularly, ensuring the provision of such information promptly within local Trust guidelines. 45. To maintain up to date records of annual leave and other absence. 46. To participate in the clinical education of students, undertaking assessment of the placement as appropriate, and attending teaching sessions and meetings organised by the education establishments. 47. To initiate and undertake Research/Clinical Governance /audit projects within area of expertise. 48. To be able to be flexible within the service for complex needs, and as required by the Speech and Language Therapy Services Manager, this may include a change in workplace. Person Specification Qualifications/training Essential Diploma, Degree or MSc in Speech and Language Therapy HCPC licence to practise, and Registered member of RCSLT Evidence of successful completion of a range of specialist short courses and other CPD in specialist area (eg AAC or Dysphagia courses) oPost Qualification Intermediate Level Certificate in the Management of children with Eating and Drinking Difficulties Knowledge & Experience Essential A minimum of 5 years' experience working with children with complex needs who present with a range of speech, language and communication difficulties and feeding needs Experience implementing a range of therapeutic interventions for children with complex needs in range of settings Experience of planning and delivering therapy in small groups Extensive experience of training parents, teachers, TA's and students Experience of collaborative, multi-agency and multi-disciplinary working Experience of working with children with complex needs, including learning difficulties and challenging behaviour Experience of carrying out assessment and differential diagnosis including complex disorders Experience of writing statutory assessment/EHCP advice Experience of providing support and 2nd opinions to SLT colleagues Experience of managing demand and setting priority criteria Experience of implementing the principles of clinical governance in clinical practice (e.g. clinical audits) Skills Essential Well developed clinical skills and post-graduate experience in the assessment, differential diagnosis and treatment of children with complex needs who present with a range of difficulties related to their eating/drinking skills Desirable An ability to speak a non-European language Person Specification Qualifications/training Essential Diploma, Degree or MSc in Speech and Language Therapy HCPC licence to practise, and Registered member of RCSLT Evidence of successful completion of a range of specialist short courses and other CPD in specialist area (eg AAC or Dysphagia courses) oPost Qualification Intermediate Level Certificate in the Management of children with Eating and Drinking Difficulties Knowledge & Experience Essential A minimum of 5 years' experience working with children with complex needs who present with a range of speech, language and communication difficulties and feeding needs Experience implementing a range of therapeutic interventions for children with complex needs in range of settings Experience of planning and delivering therapy in small groups Extensive experience of training parents, teachers, TA's and students Experience of collaborative, multi-agency and multi-disciplinary working Experience of working with children with complex needs, including learning difficulties and challenging behaviour Experience of carrying out assessment and differential diagnosis including complex disorders Experience of writing statutory assessment/EHCP advice Experience of providing support and 2nd opinions to SLT colleagues Experience of managing demand and setting priority criteria Experience of implementing the principles of clinical governance in clinical practice (e.g. clinical audits) Skills Essential Well developed clinical skills and post-graduate experience in the assessment, differential diagnosis and treatment of children with complex needs who present with a range of difficulties related to their eating/drinking skills Desirable An ability to speak a non-European language 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 Whittington Hospital NHS Trust Address Swiss Cottage School 80 Avenue Road London NW8 6HX Employer's website https://www.whittington.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)