Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic Speech and Language Therapist to join an exciting new team, focussed on understanding and improving speech and language skills in the early years.
Gloucestershire has been identified as a pathfinder site for the Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) programme. The new team consisting of Speech and Language Therapists and Assistants will take on development and roll out of universal and targeted support for Children in identified settings across Gloucestershire. You will work closely with parents, early years education staff, Health Visitors and more to build a lasting legacy of knowledge and support for our communities.
Gloucestershire also has a large team of children's Speech and Language Therapists and there will be opportunities for joint working across the team and with other services in the integrated directorate. Through this team you can access regular whole team meetings which include CPD sessions in a range of clinical areas. On top of this we have excellent clinical supervision you will be able to access. Though there will be some lone working, there are shared bases where therapists can meet and work together.
***Fixed Term contract opportunities for up to 18 months***
This is an 18 month fixed term position. The post holder will contribute to the clinical development and delivery of the ELSEC (Early Language Support for Every Child) pathfinder including support with the therapy assistants.
Main duties of the job
1. To act as a Speech and Language Therapist within the Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) service, supporting the team to evolve and embed best practice in this new service.
2. To independently manage a broad universal and targeted clinical caseload.
3. To provide Speech and Language Therapy advice and support to settings to allow them support children with communication needs up to Year 1.
4. To be an integral member of system wide Speech and Language Therapy support services, acting as a resource to other medical, nursing, therapy and social services staff and voluntary agencies and as an interface link for speech and language therapy with early years education colleagues.
5. Consolidate undergraduate clinical experience, develop independent clinical practice, participating in continuing professional development
6. To undertake service developments, evaluation and quality initiatives in line with the wider ELSEC programme as delegated, to deliver on outcomes identified for this pathfinder site
The qualification, training & experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.
About us
We have in excess of 5000 staff working over 50 sites, providing a diverse range of services. We strive to support an organisational culture that is welcoming, builds and celebrates inclusivity and diversity and provides a sense of belonging and trust.
The annual NHS Staff Surveygives our people the opportunity to tell us about their experience working at the Trust. For the 2023 survey just over 2800 colleagues gave us their views ( It was great to see from the results that colleagues are saying that:
7. believe they are making a positive difference to patients/service users;
8. would recommend the organisation as a place to work;
9. agree that care of patients and service users is the organisations priority;
10. would be happy with the standard of care for a friend or relative
Our results put us as 5th nationally as a Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities NHS Employer of Choice and 1st equal amongst all NHS Provider Trusts in the South West. However, we know we have more to do and will continue to drive forward our commitment to making GHC a Great Place to Work.
Job description
Job responsibilities
11. To be a SLT resource providing a universal and targeted service for Childrenattending identified early years settings and schools in Gloucestershire.
12. To support training offers for settings and delivery of targeted packages of care across Gloucestershire and act as a resource to provide early communication advice, guidance and consultation to speech and language therapists and other multidisciplinary team colleagues.
13. To facilitate an improved understanding of early language support through education and training.
14. Work with the settings, families and children in the local communities.
15. To deliver training and/or screening packages in communication to other professionals working in community settings.
16. To work closely with SLT colleagues in promoting the early referral to specialist service where required.
17. To undertake Speech and Language Therapy practice development, audit and quality improvement.
18. To strengthen clinical pathways and ensure evidence-based practice is inherent in all aspects of care and treatment, applying high quality evidence to change practice in line with relevant National Strategy, NHSE/I guidance and organisational objectives, policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
19. HCPC and RCSLT registration
20. Recognised degree in speech and language therapy
length and /or nature of experience
Essential
21. Evidence of experience in early years Speech and Language Therapy at undergraduate level
Desirable
22. Experience of working within a multi disciplinary team