Job summary Are you an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with a passion and drive to develop work around early intervention for children with speech language and communication difficulties and their families? The Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Service have a vacancy for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Luton, working alongside key partners. We are seeking a specialist in the field of preventative practice and early intervention for children with speech language and communication needs (0-5 years) to join the team. The post holder will support families to access early advice for SLCN and work in partnership with both health and education/ local authority colleagues to enhance the provision and knowledge for early identification of SLCN including delivery of training. Candidates should be skilled in working compassionately and effectively with families. As a Service we provide: Full Trust and service induction. Formal and informal training for the role, including shadowing opportunities. Regular clinical supervision and a mentoring system. Excellent Continued Professional Development opportunities including in house training and external courses. Reflective clinical forums and buddying systems. Regular whole service and locality team meetings. Main duties of the job The post holder will be an experienced therapist and will work with the Early Communication Support Team within the field of preventative practice and early identification. They will support the delivery of SLT as part of Flying Start/ Family Hubs and will have day to day responsibility for promoting universal and targeted speech and language activities across Luton. They will hold a caseload of pre-school children and their families providing support in community settings/groups and home visits. They will be involved in the promotion of early years workforce development and in data collection around the impact of early identification and intervention of SLCN. About us Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives. There's one reason why our services are outstanding - and that's our amazing staff who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey. If you share our passion for innovative and high-quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading-edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development. Date posted 24 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum, pro-rata Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working Reference number 448-BCHS-7094329 Job locations Liverpool Road Health Centre 9 Mersey Place Luton LU1 1HH Job description Job responsibilities To manage and prioritise a defined caseload and work with an appropriate degree of autonomy and independence, with regular support/supervision, with children across Luton. To provide early advice, assessment and support for children within the SLT service pre school pathway, including virtual assessment and advice sessions. To promote early identification and appropriate treatment, of children with speech and language difficulties. To work in partnership with health and education colleagues to deliver an integrated support pathway for children in Luton. To deliver training to enhance the skills of the wider workforce around Speech, Language and Communication. To identify training needs, to develop packages/workshops around SLCN to deliver the training independently. To identify, assess and diagnose and treat communication impairments and select appropriate patients and type of therapy for effective treatment. To develop clinical skills and professional knowledge through experience, training and supervision. Independently take students on placements for clinical teaching and supervision, including exam placement Be responsible for the supervision of SLT unqualified staff and volunteers. Contribute to the support of newly and recently graduated SLT Staff. Communication To attend and report to case conferences/review meetings etc. for patients on the caseload with support as requested for situations where conflict management/negotiation may be required. To develop clear care plans based on best practice. To provide advice including written reports to others regarding the management and care of patients with communication difficulties. To present and communicate complex clinical information in such a manner as to motivate and inform patients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, agreeing decision making relevant to patient management. To work collaboratively and liaise over clinical matters with a wide range of professions across a variety of locations and agencies, with support as appropriate. To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff which are characterised by open communication, trust and respect. To maintain sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of children and their carers, in particular when imparting potentially distressing information regarding the nature and implications of their difficulties. To form productive relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have challenging communication difficulties. To attend and participate in professional meetings and other relevant meetings. Budgetary Responsibility To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate. Does not hold budgetary responsibility but is aware of the need to plan non-pay expenditure. People management Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process. To attend relevant training (courses, meetings, special interest groups) and development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge required of a therapist working in this field. To keep up to date with new techniques and developments for the promotion and maintenance of good speech & language therapy practice in paediatrics and maintain up to date HCPC and RCSLT registration. To actively participate in reflective clinical supervision with peers/clinical supervisor in order to develop and enhance practice. To supervise the work of support practitioners and volunteers. To participate in student placements. To explain the role of Speech & Language Therapists to visitors, students, volunteers and other professionals e.g. at Careers Events. To participate in the development and delivery of training (formal and informal) to others without support and reflect on and evaluate training provided. To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible. Research & Development Activity To undertake Clinical Governance /audit projects within local service. To participate in departmental research and clinical governance/audit projects. To collect and provide research data as required. To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures. Clinical and Practice Governance Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed, or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies. The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes. The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures. It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with HCPC and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration. Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust. The post holder must participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required. Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect from the team. Participate in Clinical & Safeguarding supervision on a regular basis. The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team. Job description Job responsibilities To manage and prioritise a defined caseload and work with an appropriate degree of autonomy and independence, with regular support/supervision, with children across Luton. To provide early advice, assessment and support for children within the SLT service pre school pathway, including virtual assessment and advice sessions. To promote early identification and appropriate treatment, of children with speech and language difficulties. To work in partnership with health and education colleagues to deliver an integrated support pathway for children in Luton. To deliver training to enhance the skills of the wider workforce around Speech, Language and Communication. To identify training needs, to develop packages/workshops around SLCN to deliver the training independently. To identify, assess and diagnose and treat communication impairments and select appropriate patients and type of therapy for effective treatment. To develop clinical skills and professional knowledge through experience, training and supervision. Independently take students on placements for clinical teaching and supervision, including exam placement Be responsible for the supervision of SLT unqualified staff and volunteers. Contribute to the support of newly and recently graduated SLT Staff. Communication To attend and report to case conferences/review meetings etc. for patients on the caseload with support as requested for situations where conflict management/negotiation may be required. To develop clear care plans based on best practice. To provide advice including written reports to others regarding the management and care of patients with communication difficulties. To present and communicate complex clinical information in such a manner as to motivate and inform patients, carers, families and members of the multi-disciplinary team/other professions, agreeing decision making relevant to patient management. To work collaboratively and liaise over clinical matters with a wide range of professions across a variety of locations and agencies, with support as appropriate. To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff which are characterised by open communication, trust and respect. To maintain sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of children and their carers, in particular when imparting potentially distressing information regarding the nature and implications of their difficulties. To form productive relationships with others who may be under stress and/or have challenging communication difficulties. To attend and participate in professional meetings and other relevant meetings. Budgetary Responsibility To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate. Does not hold budgetary responsibility but is aware of the need to plan non-pay expenditure. People management Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process. To attend relevant training (courses, meetings, special interest groups) and development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge required of a therapist working in this field. To keep up to date with new techniques and developments for the promotion and maintenance of good speech & language therapy practice in paediatrics and maintain up to date HCPC and RCSLT registration. To actively participate in reflective clinical supervision with peers/clinical supervisor in order to develop and enhance practice. To supervise the work of support practitioners and volunteers. To participate in student placements. To explain the role of Speech & Language Therapists to visitors, students, volunteers and other professionals e.g. at Careers Events. To participate in the development and delivery of training (formal and informal) to others without support and reflect on and evaluate training provided. To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible. Research & Development Activity To undertake Clinical Governance /audit projects within local service. To participate in departmental research and clinical governance/audit projects. To collect and provide research data as required. To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures. Clinical and Practice Governance Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed, or transferred electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and Information Security policies. The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes. The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures. It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with HCPC and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration. Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust. The post holder must participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required. Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect from the team. Participate in Clinical & Safeguarding supervision on a regular basis. The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy HCPC registration Evidence of appropriate CPD Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Desirable Attendance at relevant CEN Experience Essential Knowledge of a range of paediatric clinical disorders, assessments and appropriate therapeutic interventions Evidence of working in an integrated way with partner organisations Delivered training to a range of colleagues Experience of working in Early Years Relevant experience of assessment and intervention in children Desirable Experience of working in Family Hubs Skills Essential Good auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically Standard IT skills Able to recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support as necessary to resolve it Able to plan, organise and prioritise own workload, clinical and non-clinical Inclusive approach, promoting involvement and engagement Person Specification Qualifications Essential Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy HCPC registration Evidence of appropriate CPD Registered member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Desirable Attendance at relevant CEN Experience Essential Knowledge of a range of paediatric clinical disorders, assessments and appropriate therapeutic interventions Evidence of working in an integrated way with partner organisations Delivered training to a range of colleagues Experience of working in Early Years Relevant experience of assessment and intervention in children Desirable Experience of working in Family Hubs Skills Essential Good auditory discrimination skills and ability to transcribe speech phonetically Standard IT skills Able to recognise potential breakdown and conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support as necessary to resolve it Able to plan, organise and prioritise own workload, clinical and non-clinical Inclusive approach, promoting involvement and engagement 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 Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Address Liverpool Road Health Centre 9 Mersey Place Luton LU1 1HH Employer's website https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)