Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 31 May 2026
We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 7 passionate about working in the field of AAC. We are growing our team of East Sussex therapists who work in special schools and with pre‑school children in the community. Flexible working, part‑time hours and job share will be considered.
We are an integrated therapies team providing SLT, OT and PT services, working in collaboration with colleagues such as paediatricians, teachers and dietitians. This full‑time vacancy is within East Sussex, but we can be flexible with the clinical base.
This role encompasses both leadership and clinical work in the complex needs team. You will be part of an innovative, cohesive and enthusiastic team of therapists working in the community and local special schools with children aged 0‑19 years and their families.
This is an opportunity for therapists either with direct experience of working with children using AAC and knowledge of current assessment for these, or someone who would like to develop these skills. There is also an opportunity to develop dysphagia skills.
We have a strong commitment to training and development with robust supervision and shadowing opportunities across the service.
Main duties of the job
* Carry out high quality assessments for children and young people who have complex needs.
* Effectively communicate with children and their families as well as internal and external staff.
* Produce high quality detailed reports in a timely manner.
* Lead on clinical care pathways in this specialist clinical area.
* Report to and advise on the development requirements in this specialist area to the Professional Lead, Team Leads, Clinical Managers and the Head of Service.
* Participate in your own reflective practice and ongoing learning in the field of AAC.
* Ensure that staff working in the field of AAC have regular access to effective supervision, training and support to enhance their CPD in this area.
* Hold responsibility for delegated line management and supervision of staff working within the team.
* Work alongside the MDT in the local special schools.
* Car owner/driver essential, subject to the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995).
Person Specification
Behaviours
* Demonstrates commitment to quality of care and promotes high standards to consistently improve outcomes for children. Involves children and their families and other stakeholders in service developments. Consistently puts children and their families at the heart of clinical decision making. Values diversity and difference, operates with integrity and openness. Works across locality and service boundaries, looks for collective success, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others.
Qualifications
* Recognised Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent. Health and Care Professions Council — Licence to Practice. Registered Member of professional body.
* Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses up to Master’s degree equivalent relevant to specialist clinical area. Dysphagia qualification.
Experience
* Significant paediatric experience. Evidence of continued professional development in area of clinical specialism. Experience of providing line supervision and/or clinical supervision in area of clinical specialism. Evidence of innovative working and supporting change. Experience of partnership working with internal and external stakeholders.
* Experience of implementing service re‑design within clinical area. Experience of giving presentations and promoting the work of the service/organisation to relevant stakeholders.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of evidence‑based practice and ability to implement in clinical practice. Knowledge of current local and national policies relevant to health, social care and education. Knowledge & understanding of organisational governance issues & policies. Current knowledge of child/adult safeguarding policies and procedures.
* Active membership of National CENs.
Skills and Abilities
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to motivate and lead staff. Ability to prioritise and balance workload. Ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external working relationships. Ability to negotiate and influence.
* Ability to critically appraise journals. Ability to provide constructive feedback to consultants and/or other professionals.
Personal Attributes
* Innovative & willingness to meet new challenges and pioneer new ways of working. Flexible, self‑motivated & assertive. Ability to travel across a variety of sites in East Sussex within a timely manner.
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.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year pro rata.
We are an equal opportunity employer and actively support a diverse workforce. We collect information about protected characteristics to ensure equity in our recruitment process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr