Overview
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Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Preschool - Luton
The closing date is 12 October 2025
B6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Preschool
Come and join our friendly Speech and Language Therapy Team in Luton, Bedfordshire. We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Specialist Speech and Language Therapists to join our established community therapy team working with preschool children in Luton. We need a confident, motivated and enthusiastic therapist, willing to work flexibly with experience of working with preschool children with a wide range of SLCN. Someone looking to develop their clinical knowledge and skills.
You will manage a caseload providing targeted, evidence-based assessment and therapy, work closely with colleagues in health and education, participate in training to parents and other professionals around SLC needs and support junior staff within the service.
About us
Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, we provide high quality innovative services across the east of England to enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives. Our staff drive the success of our services, and we prioritise staff engagement and development. All are welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide specialist clinical input to preschool children across the Luton locality as part of the community preschool team, delivering speech and language therapy support to children with a wide range of SLC needs including statutory provision. You will provide training to enable parents and other professionals to support children’s language and communication needs and mentor and support other colleagues. Responsibilities include independent identification, assessment and diagnosis of speech, language and communication impairments; planning and managing caseloads; contributing to EHCP processes; triaging referrals; providing second opinions and shadowing opportunities; and taking students on placements for clinical teaching and supervision. You will be responsible for maintaining confidentiality, adhering to data protection policies, and participating in training and development activities.
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Independent identification, assessment and diagnosis of speech, language and communication impairments; selecting appropriate patients and therapy approaches.
* Differentiate diagnoses based on assessment evidence and design appropriate treatment plans.
* Deliver specialist speech and language therapy input to school age children and young people across a range of communication disorders.
* Provide training to enable parents and other professionals to support children’s language and communication needs.
* Plan, organise and prioritise own workload, clinical and non-clinical tasks.
* Use clinical skills to generate strategies for caseload management for complex issues.
* Gain extensive clinical experience and pursue ongoing training to develop specialist skills.
* Demonstrate knowledge of low tech AAC (e.g., communication boards) and contribute to the EHCP process with timely reports for initial and annual reviews.
* Triager referrals, discuss potential referrals with referrers, and decide on acceptance based on service criteria.
* Provide second opinions and shadowing opportunities for less experienced colleagues; seek advice from more experienced colleagues as required.
* Make referrals to specialist services as needed (Health, Education and/or Social Services).
* Participate in the development and delivery of formal and informal training; reflect on and evaluate training provided.
* Independently supervise students on placements and supervise SLTs and Support Practitioners; contribute to induction and training of new staff.
* Contribute to support of newly and recently graduated staff.
* Communicate effectively with a range of professionals and participate in locality meetings, clinical forums and paediatric service meetings.
Communication
* Work collaboratively and liaise with a wide range of professions across locations and agencies.
* Attend and report to case conferences and review meetings; negotiate management and target setting.
* Present complex information to motivate and inform patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team.
* Communicate clearly with patients who have communication difficulties, using listening and empathy.
* Use interpersonal and negotiation skills to manage conflicts and address concerns.
* Convey complex information in written and verbal form; maintain positive relationships with staff.
* Attend locality meetings, clinical forums and paediatric service meetings as appropriate.
Internal and External Relationships
* Internal: Speech & Language Therapy colleagues, 0-19 Team (Health Visitors and School Nurses), Allied Health Professionals, Paediatric medical staff, Administrative staff.
* External: Education staff, Social Services.
Budgetary and People Management
* Does not hold budgetary responsibility but plans non-pay expenditure as needed.
* Monitors stock levels and requests equipment as appropriate.
* Independently participates in appraisal within an Individual Performance Framework; identifies personal/professional development through a Personal Development Plan/Professional Portfolio.
* Attends relevant training and maintains HCPC and RCSLT registration; participates in reflective clinical supervision.
Research & Development Activity
* Undertakes clinical governance and audit projects; participates in departmental research and clinical governance/audit projects.
* Collects and provides research data; demonstrates clinical effectiveness through evidence-based practice and outcome measures.
Clinical and Practice Governance
* Maintains confidentiality and adheres to Data Protection Act; manages a defined caseload with autonomy.
* Follows information governance, risk assessment and infection control policies; shares information with data protection in mind.
* Maintains HCPC and RCSLT registration; undertakes mandatory training and participates in audits and clinical supervision; participates in emergency preparedness as required.
* Flexible to the environment, including unpredictable work patterns and deadlines.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
* Qualified speech and language therapist
* HCPC registered
* Postgraduate qualification in relevant area and attendance at relevant courses (e.g., language and/or speech disorders).
Experience
* Well-established knowledge of a range of clinical disorders, assessments and interventions in the field, including management of children with social communication difficulties.
* Experience as a qualified SLT in the specialist field; evidence of CPD and ability to supervise and appraise others.
Skills
* Good auditory discrimination and ability to transcribe speech phonetically.
* Awareness of clinical governance and audit principles; positive problem-solving approach.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require Disclosure to check for prior convictions.
Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust
Address
Luton
9 Mersey Place, Liverpool Road Health Centre, Luton
Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year, pro-rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Reference number
448-BCHS-7309228-A
Job locations
Luton
9 Mersey Place, Liverpool Road Health Centre, Luton
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