Children, YoungPeople and Families Service (CYPFS) CYP Speech and Language Therapist
Job summary
Band5, 37.5 hours (5 days) per week. Fixed Term for 12 months.
The CYP Speech & Language Service has an exciting opportunity for a full-time, fixed term Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to join our busy community teams to support the delivery of speech and language interventions across the city of Plymouth.
We are looking for Band 5 therapists who will be able to work with a mixed paediatric caseload with children with speech and language needs in community clinics, early years settings and mainstream schools.
We provide a service based on the Care Aims philosophy which means you can deliver direct therapy that is matched to the child’s individual needs. The service is committed to CPD, research and audit and a mentor system, clinical supervision and annual appraisal are in place.
The post holder may be required to work anywhere in the city as directed by the service team leaders, so flexibility is essential.
The closing date for applications to be submitted by: 25.05.2026
Main duties of the job
To provide an independently managed speech and language service to a mixed paediatric caseload with speech language and communication needs (SLCN) with support from senior colleagues.
To collect, identify and interpret complex case related information, undertake a range of formal and informal assessments, propose differential diagnosis based on evidence and prioritise and decide on appropriate treatment/management of CYP speech language and communication needs matched to the client/family need.
To provide training and communication advice in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher assistants and other professionals.
All Livewell Southwest staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7‑day service.
Clinical responsibilities
* Independently manage personal caseload with reference to theory, published research and evidence, and agreed best practice with supervision available from senior colleagues.
* Identify, collect, analyse and interpret complex case related information and data from clients, carers and other relevant sources—including cross‑agency working.
* Undertake a range of formal and informal assessments and make judgements concerning prioritisation and future management.
* Propose differential diagnoses on the basis of assimilated evidence gathered from a range of assessments.
* Prioritise and decide on appropriate treatment/management matched to individual client/family need.
* Provide assessment and communication advice in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher assistants and other professionals.
* Write and disseminate clinical reports to appropriate professionals and relevant others, including legal Education Health and Care Plans and/or documentation for child protection cases.
* Manage admission, management and discharge of clients in relation to personal caseload with appropriate caseload supervision from senior colleagues.
* Explain highly complex and sensitive case‑related information to meet a range of levels of understanding of clients and carers.
* Show empathy and reassurance when providing clients and carers with information that has long‑term implications for lifestyle and educational and social development.
* Monitor, recognise and evaluate subtle changes in the client’s condition and adapt the assessment and treatment programme accordingly.
* Assess risk to, and vulnerability of, patients and families in relation to timing and manner of treatment and amount of information provided.
* Recognise the need for onward referral for second opinions, more specialist SLT intervention or multidisciplinary advice.
* Negotiate with parents/carers and professionals around individual case diagnosis and management where professional judgement can differ.
* Allocate cases to, monitor and supervise work of speech and language therapy assistants following completion of the NQP competency framework.
* Initiate and/or contribute to multi‑agency case discussions and management in relation to complex cases, including child protection issues.
* Raise awareness about speech and language development and disorders in relation to own personal caseload and how to manage these in different contexts.
* Undertake periodic supervision with more experienced colleagues and reflect on practice with peers.
Professional responsibilities
* Maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council and the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.
* Continuously progress and develop professional and clinical skills, undertake CPD activities and maintain a personal portfolio.
* Recognise own professional and clinical boundaries and seek advice, support and training when necessary.
* Maintain professional and service standards with adherence to local and national guidelines and clinical governance, including confidentiality.
* Record and update clinical observations, assessment results and treatment details in client case notes.
* Participate in the organisation’s Annual Appraisal Process.
* Follow and implement local and national policies with independent professional judgement.
* Contribute to local policy and service development through the clinical governance process.
* Maintain equipment records and the safe use and security of clinical equipment.
* Provide clinical activity data and routine recording of CPD, travel and other related activity.
* Provide clinical and professional education and assessment to students as required.
* Take part in research and clinical audit as directed by senior staff.
* Recognise breakdown/conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support from more senior colleagues.
Qualifications – Essential
* Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy.
* Membership of RCSLT.
* HCPC registration.
Skills – Essential
* Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to recognise own clinical competencies and the need for onward referral for more specialist advice.
* Ability to reflect on practice to identify own strengths and development needs.
* Effective team working.
* Work without direct supervision.
* Travel to locations across Plymouth.
Skills – Desirable
* Ability to negotiate and explain complex case‑related information to a range of audiences.
* Pass on skills to carers and other professionals.
* Identify, collect, analyse and interpret complex case‑related information.
Knowledge – Essential
* Knowledge of a range of assessment materials and therapy approaches for children with SLCN.
Knowledge – Desirable
* Evidence of CPD to maintain and develop competencies.
* Knowledge and experience of clinical governance.
* Working knowledge of sign and symbol systems such as Makaton.
Experience – Essential
* Experience of working with a paediatric caseload.
Experience – Desirable
* Experience of working unsupervised.
* Implement and adapt specialised treatment programmes from a range of options.
* Adapt wide range of formal and informal assessments to meet patient needs.
* Supervision of SLT assistants.
* Provide placement education for SLT students.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Livewell Southwest
200 Mount Gould Road
Mount Gould
Plymouth, Devon PL4 7PY
Full‑time, Part‑time, Job share, Flexible working
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