Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Job overview for a full time, permanent Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist role in the Community Children and Young People\'s Service (CYPS) in the Northumberland team. We welcome applicants with experience working with children and young people; it is essential that applicants are registered as a Speech and Language Therapist and have experience in a mental health, learning disability or neurodevelopmental setting and/or team. The post requires the ability to engage and work collaboratively with others and partner agencies to support effective pathways. The post is based at St Georges Park Hospital, Morpeth, Northumberland, with travel to other sites across the Trust as part of the role.
Responsibilities
* Provide specialist SALT assessment, intervention, and recommendations for children and young people accessing services.
* Work as an integral member of the CYPS multidisciplinary team (MDT) and support development of the SALT provision within the service.
* Liaise closely with other professionals to address communication difficulties as part of a holistic, service-user-centred service.
* Deliver high quality, evidence-based assessments and interventions; maintain excellent written and verbal communication; demonstrate organisational skills; and work independently as required.
Qualifications and Experience
* Essential
o Recognised SALT degree qualification
o Registration with HCPC
o Evidence of completion of a short course relevant to the area of specialism
* Desirable
o Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
o Log of supervised hours/completion of dysphagia competencies
* Knowledge and Experience
o Experience delivering specialist assessments and evidence-based interventions to service users with complex communication needs
o Specialist communication skills and strategies to support children with complex communication/cognitive needs
o Experience developing therapeutic partnerships with service users and carers
o Working knowledge of statutory issues affecting service users (safeguarding, MHA, MCA)
o Experience in a multidisciplinary environment
o Experience supervising others (e.g., assistant practitioners, students)
o Experience contributing to audit or service evaluation
o Experience working with children with learning disabilities, complex behaviours that challenge and/or mental health needs
* Desirable
o Knowledge of assessment and management of behaviours that challenge
o Experience delivering SALT-related training
* Skills and Competencies
o Ability to carry out comprehensive written assessments of children with complex mental health needs
o Risk assessment and risk/safety management planning
o Understanding of effective treatment options including NICE-guided approaches
o Excellent written and verbal communication; strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
o Professional, organisational and leadership capabilities
o Ability to adapt in a changing environment and work under pressure
o Ability to work with other professionals in a multi-agency approach; autonomous and team-working capabilities
o Time and case management; experience with electronic recording and IT equipment
o Proven advocacy for service users and carers
* Desirable
o Clinical leadership skills
Details
* Date posted: 09 September 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: Band 6
* Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time
* Reference number: 263-SS25-072-AB
* Job locations: St Georges Park, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2NU
Employer details
Employer: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW)
Address: St Georges Park, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2NU
Employer website: https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/
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