North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (BCH)
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Closing date: 07 June 2026
Contact: Esther Gibson, Team Leader for Children’s Specialist Services – 07881 008612
Job Responsibilities
* Complete social communication assessments as part of the Neurodevelopmental assessment pathway.
* Contribute to MDT discussions and help make decisions about possible diagnosis.
* Write detailed reports and signpost to appropriate support.
* Assess and diagnose within the highly specialist clinical area.
* Produce reports reflecting specialist knowledge.
* Contribute to legal documents such as Education, Health and Care Plans and annual reviews.
* Demonstrate clinical effectiveness using evidence based practice and outcome measures.
* Adapt practice to meet individual patient circumstances with cultural and linguistic sensitivity.
* Maintain accurate case notes in line with RCSLT professional standards and local trust policies.
* Share information with carers and professionals, observing data protection guidelines.
* Communicate complex information from specialist assessment to patients, carers and professionals.
* Respond sensitively to all situations, manage conflict, and foster productive relationships.
* Provide supervision, specialist clinical advice, and second opinions for therapists and other professionals.
* Conduct clinical governance activities, including data collection, audit projects and research participation.
* Maintain up to date HCPC and RCSLT registration.
* Maintain and apply knowledge of relevant procedures such as safeguarding, SEN, and working with vulnerable adults.
* Deliver specialist training and support learning within the team.
* Provide student placements and assessment as part of teaching responsibilities.
* Assist in service/policy development and advise line manager on clinical delivery.
* Ensure infection control, health and safety guidelines are followed.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
* Knowledge of Code of Practice and principles of clinical governance/audit.
* Experience with NHS IT systems.
* Excellent interpersonal skills – observation, empathy, negotiation, problem solving.
* Strong analytical and presentation skills.
* Good organisational skills, auditing and data collection.
* Good auditory skills – ability to transcribe speech phonetically.
* Teamworking – ability to be a good member of a multidisciplinary team.
* Knowledge of assessment tools for social communication difficulties.
Qualifications
* Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree (or equivalent).
* Health Care Professions Council registration.
* RCSLT Licence to Practice.
* Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
* Membership of relevant Clinical Excellence Networks.
* Evidence of additional training and continuing professional development in specialist areas.
* Relevant training – AODS, ADI.
Experience
* Demonstrable experience assessing children/young people with social communication difficulties.
* Managing large caseloads, prioritisation and workload planning.
* Monitoring service outcomes.
Sponsorship
* Right to Work status must be confirmed.
Relationships
* Declare any relationship with a director or employee of the appointing organisation.
Job Specific Requirements
* Ability to travel independently across the Trust.
* Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a DBS check in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 (Exceptions Order).
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