Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist
The closing date is 14 May 2026
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist to join our Childrens Community Services at Great Oaks Clinic in Basildon, Essex. This key leadership role involves delivering a high‑quality, evidence‑based, needs‑led Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service for children and young people. You will provide clinical leadership, pathway oversight and workforce development, ensuring services are accessible, responsive and aligned with local and national priorities. You will work closely with the senior leadership team to shape and deliver the Trust’s vision, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and compassionate care. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will maintain a specialist clinical caseload, providing assessment, diagnosis and intervention for children with speech, language and communication needs.
Main duties of the job
* Provide strong clinical leadership across the Speech and Language Therapy team within Childrens Community Services.
* Act as pathway lead, ensuring the safe, effective and timely delivery of care.
* Oversee referral management, waiting lists and patient flow to meet performance targets and KPIs.
* Lead the development and implementation of evidence‑based pathways in line with service demand and the Balanced System approach.
* Ensure services comply with clinical governance, safeguarding and quality standards.
* Represent the service at internal and external stakeholder meetings.
Job responsibilities
Workforce & Team Development
* Lead appraisals, supervision and performance management for SLT staff.
* Develop and deliver a learning and development plan aligned with service needs.
* Provide expert clinical supervision and consultation across the multidisciplinary team.
* Foster a positive, inclusive and high‑performing team culture.
* Support recruitment, retention and workforce planning within the service.
Clinical Responsibilities
* Manage a specialist caseload as an autonomous practitioner.
* Conduct comprehensive assessments, differential diagnoses and intervention planning.
* Deliver care across a range of settings, including clinics, schools and family homes.
* Develop and review highly specialist care plans for children with complex needs.
* Provide advice, education and support to children, families and carers.
* Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, including education, social care and voluntary sector partners.
* Contribute to EHCP processes and the SEND agenda.
* Identify clinical risk and elevate appropriately.
* Contribute to the strategic direction of Children’s Community Services.
* Lead and support service development, transformation and change initiatives.
* Promote a strong culture of quality improvement, including audit and evaluation.
* Influence the development of new pathways and models of care in response to local needs.
All new starters will undergo a comprehensive two‑week induction at our head office in Rainham, Essex, which includes mandatory training, systems training, equipment allocation and opportunities to meet executive and senior managers.
Probationary period applies to all candidates except current internal applicants (unless they are already within a probationary period or a bank member of staff).
High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of the basic salary (minimum £1,303, maximum £2,198 per annum pro‑rata for part‑time) is available for posts in Basildon, Thurrock, Brentwood, Harlow and Dartford.
NLFT is CQC‑rated Good and aims for Outstanding. We support staff through equality, diversity, health and wellbeing initiatives, and offer centralised training and networks.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* HCPC Registration
Experience
* Clinical professional leadership experience within a Children and Young Peoples service.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a D&B check for any previous convictions.
Employer name: NELFT North East London Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr