Specialist Speech & Language Therapist
Job overview
We are seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to work within the City Team. Hosted by Small Steps Big Changes (SSBC), this lottery-funded post is focused on providing early identification and support for pre-school children
The Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service provides support to children with a range of communication and eating and drinking needs across Nottingham City and County.
A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Main duties of the job
We have an opportunity for a part time (22.5 hours) Band 6 Speech & Language Therapist who has a keen interest in working with largely pre-school children with a wide range of Speech, Language and Communication (SLCN) in community settings.
The post is temporary until the end of March 2026 and will support our transformation work, as we move to being increasingly 'place-based', This post involves supporting children in a variety of locations including homes, family hubs, nurseries, and community venues.
We offer excellent support networks, regular supervision, and access to internal training. This post provides an opportunity to consolidate and develop further skills and expertise in working in the heart of our City with children with a wide range of SLCN, as well as supporting staff and the team caseload.It is open to experienced Band 5's or existing Band 6's.
Working for our organisation
#TeamNottsHC comprises over 11,000 dedicated colleagues who #MakeADifference every day. We deliver intellectual disability, mental health, community health, forensic, and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire.Our care is provided from over 200 sites, spanning community locations, acute settings, and secure environments, including prisons.
We are one of the largest mental health and community Trusts in the East Midlands and one of Nottinghamshire's biggest employers. We also host national and regional services, such as the National High Secure Deaf Service and the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health.
We offer a variety of employee-led staff networks, including Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) groups, the Green Champions network, the Freedom to Speak Up network, the Health and Wellbeing Champions network, and the Menopause Champions network.These networks play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce and promoting a culture of inclusivity.
The health and wellbeing of our colleagues is a top priority. We invest significantly in this through our in-house occupational health and staff counselling services, supported by a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team.
The Trust is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, with a specialised Energy and Environmental team working to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, enhance our environmental performance, and achieve our net-zero commitment
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Based in a community team, alongside colleagues, you will have recent experience of providing speech and language support in different settings, for children presenting with a range of SLCN needs.
The Specialist Therapist is expected to:
Oversee our 'Home Talk' programme, providing support and supervision to SLT support staff.
Provide training for other professionals in the area of SLCN.
Carry out assessments and provide appropriate packages of care for children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
Provide support and advice for less experienced therapists/assistants.
Work collaboratively as part of multi-disciplinary teams.
Manage and prioritise own and team caseload, including triaging incoming referrals.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.
Person specification
Qualifications - Academic / Craft / Professional
Essential criteria- Professionally recognised Qualification (Degree/Diploma) Registered with HCPC
Contractual Requirements
Essential criteria- A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Training
Essential criteria- Additional clinical training and CPD to support children with SLCN
Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of supporting less experienced therapists, students and SLTA’s
- Experience of supporting the management of a team caseload
- Experience of delivering a range of packages of care for children with SLCN
- Significant experience of team working
- Significant experience of working in range of settings
- Experience of writing EHCP reports
- Experience of delivering Learning and development opportunities for others
- Experience of delivering a variety of approaches to SLT service delivery
- Experience in developing evaluation / audit tools and resources as part of SLT team
Knowledge
Essential criteria- Demonstrates a well-established theoretical knowledge of evidence based speech & language therapy practice
- Knowledge of different assessments and interventions to working with children’s speech and language
Skills
Essential criteria- Demonstrates initiative & excellent organisational skills especially in relation to prioritisation and flexibility
- Demonstrates effective team working within a range of teams
- Autonomous and able to work without direct supervision
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
Values and Behaviours
Essential criteria- All staff should be able to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as identified within the Trust’s Equality and Diversity Policy and associated Equality, Diversity and Human Rights legislation
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
- We reserve the right to close the post early once we have received a sufficient number of applicants.
- The Trust believes in treating everyone with dignity and respect and encourages applications from all sectors of the community. We guarantee an interview to candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum essential criteria.
- In submitting an application form, you authorise Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to confirm from your previous or current NHS employer and other prior employers; previous NHS service details and personal data held about you. This data will be transferred using NHS Electronic Staff Record and third party systems via an automated process and only used for the purposes of obtaining and maintaining accurate employment records, should you be appointed to the post. Should you require any further information please refer our Privacy Policy shown on the Trust website, please click here for more information.
- For eligible posts, DBS disclosures are mandatory before commencement of employment. If you are in a position that is deemed a regulated adult and/or child care role, you will not be able to start your employment until we have received a satisfactory DBS Disclosure. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Convictions which would otherwise be considered as 'spent' will also be checked as part of an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.