Speech and Language Therapist

Job SummaryBand 5 Speech and Language Therapist – 37.5 hours a week, fixed‑term 12 months covering maternity leave. This post involves working with schools in Warwickshire, mainly in the north of the county (Nuneaton and Bedworth) and one school in Stratford‑upon‑Avon. The caseload will include mainstream schools and one Special Educational Needs school.ResponsibilitiesProvide assessment, treatment and management for a caseload of school‑age children within the designated schools.Use highly developed interpersonal skills to facilitate communication, making the needs of the child and family central to the clinical process.Prioritise own caseload and manage workload effectively.Assess and analyse speech, language and communication using specialist knowledge and appropriate assessment tools, including standardised psychometric tests.Formulate a diagnosis based on assessment and case history information from family and other professionals.Evaluate and decide on therapy options, considering the child’s educational attainment, learning style and curriculum requirements.Develop a detailed individual management plan grounded in research and best practice.Implement the plan in collaboration with all stakeholders, which may include: therapeutic intervention with children individually or in groups (in school or clinic); joint programmes with teaching staff; support for implementation of programmes; curriculum differentiation advice; strategies for classroom and home; referrals to other professionals; demonstration/training on communication maximization; behaviour management and motivation; conflict resolution.Communicate complex and specialist information via written reports and face‑to‑face discussions, adapting style to the situation.Build and maintain productive relationships with families, recognising emotional stress, potential barriers and the need for sensitivity, especially when delivering difficult news.Provide assessment advice for and review Education, Health & Care plans under the Children & Families Act and SEN Code of Practice.Attend annual reviews, termly reviews and other relevant meetings (e.g., case conferences, Annual Review of Statement).Organise workshops for parents (including evening sessions) as required.When appropriate to the Band 5 post, supervise and support SLTAs in programme delivery.Collaborate with team members and other teams to achieve seamless, coordinated service provision.Support the lead SLT in developing training/teaching packages for local authority staff.Act as named therapist for designated schools, providing information and advisory services for individual children and broader communication issues related to special needs.Attend and contribute to meetings involving other professionals (e.g., case conferences, annual reviews).Assist in supporting students from other professional groups once qualified, including observation sessions.Provide statistical information on caseload and contribute to audit, research and service development.Implement evidence‑based practice using current literature and research.Qualifications (Essential)Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent.Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.Health Professional Council registration.Qualifications (Desirable)Evidence of successful completion of specialist postgraduate short courses related to young children (e.g., Parent‑Child Interaction/Hanen Therapy, Derbyshire Language Scheme, Makaton signing).Experience (Desirable)Experience as a paediatric Speech & Language Therapist.Experience working in educational settings.Experience training staff in educational settings.Experience using parent‑based intervention.Experience running groups for children.Experience with specialised clinical groups (e.g., cleft palate, stammering).Skills and CompetenciesWell‑established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to children, including linguistic, phonetic, pragmatic and language processing measures.Ability to analyse and interpret assessment data and devise management plans tailored to individual strengths and weaknesses.Knowledge of therapeutic interventions (parent‑based, sign/symbol systems, Derbyshire Language Scheme).Awareness of developmental and medical conditions relevant to speech/language difficulties (e.g., cleft palate, autism). Strong presentation skills, both verbal and written (including PowerPoint).Strong communication skills and ability to match style to situation.Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.Personal QualitiesExcellent interpersonal abilities: observation, listening, diplomacy, sensitivity.Good time‑management and organisational skills.Problem‑solving and negotiation abilities.Ability to work independently.Realistic sense of own limitations and commitment to professional development.Motivation of young children.Flexibility and adaptability.Other RequirementsCar driver licence.Ability to move and carry equipment and adapt to a range of physical demands, including travelling between schools. #J-18808-Ljbffr