Senior Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

At Meath School speech and language is at the heart of everything we do. Speech and language expertise is integral to every single minute of every day. Our therapists work as equals with teachers to design and deliver the curriculum.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic forward thinking Senior Specialist Speech and Language Therapist who wants to develop their career, skills and knowledge in a specialist educational setting from Reception to end of Key Stage 2. You will enjoy the chance to work within a well resourced department with a small (10 -12 children) but complex caseload, where intensive therapy with pupils is encouraged. You will work with class groups, smaller groups and with individual children. You will support SLT colleagues to develop their skills through line management of Speech and Language Therapist/s or Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. You will have responsibility for leading across school projects and areas of development. You will be involved in training and outreach. If you believe you can help our learners to fulfil their potential at school, at home and in their communities and are looking for a fresh challenge, then this role may be just what you are looking for. We offer supervision, frequent CPD, strong collaborative practice and peer support.

Speech and Language UK’s Meath school is an outstanding special school committed to the highest quality integrated education, therapy and care. You will work collaboratively as part of strong and supportive multi-disciplinary team of Teachers, Therapists, Learning Support Assistants and Residential Care Officers. Meath School is a non-maintained day and residential school for pupils aged between 4 - 11 years, who have severe and complex speech, and language disorders (including high functioning ASD) with associated learning and/or behavioural difficulties.

**JOB TITLE**: Senior Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

**REDPONSIBLE TO**: Head of Therapy and, through the line

management structure, ultimately responsible,

within school, to the Headteacher.

**RESPONSIBLE FOR**: SLT/SLT Assistant

**LOCATION**: Meath School

To manage effectively a caseload of pupils with speech, language and communication difficulties within a school setting. To line manage SLT / SLTAs. To contribute to the development of the school and of Speech and Language UK.

Principle

**Responsibilities**:
P**UPIL RELATED ACTIVITIES**

Adhere to national and local standards and guidelines relating to Professional Practice HCPC standards and as per guidance on RCSLT website ,and maintain professional registration through the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and Health and Care Professions Council.

Be aware of and adhere to current legislation.

Be responsible for collecting own work statistics e.g. amount of contact time, outcome measurements etc as required.

To participate in the school’s assessment service as required.

Be responsible for a defined caseload in terms of assessment and differential diagnosis; devising; delivering and evaluating programmes; contributing to IEPs, annual reviews, transition plans and EHCPs as appropriate.

Participate in/be responsible for the planning and administering of eating and drinking skills programmes, calling upon specialist staff for advice as appropriate.

Work autonomously with acomplex caseload in collaborative, intensive and innovative ways.

Work autonomously within the school environment, utilising a knowledge of curriculum and of literacy strategies appropriate to pupils ages.

Be a reflective practitioner. Considering and evaluating alternative and innovative approaches to the management of pupils with speech and language disorders, and participating in research as required.

Seek second opinions, and/or make referrals within or outside Speech and Language UK when necessary, according to school/local policy.

Disseminate skills, knowledge and experience through training and offering advice to other staff, parents, carers and significant others about individual and groups of pupils. Demonstrating practical procedures when appropriate.

Liaise with staff (usually teachers and speech and language therapists) in other locations regarding individual pupils at transfer into and out of the school/service.

Contribute to outreach and extended service delivery on behalf of the

School, for example:
i Bill Harrison Assessment Centre

ii Training delivered to external clients

iii Assessment / therapy delivered to other schools.

**SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY DEPARTMENT**

Be responsible for day to day line management of up to three SLT department members (which may include the SLT Assistant), carrying out performance management and monitoring work allocation as necessary.

Work with volunteers and assistants as appropriate, deploying time and allocating duties within the multidisciplinary team context.

Contribute to curriculum development and, if required be responsible for SLT input to