West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Job summary
Specialist Speech & Language Therapist: Paediatric Community.
We have 2 B6, part-time posts (3 days, 22.5hpw) available.
Post 1: To co-lead the management of speech and language therapy into specialist support units in West Suffolk, to work in units attached to mainstream schools & settings inc. Reception/KS1/KS2. To co-lead supervision for other therapy staff working in units.
Post 2: To deliver speech and language therapy into mainstream schools within the Forest Heath area (Brandon/Mildenhall/Newmarket and surrounding areas).
Due to the complex nature of the caseload these posts will include managing CYP with Education, Health and Care Plans & experience is required. Empowering therapy partners is key to our service and these roles include providing a training offer to parents/carers and education staff. Our team is strongly committed to deliver effective, evidence-based therapy, and we offer regular supervision, mentoring, CPD and training. The successful applicants will have good communication skills and a strong desire to work in partnership with colleagues in education, parents, and carers to achieve good outcomes. An ability to travel to different locations within the working week is essential. Please indicate on your application which post you are applying for.
Interview date 15th December 2026.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidates will:
- Deliver speech and language therapy into mainstream schools/units in West Suffolk.
- Work with children and young people with a broad range of speech, language and communication needs.
- Deliver face-to-face sessions to individual and groups of children within educational settings.
- Provide assessment and plan/deliver therapy interventions for children.
- Design and support delivery of training packages to educational staff (both face to face and virtually)
- Work closely in partnership with families, educational staff and the wider professional team to support effective outcomes for children and young people.
- Take part in the Annual Review process by writing Annual Review reports and attending meetings where possible.
- Support junior therapists and assistants by offering supervisions and shadowing.
- Take responsibility for overseeing caseload management for B3/B4/B5 colleagues where required.
- Take an active role in supporting wider service development projects.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent
- Current Health and Care Professions Council registration
- Eligible for registered membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
- Evidence of relevant continuing professional development
Desirable
- Membership of a relevant Clinical Excellence Network
- Relevant postgraduate courses or training, for example Makaton, SCERTS, Nuffield, Intensive Interaction, Attention Autism, stammering, or eating and drinking
- Recent placement educator training
Experience and knowledge
Essential
- Paediatric speech and language therapy experience, with evidence of specialist-level practice
- Knowledge and experience of paediatric speech, language and communication assessment and intervention methods
- Understanding of the impact of speech, language and communication needs on children, young people and their families
- Knowledge of the National Curriculum and statutory assessment processes, including report writing for statutory assessments and annual reviews
- Experience of partnership working with families, education colleagues, health professionals and other agencies
- Knowledge of safeguarding children and young people
- Experience of using outcome measures and evaluating intervention
- Experience of training, supervising or supporting junior staff and students, including caseload management
Desirable
- Previous Band 6 experience or equivalent evidence of specialist practice
- Experience in community paediatric services and multidisciplinary teams
- Experience of supporting children and young people with complex presentations inc. use of AAC
- Experience developing or contributing to training and clinical education
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Clear and effective written, verbal and presentation skills
- Digital skills for clinical record-keeping, communication and service delivery
- Ability to organise, prioritise and manage a specialist caseload, including working effectively under pressure
- Effective supervision skills
- Strong analytical, reflective and problem- solving skills, with the ability to adapt practice
- Ability to maintain concentration during complex clinical work
- Understanding and application of relevant policies, including clinical governance, health and safety, equality and diversity
Desirable
- Experience of record keeping via SystmOne
- Triaging skills
- Leadership skills, including coaching, negotiation, change management and problem-solving
Personal qualities
Essential
- Child- and family-centred, holistic approach
- Flexible, approach to working hours and duties.
- Ability to respond to changing priorities
- Effective team member with strong interpersonal, observation, listening and empathy skills
- Able to manage challenging, distressing or emotionally demanding situations appropriately
- Able to travel across the Trust as required
Desirable
- Experience of managing challenging situations
- Experience of project work or leading a small team
- Commitment to learning and continuous improvement
Closing Date: 30 November 2026
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.