About this role
Job summary
The SALT department sits within a wider therapies team which includes occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology. Working collaboratively with colleagues across our campus and different disciplines is essential. Our therapies team includes SLT assistants and an AAC technician.
Our students have a wide range of needs: epilepsy, complex developmental, acquired and neurodegenerative needs and / or autistic spectrum disorders, so you'll enjoy a variety of challenges and rewards in assessing (formally and informally) their communication needs, providing differential diagnosis and designing appropriate interventions that facilitate their progress educationally and in everyday life. You will be able to offer training to staff to support the therapy you design.
We are looking for a therapist who:
Is a qualified Speech and Language Therapist with HCPC registration Has substantial post-qualification experience at Band 6 or above, ideally within specialist education or complex needs settings Demonstrates strong clinical skills in working with SEND, ASC, and PMLD populations Has proven experience in AAC assessment and intervention (both powered and paper based) Is confident in EHCP processes, including writing high-quality annual review reports Can effectively prioritise and manage a demanding caseload Has excellent organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills Is proactive, reflective, and committed to evidence-based practice
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities
Manage and prioritise your caseload proactively and independently, under the supervision and guidance of the SALT Lead Plan and deliver high-quality 1:1 and group therapy sessions tailored to individual EHCP outcomes Complete EHCP annual review reports, ensuring clear, measurable, and functional targets Assess, implement, and review AAC systems, including both powered (e.g. Grid 3) and paper-based communication supports Provide aided language stimulation and promote total communication approaches across settings Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) including education, OT, physiotherapy, and residential staff Deliver training and coaching to staff and families to embed communication strategies into daily routines Contribute to service development, quality improvement, and outcome monitoring
About us
Young Epilepsy is the only UK charity dedicated to creating better lives for children and young people with epilepsy and related conditions and is based on a beautiful campus in Lingfield, Surrey, providing world class services.
Epilepsy can be one of the most frightening and isolating conditions a child can experience. The loss of any sense of safety, trapped in an unpredictable world, not knowing when their next seizure will happen, where it will happen, who will be there and if they will be hurt.
Living in this unpredictable world takes its toll on a childs physical and mental health, as well as impacting their education and social life. It can limit opportunities for the rest of their life.
Children with epilepsy have a right to be heard. We are here for them.
Together we can create a society where children and young people with epilepsy have a voice and can live happy, fulfilled lives. Through research that improves diagnosis and treatments, campaigning for childrens rights, and providing innovative tools, information, and practical support for living day-to-day life.
Together we create possible.
Job description Job responsibilities
Speech and Language Therapist Band 7
Part Time - 22.5 hours per week, 42 weeks of the year (Term Time plus 16 days)
From £26,920 per annum, depending on experience, plus HCAS Fringe payment
Permanent
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
The Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist is responsible for assessment, intervention and consultation of a specialist caseload - to facilitate development of students communication and eating and drinking skills. The Band 7 Speech & Language Therapist will also support the Speech and Language Therapy Team supervision and other additional duties.
Team-working
To meet the needs of all students effectively by working in partnership with other disciplines.
To demonstrate awareness of the roles of all other disciplines. To work together with other disciplines including educational and residential staff for the effective management of students wherever appropriate. To provide day to day support / line management for other team members as required. To direct the work of the Speech & Language Therapy Assistant and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Technician in delivering support for students across campus To provide support for Speech & Language Trainees on clinical placement. To provide information and data as required and contribute to audit as required. Specialist Clinical Work - Complex special needs
To manage a caseload of students with epilepsy and/or autism together with other complex developmental or acquired needs attending the School and College.
To provide a baseline assessment of each new students communication and/or eating/drinking skills and the environment in which these skills are used. To evaluate the impact of epilepsy and/or autism spectrum disorders together with other complex developmental or acquired needs on a students current communicative competence, taking into account variability and potential loss of skills.To provide detailed recommendations which are suitable for incorporation into the students education or care programmes.To deliver, and inform parents of the aims of, regular therapy sessions.To train and support staff in the management and fidelity of SALT Clinical guidelines .To identify other situations beyond the post holders current clinical competence and refer on/seek advice as needed.To contribute to EHCP reports and Annual reviews, advising on appropriate levels of intervention.To offer support, second opinions and supervision to other staff as required.Specialist Clinical Work - AAC
To co-ordinate provision of suitable Augmentative and Alternative Communication support for students with complex needs on the post holders caseload by assessment, diagnostic therapy and advice.
To direct the work of the AAC Technician in providing resources and/or training as required.To instigate trials / provision of suitable equipment where needed and liaise on funding.Clinical Work - Eating and Drinking Difficulties
To undertake assessment of eating and drinking difficulties which may be referred by others in the team.
To assess students over meal and snack times as required.To produce Eating and Drinking Risk Management Plans and, where appropriate, skill-building Programmes.To monitor the implementation of recommendations. To liaise closely with medical and other staff in planning intervention and service development. To identify situations beyond the post holders current clinical competence and refer on/seek advice as needed. To liaise with external professionals as required. To support in the management of the dysphagia caseload. Staff Training
To train staff and carers on topics related to communication and/or eating and drinking.
To run training sessions for internal staff in association with other Speech & Language Therapists on topics related to Speech, Language and Communication Needs and evidence-based practice To participate in staff induction as required. To offer external training courses in association with members of the Speech & Language Therapy team or other staff. General
This job description is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable and appropriate tasks.
All Young Epilepsy staff share a commitment to the participation and engagement of children and young people and their voices.
All duties must be carried out in accordance with Health and Safety regulations as given by the Young Epilepsy Health and Safety policy and procedures.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Certificate to practise from RCSLT. Registered member of RCSLT and HCPC.
Desirable
Evidence of higher study Signing qualification (e.g. Signalong, Makaton, BSL) Dysphagia qualification
Personal Qualities Essential
Excellent interpersonal skills. Flexible team member. Able to work independently towards deadlines. Able to provide and receive complex sensitive information.
Skills, Knowledge and Aptitude Essential
Confident in delivering training to different audiences. Advanced specialist clinical knowledge relevant to the client group PC literate.
Desirable
Experience in an education setting. Use of signing (training can be given). Experience in dysphagia assessment and management.
Experience Essential
Extensive postgraduate clinical SLT experience in a range of settings. Experience in paediatrics, learning disability or acquired disorders. Experience with autism or complex needs. Experience in supervising other staff.
Desirable
Experience in an education setting. Use of signing (training can be given). Experience in dysphagia assessment and management
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Young Epilepsy
Address St Piers Lane
Lingfield
Surrey
RH7 6PW
Employer's website https://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)