About this role
Job summary
Join Chatterbug as a Speech and Language Therapist in Sheffield and help children and young people develop the communication skills they need to thrive.
Working within Sheffields Experts at Hand model, you will support mainstream education settings to identify and respond to Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). You will work closely with education staff, families and multidisciplinary colleagues to provide practical, evidence-based support that makes a meaningful difference to childrens lives.
This is an opportunity to build your clinical skills, develop your professional confidence and contribute to a collaborative, needs-led service. With structured supervision, ongoing professional development and opportunities to contribute to service improvement, you will be supported to grow in your role while helping education settings create more communication-friendly environments.
Main duties of the job
As a Speech and Language Therapist, you will act as the named Link Therapist for allocated education settings, working with staff and families to understand children's communication needs and identify appropriate support.
Your responsibilities will include
- Carrying out observations, screening and proportionate assessments to inform support and intervention.
- Developing practical strategies and programmes to support children's speech, language and communication.
- Coaching and advising education staff to build their confidence in supporting children with SLCN.
- Working collaboratively with families, schools and multidisciplinary colleagues to achieve positive outcomes.
- Monitoring progress, gathering feedback and maintaining accurate clinical records and reports.
- Contributing to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), reviews and relevant meetings where appropriate.
- Recognising when children need more specialist input and supporting safe referrals and handovers.
- Participating in supervision, continuing professional development and service improvement activities.
You will work within your professional competence, using evidence-based practice and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues when needed.
About us
Chatterbug Limited is a national social enterprise providing Speech and Language Therapy services. We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based support that makes a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families.
Our work is guided by four core values: Open, Connected, Dependable and Fortitude. These values shape how we work with colleagues, families and partner organisations, encouraging honest communication, strong relationships, reliability and resilience.
At Chatterbug, you will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with education professionals and multidisciplinary colleagues, contribute to service development and help create positive outcomes for children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs.
We value continuous learning, professional development and a supportive approach to clinical practice. Through supervision, collaboration and opportunities to develop your skills, we aim to help our team deliver effective, person-centred services while contributing to our wider social mission.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Description
Job Title: Speech and Language TherapistService: Chatterbug Speech and Language TherapyLocation: SheffieldReports to: Clinical Specialist / Clinical Service Manager
About Chatterbug
Chatterbug Limited is a national social enterprise providing high-quality, evidence-based Speech and Language Therapy services. Our values are Open, Connected, Dependable and Fortitude.
Job Purpose
To deliver evidence-based Speech and Language Therapy within Sheffields Experts at Hand model. Working primarily in mainstream education settings, the postholder will provide universal and targeted support, strengthen education staffs confidence and skills, and improve outcomes for children and young people with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
This is a developmental role offering structured supervision and opportunities to build clinical reasoning, autonomy and professional skills.
Main ResponsibilitiesClinical Practice
- Assess and support children with a range of SLCN, working within professional competence and with appropriate supervision.
- Undertake observations, screening, functional and dynamic assessments, and other proportionate assessments.
- Develop and implement appropriate intervention programmes and evaluate outcomes.
- Advise on communication-friendly environments, considering the needs of children, families and education staff.
- Provide consultation, coaching and modelling to help education staff support children's communication needs.
- Identify when specialist input is required and support safe escalation and handover to specialist services.
- Represent the service at health and education panels and meetings where required.
- Use evidence-based practice and appropriate outcome measures.
Communication and Documentation
- Communicate assessment findings, recommendations and intervention plans clearly to children, families, carers and professionals.
- Produce accurate, accessible reports and practical advice.
- Involve children, families and education staff in planning and prioritising support.
- Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Individual Education Plans and annual reviews where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate clinical records in line with RCSLT standards and service policies.
- Share information appropriately, maintaining confidentiality and data protection.
Multidisciplinary Working and Service Development
- Act as the named Link Therapist for allocated education settings.
- Work collaboratively with education staff, families and locality multidisciplinary colleagues.
- Collect outcomes and feedback from children and families.
- Contribute to service improvement, research, clinical audits and governance activities as required.
- Maintain knowledge of safeguarding, special educational needs procedures and relevant legislation.
Professional Development
- Participate in supervision, appraisal, training and continuing professional development.
- Identify development needs and maintain a professional development plan.
- Follow RCSLT guidance, clinical guidelines, organisational policies and professional standards.
- Develop clinical reasoning, professional autonomy and knowledge of relevant digital systems and clinical tools.
Professional Responsibilities
- Recognise professional boundaries and seek advice when required.
- Maintain safe, person-centred practice and respond sensitively to children and families.
- Adapt practice to individual, cultural and linguistic needs.
- Follow health and safety requirements and report risks, incidents and hazards.
- Safeguard children, young people and adults in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.
- Comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, confidentiality requirements and other applicable legislation.
- Use and maintain clinical equipment safely and responsibly.
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights in accordance with relevant legislation, including the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998.
- Contribute to wider organisational initiatives in line with service needs.
This job description is not exhaustive. Additional duties may be allocated in line with service requirements and organisational developments.
Person SpecificationQualifications
Essential
- Qualified Speech and Language Therapist.
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Desirable
- Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
- Additional advanced training in specialist areas.
Experience
Essential
- Experience working with relevant client groups and education partners.
- Experience of relevant paediatric communication disorders.
Desirable
- Experience supporting Speech and Language Therapy Assistants (SLTAs).
- Experience planning and delivering training for teachers and parents.
- Experience contributing to EHCP applications.
- Experience participating in joint planning meetings.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and contributing to multidisciplinary diagnostic assessments.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of education processes and policies.
- Knowledge of relevant NICE guidelines.
- Knowledge of a range of Speech and Language Therapy interventions.
- Ability to produce high-quality reports for children with SLCN.
- Confident use of IT and digital systems.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with professionals, parents and carers.
- Understanding of Chatterbug's ethos and values.
Job-Specific Requirements
- Ability to travel independently across the geographical area.
- Valid driving licence.
- Access to own vehicle.
- Flexibility to work in accordance with service needs.
Core Behaviours
- Innovative and Knowledgeable: Uses evidence and creativity to solve problems and improve services.
- Respectful: Treats others fairly, listens actively and values different perspectives.
- Collaborative: Builds effective relationships and works towards shared goals.
- Resilient: Responds positively to challenges and maintains focus under pressure.
- Customer Focused: Prioritises the needs of children, families and partner organisations.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and accountability.
- Flexible: Adapts to changing priorities and service requirements.
- Curious: Seeks learning opportunities and contributes to continuous improvement.
- Results Oriented: Focuses on meaningful outcomes and delivers agreed objectives.
- Conscious Capitalism: Supports the social enterprise mission while considering sustainability and long-term value.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified Speech and Language Therapist.
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Desirable
- Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
- Additional advanced training in specialist areas.
Experience
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
ChatterBug Speech and Language Therapy Service
Address
Sheffield
S1 4PL
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://chatter-bug.com/ (Opens in a new tab)