Speech and Language Therapist

We are seeking to supplement our vibrant and busy Speech and Language department with a therapist who is keen to work with a strong specialist team. The department works closely with education staff in and outside the classroom and provides therapy/assessments for a wide range of students. This includes students in mainstream and in the department, which is a Specialist Resourced Provision for students with a language disorder.

The department offers a supportive environment for trialling and developing new and innovative ways of working. Therapists are involved in a range of activities and are integral members of the school community.

The Speech and Language Therapist will report to the Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and the Speech and Language Department Manager.

Job Description

The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not restrictive and the post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that may be required from time to time. Any such duties should not however substantially change the general character of the post.

Key Responsibilities

• To effectively manage a caseload of students with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD);
• To take part in the development of the Speech and Language department and the wider school;
• To conduct outreach work with other schools, as required.

Student Related Responsibilities

• 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 statements of education need, as appropriate;
• Provide speech and language assessment and intervention to identified mainstream pupils with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN);
• Be responsible for the planning and administering of a range of interventions, calling upon specialist staff for advice, as appropriate;
• Be responsible for collecting own work statistics e.g. amount of contact time, outcome measurements etc., as required;
• Work autonomously in collaborative, intensive and innovative ways;
• Be a reflective practitioner, considering and evaluating alternative and innovative approaches to the management of students with SLCN, and participating in research as required;
• Seek second opinions, and/or make referrals 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 students. 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.

Department and Wider School Responsibilities

• Work with volunteers and assistants as appropriate, deploying time and allocating duties within the multi-disciplinary team context;
• Contribute to school placements;
• Access support from colleagues, when necessary;
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of effective joint working practices;
• Contribute to developing and sustaining an appropriate communication environment within the department and wider school;
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings and INSET.

Personal Development Responsibilities

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the impact of DLD on pupils learning, keeping abreast of relevant initiatives and developments in the fields of Speech and Language Therapy and Education;
• Develop and/or maintain knowledge and competency in dealing with expressive and receptive language disorder and social communication difficulties in children and young people;
• Participate and contribution to one’s own performance appraisal and supervision sessions.

General Responsibilities

• Adhere to national and local standards and guidelines related to Professional Practice (Communicating Quality III), 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 keeping up to date with the requirements of the role, by attending appropriate INSET and meetings, and keeping abreast of changes in legislation;
• Actively promote safeguarding and the welfare of children and young persons;
• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, equal opportunities and race equality, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person;
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as may be required by the Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Deputy Director of Inclusion, Senior Leadership Team or the Headteacher.

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities for the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified.

The job description, in consultation with the post holder, may be changed by the Headteacher to reflect or anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job title.