Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Leeds

Chatterbug Limited is a National Social Enterprise providing a range of Speech and Language Therapy services. We believe in providing high quality, evidence based input that delivers real results. At the core of our service we have four values that form our Chatterbug Constitution and guide how we conduct ourselves:

• Open
• Connected
• Dependable

Job Purpose

To plan, deliver and develop high quality Speech and Language Therapy services across a range of settings, ensuring client centred, evidence based care. The postholder will combine specialist clinical leadership with responsibility for supporting service development, quality assurance, and representing Chatterbug at local and national levels. You will lead service development in line with organisational priorities, support junior colleagues, and represent the service at both local and national levels.

The Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist is accountable for maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence while contributing to the strategic objectives of the organisation. They will ensure services are safe, effective, and evidence based, while actively contributing to the organisation's growth and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Practice
  • Assess, diagnose and provide intervention for children and young people with a wide range of Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), including complex cases.
  • Develop and implement evidence-based therapy plans, measuring and reporting on outcomes.
  • Provide second opinions and clinical guidance to colleagues, ensuring consistent high‐quality practice.
  • Contribute to multi‐disciplinary assessments and panels, offering specialist advice.
• Leadership & Supervision
  • Provide clinical management, supervision, and mentoring to junior therapists, assistants, and newly qualified practitioners.
  • Support clinical competency development and build a strong supervision framework.
  • Uphold the Chatterbug Constitution and values, modelling expected behaviours and guiding junior colleagues to do the same.
  • Lead on the development of clinical pathways and quality assurance processes.
  • Take a lead role in clinical governance, ensuring clinical standards are met across the service.
• Service Development & Business Growth
  • Support the organisation in measuring clinical and social impact, implementing improvements where needed.
  • Work strategically with senior leaders to ensure services are aligned with business KPIs and sector priorities.
  • Represent Chatterbug at professional external forums, strengthening networks, partnerships and raise the profile of the organisation.
  • Contribute specialist expertise to business growth activities, including tenders, funding applications, and impact reporting.
• Training & CPD
  • Deliver high-quality training to colleagues, parents, schools, and external professionals.
  • Share up-to-date research, ensuring practice reflects current evidence and neuroaffirming approaches.
  • Take responsibility for your own professional growth through CPD, audits, and service development activities.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Advanced clinical expertise, particularly in complex SLCN cases.
• Strong caseload management and outcome‐focused therapy planning.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to share complex information clearly.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and lead others.
• Skilled in project management, service development, and quality assurance.
• Confident in contributing to reports, policies, and legal frameworks (e.g., EHCPs).
• Aware of digital tools, AI in practice, and emerging trends in SLT.

Professional Standards

• Extensive knowledge and ability to uphold speech and language therapy practice, HCPC/RCSLT guidelines, and evidence-based approaches.
• Uphold safeguarding frameworks and clinical governance requirements.
• Contribute to audits, research, and policy development to inform and enhance practice.
• Maintain accurate, accessible clinical records and reports in line with professional and organisational standards.
• Commit to ongoing professional development, demonstrating reflective practice and engagement with specialist training.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, innovative and solution‐focused.
• Empathetic and supportive, fostering positive relationships with families and colleagues.
• Organised and adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Committed to upholding the values and ethos of the organisation.
• Collaborative: Works effectively across the senior leadership tier and with the Clinical Service Manager.
• Professional: Models integrity, ethical practice, and accountability.
• Resilient & Flexible: Maintains focus and positivity under pressure, adapting to change.
• Client‐Focused & Results‐Oriented: Prioritises client outcomes while delivering against KPIs.
• Innovative & Knowledgeable: Brings forward new solutions, aligning with sector trends.

This job description acts only as a guide and is not an exhaustive list. This role may be allocated additional tasks in line with the business needs and developments.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent).
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) relevant to specialist clinical practice.
• Postgraduate training in specialist clinical areas (e.g., complex needs, autism, AAC).

Experience

• Significant post‐qualification experience working with children and young people with a wide range of Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), including complex cases.
• Experience of line management and/or staff performance supervision.
• Experience providing clinical supervision, mentoring, or management to junior colleagues.
• Experience contributing to or leading service development projects.
• Experience delivering training to professionals, parents, or wider audiences.
• Experience working across multidisciplinary teams and settings (e.g., schools, clinics, health panels).
• Evidence of contributing to service growth or pathway development.
• Experience contributing to service audits, research, or clinical governance activities.
• Experience representing services at regional or national level (e.g., panels, professional forums).
• Experience contributing to business development activities (e.g., tenders, presentations).

Skills & Knowledge

• In‐depth knowledge of assessment and intervention approaches for a wide range of SLCN.
• Strong understanding of complex needs and neuroaffirming approaches.
• Aware of current evidence base, clinical guidelines, and emerging research.
• Understanding of safeguarding, SEN processes, and relevant legal frameworks (including EHCPs).
• Advanced clinical reasoning and decision‐making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload independently and effectively.
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and developing others.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to deliver high‐quality training and CPD.
• Competence in report writing (e.g., EHCPs, Annual Reviews, clinical reports).
• Ability to work proactively at both clinical and strategic levels.
• Aware of digital tools and AI applications in therapy and service delivery.

Job Specific Requirements

• Ability to travel independently across the geographical area.
• Valid driving licence.
• Access to own vehicle.
• Ability to work flexibly in accordance with service needs.