Communication and Language Specialist (CALS) in Birmingham

Chatterbug is looking for a caring, organised and motivated Communication and Language Specialist (CALS) to support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). Working alongside Speech and Language Therapists, you will help children develop their communication skills through structured screening and individual or group interventions. You will use Chatterbug's Brightspeech screening tools, monitor progress and support parents, carers and education practitioners to implement agreed communication strategies. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working directly with children, building positive relationships and making a meaningful difference to their development. You will receive role‑specific training, regular clinical supervision and opportunities to develop your skills while working within clear clinical guidelines.

If you are dependable, observant, communicate well and are passionate about helping children and young people achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

• You will carry out speech, language and communication screening using Brightspeech tools, deliver agreed individual and group interventions, and re‑screen children at appropriate review points to monitor progress.
• You will maintain accurate records, share observations and outcomes with the supervising Speech and Language Therapist, and raise any concerns or unexpected findings promptly.
• You will also contribute information to therapist‑led assessments and support the implementation of agreed communication strategies.
• The role involves working collaboratively with children, families, carers and education practitioners across settings such as schools, nurseries, homes, community venues and online appointments.
• You will adapt activities to individual communication needs while following agreed plans and professional boundaries.
• You will also participate in clinical supervision, training, quality assurance and service‑development activities.

About us

Chatterbug is an innovative social enterprise providing evidence‑based Speech and Language Therapy services across the UK. We aim to make a positive and lasting difference to children, young people, families and communities by improving access to support for speech, language and communication needs. Our team brings together clinical expertise, practical resources, technology and strong partnerships. We value open communication, collaboration, dependability and resilience, and encourage our people to take ownership of their work, share ideas and learn from feedback. We offer a supportive working environment with role‑specific induction, competency development and regular clinical supervision. Our employee benefits include seven weeks annual leave, pro rata, a NEST pension scheme with 5% employee and 3% employer contributions, a healthcare cash plan, wellbeing support, a Blue Light Card and employee discount platforms. Enhanced maternity provision and other cover are available subject to the relevant eligibility and service conditions. We are committed to safeguarding, inclusion and creating a workplace where people from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and supported.

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

To support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) under the direction and supervision of a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). The role involves using Chatterbug's Brightspeech screening tools, delivering planned interventions, monitoring progress and supporting person‑centred services across schools, nurseries, homes, community venues and online settings.

Job Summary

The postholder will conduct Brightspeech screenings within their training and competence, deliver individual and group interventions as directed by screening outcomes or SLT‑agreed plans, re‑screen to monitor progress, maintain accurate records and promptly report outcomes and concerns. They will contribute to SLT assessments through structured observations, support families and education practitioners to implement agreed strategies, and participate in service development. The CALS must work within the boundaries of the role and must not independently diagnose SLCN, undertake specialist SLT assessments, materially change clinical plans or make final referral or discharge decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Clinical Responsibilities
• Screen children and young people using Brightspeech tools in accordance with training, protocols and agreed competence.
• Deliver individual and group interventions based on screening outcomes or plans agreed with the supervising SLT.
• Re‑screen at agreed review points and accurately record screening, intervention and progress outcomes.
• Report progress, unexpected findings, risks and concerns promptly to the supervising SLT.
• Escalate concerns and refer to an SLT through agreed pathways where further assessment is required.
• Contribute to SLT assessments through structured observations and information gathered from children, families and education practitioners.
• Prepare and deliver intervention activities, adapting them within agreed parameters while maintaining clinical aims.
• Use visual supports, signs, symbols and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) approaches following training and SLT guidance.
• Support families and education practitioners to implement agreed communication strategies.
• Manage delegated workloads, seek supervision and recommend intervention reviews to the SLT.
• Final clinical decisions remain with the SLT.
• Contribute to service improvement and maintain screening and therapy resources safely.
• Communication and Record Keeping
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with children, families, colleagues and professionals, considering individual, cultural and linguistic needs.
• Explain screening and intervention activities within the scope of the role and share agreed strategies accessibly.
• Keep the supervising SLT informed of progress, barriers, risks, safeguarding concerns and changes in presentation.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in Chatterbug systems, complying with confidentiality, data protection and information governance requirements.
• Attend relevant meetings, reviews and service‑promotion activities.
• Teaching and Practitioner Support
• Deliver prepared training, demonstrations and workshops within agreed competence and with SLT support.
• Support families and education practitioners to deliver agreed interventions and communication strategies.
• Gather feedback and review the effectiveness of training with the supervising SLT.
• Clinical Governance and Safeguarding