Specialist Paediatric Speech & Language Therapist - Mainstream schools in Chester

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) provides high quality, safe and effective healthcare to the people of Cheshire and beyond. The Trust manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford. It is part of the Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP), offering a range of community services across South Cheshire and Vale Royal.

We are looking for a qualified Speech and Language Therapist with experience working with children and young people to join the Mainstream Schools team in the Chester and Ellesmere Port locality. You will deliver evidence‑based assessment and intervention in a variety of settings, including mainstream schools and specialist provisions, supporting children with complex needs.

Main Duties of the Job

• Completion of standardised assessments and evidence‑based intervention in a variety of different settings.
• Implementation of evidence based practice within the service.
• Working alongside education colleagues, parents, and other members of the MDT to contribute towards outcomes.
• Involvement in the training programme offered by the service to promote a Universal, Targeted and Specialist tiered service.
• Participation in the EHCP process – both statutory assessments and annual reviews.
• Contribution to peer review groups to promote CPD.
• Supervision and support to Band 5 Speech and Language Therapists, Therapy Assistants, and Students.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide assessment, diagnosis and appropriate speech and language therapy intervention in line with RCSLT Communicating Quality 3.
• Manage a defined caseload independently.
• Prioritise tasks and manage time with minimal support.
• Decide when to discontinue the management of a client, ensuring relevant professionals and clients/carers are informed promptly.
• Seek clinical support and advice from senior clinicians as needed.
• Work closely with appropriate agencies and colleagues to exchange information and ensure comprehensive client management.
• Provide professional advice in the form of reports for statutory assessment of special educational needs and undertake annual reviews when requested.
• Offer information, advice and support to clients and their carers.
• Give and request second opinions when appropriate.
• Attend multidisciplinary meetings as required.
• Be advised on the use of current practice by senior clinicians.
• Arrange placements for Speech and Language Therapy students as appropriate.
• Supervise assistants and volunteers as required.
• Provide support for newly qualified Speech and Language Therapy students as appropriate.
• Participate in the development of innovative practice in collaboration with senior clinicians.
• Partake in activities designed to improve the effectiveness of service provision.
• Develop clinical expertise under direction and in consultation with senior clinicians.
• Keep up to date with current clinical and technological advances.
• Provide training to others as appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• HCPC Registered

Desirable Qualifications

• Appropriate Postgraduate Qualifications

Essential Experience

• Evidence of paediatric assessment and treatment skills.
• Evidence of working with school‑age children.
• Evidence of working within a variety of settings including EYFS settings, clinics and schools.
• Evidence of caseload management.
• Knowledge of SEND.

Desirable Experience

• Student mentor.

Essential Values / Requirements

• Evidence of understanding of MCHFT Behaviours and values.
• Car driver.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Salt Team – Chester and Ellesmere Port Locality, 1829 Building, Chester, CH2 1HJ.