Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Youth Justice Service in London

Contract: Fixed term, 9‐12 months (maternity cover). Full time – 37.5 hours per week.

Site: Wood End Centre, Town Hayes.

Salary: £53,751 – £60,651 per annum (incl. HCAS pro rata).

Closing date: 02/02/2026 23:59.

About CNWL

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) provides integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, including Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. The Trust serves diverse communities and is committed to equality, diversity and safeguarding.

Job Overview

Band 7 role covering maternity leave within the Youth Justice Service. You will lead all aspects of Speech and Language Therapy for children aged 10‐18 in Hillingdon Youth Justice and Adolescent Services.

Main Duties

• Provide specialist assessment and intervention for children known to the Service.
• Consultative advice to the professional network and attend multi‐disciplinary meetings.
• Recommend changes to physical environments and written communications.
• Deliver training to Service professionals.
• Gather and report data, including key performance indicators.
• Lead on quality governance, audits, projects and service development.
• Provide shadowing opportunities, second opinions and support the CNWL Criminal Justice Speech and Language Peer Support Network.
• Coordinate with the Hillingdon Youth Justice Service Health Hub.
• Assess, intervene, and make onward referrals to CAMHS, Child Development, Audiology, etc.
• Adapt practice to individual circumstances, including cultural, linguistic and learning diversity.
• Use negotiation and conflict management skills, including aggression management and safeguarding procedures.
• Maintain sensitivity to emotional needs, use trauma‐informed practices and ensure engagement of children, parents/carers and the professional network.
• Document safeguarding concerns, participate in case conferences and reviews, and record in clinical records.
• Work independently and attend NHS clinical supervision every 6‐8 weeks.
• Compile evidence of professional development for RCSLT CPD log.
• Work within relevant legal frameworks, e.g. SEND, London Safeguarding Children Procedures, Youth Justice Guidance.

Working for Our Organisation

• Regular supervision meetings with a team leader every 6‐8 weeks.
• Peer support network of Speech and Language Therapists within Criminal Justice.
• Supportive working environment with opportunities for informal support.
• Opportunities for clinical and leadership skill development with a varied caseload.
• Opportunities to set up innovative projects and improve the service.

Qualifications

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent.
• Further training in Sauma Informed Practices, social, emotional and mental health.
• Health and Care Professions Council licence.
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Extensive training relevant to the post.
• Member of CEN relevant to post.

Experience

• Experience working with secondary‐age children with speech, language and communication difficulties, including co‐occurring social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Experience working in a multi‐disciplinary team.
• Experience delivering training.
• Experience leading projects to improve or develop service.
• Experience completing clinical audits and presenting findings.
• Experience working within the Youth Justice Service.
• Experience working alongside children's social care professionals.
• Experience managing a Speech and Language service.
• Experience presenting information at management/board meetings.

Skills and Knowledge

• In‐depth knowledge of assessment tools for school‐age children with SLCN and SEMH.
• Experience with a range of therapeutic approaches for children with SEMH and SLCN.
• Knowledge of clinical governance principles.
• Knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to SLCN.
• Good knowledge of roles of other professionals.
• Knowledge of record‐keeping standards.
• Experience with SYSTM1, Child View or Liquidlogic Children's Systems (LCS).

Other

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with professionals, children and their families.
• Evidence of being a pro‐active and supportive team member.
• Good negotiation and problem‐solving skills.
• Good analytical and reflection skills.
• Good presentation skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently, be organised and prioritise to meet deadlines.

Additional Information

• Vaccination is strongly encouraged for all NHS Trust staff.
• Due to high response levels, vacancies may expire prior to the advertised closing date.
• Applications requiring sponsorship will be considered.
• Probationary period: 13 weeks.
• Information will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system if offered.

Employer Certification / Accreditation Badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and requires Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Safeguarding

CNWL NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults.