At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in communication and swallowing through expert therapy.
- Company: Join Sirona care & health CIC, a dedicated NHS employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive NHS benefits, including 27+ days of annual leave and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young children and their families.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience with dysphagia and complex needs required.
The predicted salary is between 56515 - 56515 £ per year.
Main area: Children's Speech & Language Therapy
Grade: Band 7
Contract: Fixed term: 12 months (Maternity Leave Cover)
Hours: Part time Job share Flexible working 30 hours per week
Job ref: 083-8104139-WW
Employer: Sirona care & health CIC
Employer type: NHS
Site: Patchway Hub
Town: Bristol
Salary: £49,387 - £56,515 per annum, pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 21/07/2026 08:00
Job overview:
Are you passionate about working with children with complex needs? We are looking for an experienced, dysphagia qualified Speech and Language Therapist to manage a caseload of 0-5 year olds with complex eating, drinking, swallowing and communication needs. You will be supported by the Clinical Lead for Dysphagia and the School Age Complex Needs Team Lead. The Children’s Therapy Services identify, assess, support and manage the health needs of children and young people aged 0-18 years, working closely with children and their families in health settings and family homes; and with education colleagues in early years and school settings. You will work across South Gloucestershire and Bristol supporting pre-school children with complex needs and their families in the community. The majority of the clinical work is dysphagia but there will also be some communication work, usually involving augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). You will see children for uni-professional appointments and as part of our multi-disciplinary child centred assessments. This role is offered as a fixed-term contract for 12 months to provide maternity cover.
Main duties of the job:
- A highly specialist clinical practitioner, being a source of expertise, providing support, supervision, teaching, advice and consultation across BNSSG.
- You will offer highly specialist clinical expertise within complex needs and dysphagia and carry your own highly specialist caseload.
- You will triage new referrals to the team alongside other band 7 practitioners, according to agreed referral criteria.
- You will be responsible for line managing junior colleagues.
This is a fixed term post for maternity leave cover.
Benefits:
Agenda for Change Salary, full NHS benefits, 27+ days’ annual leave, and participation in the NHS Pension Scheme – just a glimpse of the benefits we offer.
Person specification:
Experience & Skills:
- Experience of line management
- Experience working with children with dysphagia
- Experience of working with children with complex needs
- Experience working with under 1s with dysphagia
- Previous experience in clinical specialist role
Qualifications:
- Degree level qualification recognised by Professional Governing Body (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists/Chartered Society of Physiotherapists/ Royal College of Occupational Therapists)
- HCPC Registration
- Evidence of Master Level post qualification accredited training and participation in ongoing regular CPD in area of clinical specialism (e.g. Bobath training, Post-grad accredited Dysphagia training)
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 it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Speech & Language Therapist Early Years Complex Needs & Dysphagia in Bristol employer: Sirona-Care-
Sirona care & health CIC is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Speech & Language Therapists passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with complex needs. With flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and full NHS benefits, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in the vibrant community of Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Speech & Language Therapist Early Years Complex Needs & Dysphagia in Bristol
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Sirona-Care- who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Sirona-Care- can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Speech & Language Therapist Early Years Complex Needs & Dysphagia in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Sirona-Care- and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Sirona-Care- see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sirona-Care-
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Sirona-Care-.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Sirona-Care- about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Sirona-Care- supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
