At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist assessment and intervention for children with feeding and communication needs.
- Company: Join Unlocking Language, a supportive and empowering team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, remote work options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, structured support, and a chance to work in diverse settings.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while growing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Recent qualification as a Speech and Language Therapist with HCPC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 β¬ per year.
To provide highly specialist assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for children with feeding, swallowing, and complex communication needs across community and clinic settings. The post holder will manage a complex caseload, support families and multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to service development.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently manage a specialist caseload of children with:
- Dysphagia (feeding and swallowing difficulties)
- Complex developmental needs (e.g. ASD, genetic conditions, neurological impairments)
- Communication difficulties associated with complex needs
- Carry out comprehensive assessments in clinic, home, and community settings
- Develop and implement evidence-based intervention plans for feeding and communication
- Provide risk assessments and management plans for dysphagia
- Deliver therapy through:
- Direct intervention
- Parent/carer coaching
- Training for school and care staff
- Monitor, evaluate, and adjust intervention plans based on outcomes
- Work closely with dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, paediatricians, and education staff
- Contribute to EHCPs, reports, and annual reviews
- Attend and contribute to MDT meetings and case discussions
- Provide specialist advice on feeding, nutrition, and communication strategies
- Deliver training to:
- Parents and carers
- School and nursery staff
- Support staff and wider professionals
- Provide clinical supervision and support to junior therapists, assistants, and students
- Act as a source of expertise within feeding and complex needs
Essential Experience
- Significant post-qualification experience (Band 6 or above)
- Experience working with:
- Paediatric feeding and dysphagia
- Children with complex needs
- Experience across community and/or clinic settings
Knowledge & Skills
- Advanced knowledge of:
- Paediatric dysphagia assessment and management
- Complex communication needs
- Strong clinical reasoning and decision-making skills
- Ability to work autonomously and prioritise workload
- Excellent communication skills with families and professionals
- Confidence delivering training and supervision
Key Features
- Varied caseload
- Be part of a collaborative SLT team
- Structured supervision and support from experienced SLTs
- Access to high-quality resources and team-wide CPD
- Opportunity to make a tangible difference
- Work from home days during half term holidays
- 12 weeks paid holiday*
- Birthday Leave
- Christmas and entire month of August off*
- Termly CPD days plus training budget*
*subject to contract
We are Looking For Someone Who
- Has recently qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist (HCPC registration required)
- Is passionate about working with children and young people in diverse educational and community settings
- Brings energy, empathy, and curiosity to their work
- Values teamwork, reflection and continuous development
Why Join Unlocking Language?
We are committed to excellence and empowerment, not only for the children and families we support, but for our team too. As part of Unlocking Language, you will be part of a warm and growing company that invests in your professional journey and celebrates your contribution.
Location: Community and clinic-based (including schools, homes, and clinic settings) East London
Hours: Full-time or Part-time
Salary: Β£50,000 - Β£55,000 (pro rata) per year
Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist β Feeding & Complex Needs employer: Unlocking Language
Unlocking Language is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Speech and Language Therapists. With a focus on professional development, our team enjoys structured supervision, access to high-quality resources, and generous benefits including 12 weeks of paid holiday and opportunities for continuous training. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across East London while being part of a passionate and empowering community.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist β Feeding & Complex Needs
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow Speech and Language Therapists, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to feeding and complex needs. We recommend role-playing with a friend or colleague to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives. Highlight your experience with dysphagia and complex communication needs to really stand out.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Unlocking Language.
We think you need these skills to ace Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist β Feeding & Complex Needs
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with paediatric feeding and dysphagia. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of our team and the children we support.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children and complex needs shine through in your application. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the lives of young people.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key experiences and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Donβt forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre considered for this fantastic opportunity with Unlocking Language.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unlocking Language
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of paediatric dysphagia and complex communication needs. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on and how you approached assessments and interventions. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
β¨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, be prepared to talk about your experiences collaborating with other professionals. Share examples of how youβve contributed to team discussions or supported colleagues, as this will highlight your teamwork skills.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations related to feeding and communication difficulties. Practising your responses can help you articulate your clinical reasoning and decision-making skills effectively.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, donβt forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Plus, itβs a great way to demonstrate your curiosity and eagerness to learn.