Interview Date will be 6th October 2023

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Special Schools team in Berkshire West.

This Children's Speech and Language Advanced Therapist role is to support the communication of school age children with complex needs in the community. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced therapists in special schools, developing and sharing your skills in clinical areas such as AAC, eating + drinking and group sessions. You will work directly with the extended therapy team of physios, OTs and assistants, as well as highly skilled school staff.

This is a full time, fixed term role for 1 year. Flexible working opportunities, such as term time only and annualised hours, are available. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced therapists in Addington (Wokingham) and Avenue (Reading) special schools.

Our teams are enthusiastic, flexible and forward-thinking, embracing the use of social media to engage with our service users and exploring digital solutions to make us more accessible to children and their families.

Our Children and Young People's Integrated Therapy service (CYPIT) supports children and young people from birth to 19 years of age across Berkshire. As a service we are committed to an impact-based model of clinical decision making and co-production of therapy plans and next steps with our families and partners.

Main duties of the job

• To have highly developed specialist knowledge and expertise in the specific clinical specialism area of school age complex needs, including experience of supporting children/young people with communication difficulties as part of a complex learning profile.

• To manage a caseload of complex children within special schools and physical disability resources.

• To be a source of expertise for the defined area of specialism and be able to support and develop colleagues working across Berkshire West and be a point of reference for colleagues and managers where advice may be requested/needed.

• To undertake specialist clinical assessment and treatment of children and young people (CYPF) within the speciality of communication difficulties who may have complex presentations and/or support other clinicians to do this.

• To contribute to the development of service provision within their area of specialism alongside the CYPF operational team leads and professional leads. This includes ensuring best practice across the area of speciality and the service within CYPF.

• To lead the development of other therapists within the defined specialist area offering support, mentoring, training and specialist advice, as well as defining core competencies for staff to work towards.

• To undertake clinical audits and research within specialist area as required.

About us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust isa specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire.

We value diversity and are proud to be a Stonewall Top 100 Employer.We work hard to create an inclusive environment where you'll be supported by friendly and professional colleagues to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

We welcome people who share these values to come and work for us.

Benefits of working for us include:

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance.
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.
• Free parking across Trust sites

Job description

Job responsibilities

The must haves for this role:

Qualified Speech and Language Therapist, registered with HCPC

Experience of working within the Special School environment

Experience line managing / supporting junior members of staff

If youre someone who shares our passion for excellence and care, join us and lets be outstanding together.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Emma Marsh on 07815 485060 emma.marsh@berkshire.nhs.uk wholl be delighted to help.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required.

Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications/Training

Essential

• Diploma / Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• HCPC Registered

Desirable

• Member of a clinical interest group

Continuous Professional Development

Essential

• Masters degree in relevant area OR evidence of relevant experience within area of specialism, together with relevant short courses and/or post graduate training within a relevant field
• Evidence of CPD maintained in a portfolio including attendance at recent relevant post graduate courses

Previous Experience

Essential

• Evidence of experience in the field of specialism to a level of in depth knowledge and expertise
• Comprehensive range of supervisory experience
• Contribution to clinical education of less experienced staff, students or assistants
• Work in special school and / or physical disability resource settings
• Experience with AAC assessment / management

Desirable

• Experience with dysphagia assessment / management

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential

• High level of clinical knowledge and skill appropriate area of specialism
• Ability to pass on skills/knowledge to others within both formal and informal environments
• Ability to provide leadership to other team members
• Efficient, effective and diplomatic communication skills both written and verbal
• Awareness of the commissioning and provider landscape within children's services
• Basic computer literacy

Desirable

• Effective people management skills

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Ability to travel to multiple sites

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

CYPIT West Berkshire

University of Reading - Earley Gate

Reading

RG6 6BZ

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

371-CYP1347-B