Speech and Language Therapist

Posting date:	12 May 2025
Salary:	£37,068.00 to £38,058.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£37068.00 - £38058.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	23 May 2025
Location:	Morden, SM4 5DX
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	F0019-2783

Summary

MAIN PURPOSE To assess, diagnose and provide specialist speech and language therapy intervention for children and young people in mainstream schools across Merton. This role supports Mertons strategic goals for inclusive education and improved outcomes for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Assess, diagnose, and deliver interventions for pupils with a range of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), including: Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Social communication difficulties, Speech and voice disorders, Selective mutism, SLCN related to hearing impairment and global developmental delay. Deliver support through: Class/pupil observation, Individual assessment and reporting, Advice and programme planning for school staff, Modelling best practice and classroom strategies, Training for teaching assistants and other education professionals, Supporting SENCOs with inclusive provision planning. Provide clear, compassionate communication with parents and carers about therapy plans and outcomes. Maintain accurate, professional clinical records. Prepare tailored resources for use in therapy and school-based support. Contribute to capacity building in schools by supporting inclusive practices. Work collaboratively with other professionals (e.g. Educational Psychologists, OTs, Specialist Teachers). Participate in service planning and contribute to the delivery of Mertons SEN & Inclusion strategy. GENERAL To support specific service development priorities in line with the SEN & Inclusion Strategy. To deliver speech and language services within the parameters and desired outcomes for the Council. To work in partnership with the Team Managers for the purpose of service development and to be part of a workforce committed to raising attainment for pupils in Merton schools through inclusive education. To undertake all duties and interactions with colleagues, partner providers and customers fairly, without unlawful discrimination and with due regard to the Councils Diversity and Equality in Employment and Service Delivery policies. To carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Councils Core Values, Equal Opportunities Policy, Health and Safety Policy and all other borough and departmental policies and procedures, in particular the non-smoking policy and confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act. To maintain a working environment in which diversity is respected and responded to and equality of opportunity is promoted. To ensure complaints are responded to in accordance with the Customer Complaints Procedure. To use computers and other ICT in the normal performance of the duties of the post. To report robust information relating to the relevant performance indicators and any other relevant targets in accordance with the Councils Data Quality Strategy and to work proactively with the Language and Learning Support Team Manager to improve data quality where issues around timeliness or robustness of data have been identified. To be a full member of the team and work in collaboration with all other agencies to ensure co-ordination of services and best use of resources. To brief the Team Managers on all matters which are likely to be subject to publicity whether positive or negative. To contribute to the development of effective teamwork participating in established communication systems, team training and regular team meetings. To act under the supervision of Merton S&LT Team within SENDIS. To maintain professional memberships: Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Registration and Certification by Health Professionals Council (HPC) To keep up to date with new developments in appropriate fields, attend training and supervision sessions and contribute to workshops, seminars and conferences. To work flexibly and to undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required by the Team Managers. SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT Regular supervision (individual and peer). Clinical support from team leads in Autism, SEMH, DLD, and Complex Needs. Funded and internal CPD opportunities. Encouragement to join relevant Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs). Opportunities to supervise students and contribute to student placements. Flexible working arrangements including support for admin time at home. FUNCTIONAL LINKS Childrens Centres, Schools & Settings Operational Staff Parents/Carers CSF Teams Voluntary Sector Statutory Agencies Health Services WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR: Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy. HCPC registration. (Encouraged) RCSLT membership. Understanding of inclusive practice and safeguarding. Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills. Ability to work collaboratively across teams and disciplines. Willingness and ability to travel within the borough. Desirable: Experience working in schools (mainstream or special). Experience with a variety of SLCN including ASD and DLD. Experience training or supporting school staff. Experience liaising with parents/carers. Experience working in a multi-disciplinary setting.