# Advanced Speech and Language Therapist (Residential childcare), Band 7 > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/advanced-speech-and-language-therapist-residential-childcare-band-7/d94ddc5a-c35b-46f5-9a82-28b2bdfe0a08 - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/advanced-speech-and-language-therapist-residential-childcare-band-7/d94ddc5a-c35b-46f5-9a82-28b2bdfe0a08.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Belfast Health and Social Care Trust - **Town:** Belfast - **Region:** Belfast - **Country:** Northern Ireland - **Profession:** Speech and Language Therapist - **Grade:** Band 7 - **Salary:** £47,810 - £54,710 - **Contract type:** Permanent - **Closing date:** 2026-08-14T16:30:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-07-15T15:30:07.745Z - **Source information URL:** https://jobs.hscni.net/Job/48137/bhsctadvanced-speech-and-language-therapist-residential-childcare-band-7 - **Application URL:** https://jobs-app.hscni.net/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9MDA1MDU2OTNGMzJDMUZFMUEwOEFENjY5ODY5OTY3QTgmY2FuZF90eXBlPWU%3d - **Employer website:** https://belfasttrust.hscni.net ## Job Content ### Job details - Branch: Belfast HSCT - Location: TBC – Within Belfast Trust - Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710) - Contract Type: Permanent - Opening Date: 15/07/26 - Closes: Wed, 29 July 2026 @ 4:30 PM - Interview Dates: To be confirmed ### Notes We accept online applications only. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website. ### JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE Advanced Practitioner Speech and Language Therapist - Level 1 For Looked After Children within Children’s Residential Homes ### BAND 7 DIRECTORATE Children’s Community Services LOCATION TBC – within Belfast Trust REPORTS TO Head of Service for Residential and Edge of Care (Children’s Community Services - CCS) ACCOUNTABLE TO Director of Children’s Community Service Type of Contract: Permanent Hours: 37.5 hrs per week ### JOB SUMMARY The post holder will have a lead responsibility for the planning, design, delivery, development and evaluation of a specialist Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service for children and young people residing in residential care within the children’s homes, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT). The post holder will work as an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team for Looked after Children (LAC) within the residential childcare service in BHSCT. Children and Young people within residential care may exhibit the impacts of complex trauma histories such as attachment issues, emotional difficulties and challenging behaviours. Within residential care, the multidisciplinary team around the child provides team-based trauma, attachment and developmentally informed therapeutic planning and supports to residential childcare staff in line with the Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care. The post holder work in close collaboration with the Highly Specialist Psychologist for Residential Staff Support to ensure there is a whole systems approach. The post holder will be operationally line managed by the Head of Service Residential Childcare. Professional and Clinical Supervision will be provided by the Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Lead. The post holder will work as part of the wider AHP and SLT teams and in close liaison with Multidisciplinary Teams, statutory and voluntary agencies. The post holder will develop and provide a comprehensive Speech and Language Therapy service within Children’s Residential Homes focusing on supporting children and young people to engage in positive, meaningful interactions. The Speech and Language Therapist will assess, treat and support children/ young people referred to the Children’s Residential Homes Speech Therapy service. The post holder will be required to work flexibly this may involve weekends, evenings and weekends. The post holder will contribute towards the on-going development of the Children’s Residential Homes AHP and Psychology resource and assist in the development of integrated multi-professional working within the framework of relevant competencies. ### KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To provide a high level of clinical expertise in the screening, assessment, diagnosis and support of looked after children and young people within the residential childcare service with a broad range of speech, language and communication needs in partnership residential staff, social work staff, Residential Psychology Lead, other relevant Health professionals / Educational providers and other external agencies as appropriate. To be responsible for the planning and management of the caseload in conjunction with the Head of service Residential and Edge of care (CCS), with the SLT Clinical Lead and wider Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) as appropriate. To communicate information concerning the screening / assessment outcomes and any subsequent recommendations / treatment plans. This will include written reports to the wider Multidisciplinary Team and other professionals / staff as required. To offer advice and support to the Children and young people and actively engage them in planning and therapeutic interventions To provide expert consultation about the speech, language and communication needs of the children and young people, to both staff and other relevant agencies both within and outside of the Trust. To work in an integrated and trauma focused way to improve the outcomes for children and young people in line with the Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic care (NIFITC) In conjunction with the Head of service residential and Edge of care (CCS), Residential Psychology Clinical Lead and the Clinical Lead SLT be responsible for the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of specialist advice, consultation and training for Trust staff, other agencies and carers as and when appropriate. To ensure close working with colleagues in specialised Multidisciplinary Teams, in the planning and implementation of joint programmes as appropriate. To refer children and young people to Specialist Speech and Language Therapy Services for further specialist assessment and advice as appropriate in liaison with the Clinical Lead. To monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the clinical practice and cooperate with the Head of service residential and Edge of care (CCS) Clinical Lead and Assistant Manager for SLT Children’s community services and other senior staff, in the development of efficient and effective models of clinical intervention and service delivery. To be proactive in the research and application of evidence-based practice to ensure communication supportive environments, which maximise children and young people’s communication skills and learning opportunities. The post holder must be prepared to undertake further training as required. Clinical and Professional Responsibilities To develop and extend a level of advanced professional knowledge, clinical practice and expertise relevant to the client group. To work in partnership with other professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies, parent and carers in the delivery of a Speech and Language Therapy Service which is sensitive to the needs of the specified group of children and young people. To support, guide and supervise junior staff as required. To engage in Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) and co-production as a means of developing and delivering services. Participate in the induction and training for Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy Assistants as required. To provide second opinion to other Speech and Language Therapy staff across Belfast Trust as appropriate. To provide advice to Clinical Lead and Assistant Manager for SLT Children’s community services regarding the development of services for the client group. To assist the Clinical Lead in the identification of, and take delegated responsibility for, the development and implementation of policies, standard setting, audits and evaluation of service developments within the clinical area. To provide appropriate advice reports in relation to the Education (NI) Order 1996 and Code of Practice (DENI) within specified time scales as required. To adhere to the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists Professional Standards. To adhere to Heath and Care Professions Council (H.C.P.C.) standards. To be accountable for one’s own professional actions, recognise professional boundaries and seek advice as appropriate. To provide clinical placements for all undergraduate students and Speech and Language Therapy Students from Year 1 up to and including Year 3. To maintain clinical competency through the review and evaluation of current research and evidence based practice. To be responsible for continued personal and professional development. To attend and participate in Staff Forums, Team Meetings, and Quality Evidence days as appropriate. To attend and participate in clinical excellence networks (CEN) and any regional meetings specific to the specialist clinical areas of work as appropriate. To liaise with other relevant Health and Social Services staff, Education staff, and non-statutory organisations. To initiate and participate in case conferences as required. To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal with the Head of service residential and Edge of care (CCS) / SLT Clinical Lead. Managerial responsibilities both within an operational and strategic context To be responsible for maintenance of records and completion of administrative tasks necessary for operational management of the service. To take responsibility for the operational management of the relevant caseload. To collect and submit clinical statistics/data as required by the Professional Leads. To participate in clinical audit, peer review and standard setting for audit, and share outcomes of audit as appropriate. To provide professional advice to the SLT Clinical Lead / Assistant Manager for SLT Children’s community services on issues relating to clinical and social care governance. To adhere to the Trust policies and procedures regarding information governance. To contribute to the Speech and Language Therapy Department business planning process, as appropriate. To ensure adherence to the clinical and social care governance guidelines within the Speech and Language Therapy Team and inform the Clinical and Service Lead of any issues. To adhere to the Trust Complaints Procedure. To support, guide and delegate duties to junior staff or administrative staff as appropriate. To participate in recruitment and selection procedures as appropriate. To promote the Speech and Language Therapy Service through competent, efficient and effective work practices. To adhere to the departmental procedures which outline the minimum quality standards expected from Speech and Language Therapy staff to their client group. To adhere to the Trust’s policy on continuous quality improvement. To identify, participate in, record, share research and service development and evaluate practice on an ongoing basis, both within Trust and a regional / national level as appropriate. To contribute to in-service training throughout the Trust. To contribute to lectures, seminars and conferences as requested. To follow the Trust’s Research Committee requirements and the R.C.S.L.T.’s Guidelines for Research as laid down in the Code of Professional Conduct. To promote a culture of Continuous Professional Development within the team. To be committed to the development of the service area through high standards of clinical practice, data collection, systematic evaluation of therapeutic approaches and outcomes and the development of evidence based practice. To be aware of current legislation and policies in relation to the post. To be accountable to the Clinical Lead and Head of service residential and Edge of care (CCS) and other relevant staff with regard to all resources. To advise the Clinical Lead of training required for less experienced staff and assistants. To be responsible for the selection, care and maintenance of equipment and test materials and advise the Clinical and Service Lead and Head of service residential and Edge of care (CCS) of any requirements. To carry out any other designated duties which may be required relating to the particular needs of the service. ### HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES The Trust supports and promotes a culture of collective leadership where those who have responsibility for managing other staff: Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the required performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the services they deliver. Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and support. Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning. Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making. Adhere to and promote Trust policy and procedure in all staffing matters, participating as appropriate in a way which underpins Trust values. General Management Responsibilities Participate in the Trust’s Staff Development and Performance Review Scheme. Review individually on a regular basis the performance of immediately subordinate staff. Provide guidance on personal development requirements and advise on and initiate, where appropriate, further training. Ensure that the review of performance identified above is performed for all levels of staff within the Trust in accordance with the Trust Board’s policy. Maintain good staff relationships and morale amongst the staff reporting to him/her. Where appropriate, review the organisational plan and establishment levels and ensure that each is consistent with achieving objectives and recommend change where appropriate. Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to the level of staff within his/her control consistent with effective decision making whilst retaining responsibility and accountability for results. Participate as required in the selection and appointment of staff reporting to him/her in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust. Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust. Promote the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity through his/her own actions and ensure that this policy is adhered to by staff for whom he/she has responsibility. ### General Responsibilities Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and: At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner. Promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable. Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them. Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy. Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations. Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment. Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision. Maintain high standards of personal accountability. Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct. Information Governance All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt. Environmental Cleaning Strategy The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public. Infection Prevention and Control The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff. This includes:- Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’); Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique; Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment; Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet); Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry; Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised; Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions. Personal Public Involvement Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI). Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information. http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and ### PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION JOB TITLE AND BAND Advanced Practitioner Speech and Language Therapist - Band 7 For Looked After Children, Children’s Residential Homes DIRECTORATE Children’s Community Services (CCS) SALARY Band 7 HOURS 37.5 hrs ### Notes to applicants You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn. ### ESSENTIAL CRITERIA SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below. Factor Criteria Ideally no more than 6-8 criteria in this section Method of Assessment Experience & Qualification Applicants must have a minimum of four years recent, relevant postgraduate clinical experience with children and young people with a range of speech, language and communication difficulties. Experience working as part of a Multidisciplinary Team. Advanced training and experience of communication and associated disorders for children and young people at postgraduate level e.g. Msc or equivalent. Knowledge and experience of delivering training with parent/carers, other professionals/staff groups. Shortlisting by Application Form Registration SLT Degree / diploma recognised by Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Current registration of R.C.S.L.T and license to practice. Current registration of Health Care Professional Council Shortlisting by Application Form Other Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. (This criterion will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving, but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post). Shortlisting by Application Form SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage: Skills / Abilities Knowledge of minimum quality standards of speech and language therapy practice as outlined by RCSLT and HCPC. Experience designing, delivering and evaluating training packages to parents/ carers and other professionals Knowledge of the Education (NI) Order 1996 and Code of Practice (DENI) with good understanding of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and how learning difficulties and communication difficulties impact on this. An understanding of current research in the areas associated with the specified client group. Demonstrates ability to be a good team member using excellent interpersonal skills and assuming leadership responsibilities. Highly developed skills in negotiation, problem solving skills, analysis and reflection. Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal to include ability for succinct clinical note taking and report writing. Excellent organisational, time management and prioritisation skills. Ability to work flexibly as part of a multidisciplinary team. Interview Knowledge Well established knowledge of a broad range of screening/assessment tools relevant to the specialist client group. Knowledge of the Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care Knowledge of national policies and procedures (relevant to the specialist client group). In depth knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions and programmes. Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance /audit. A knowledge of how to use outcome measures to evaluate intervention. Understanding of the roles of other professionals/staff (relevant to the specialist client group) and for multidisciplinary working Knowledge of standards of record keeping. Interview ### DESIRABLE CRITERIA SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted Factor Criteria Method of Assessment Experience Extensive, relevant CPD Interview INCLUDE FOR SENIOR POSTS (Band 8a or above) IF RELEVANT Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of which can be found at http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model. Particular attention will be given to the following dimensions: Inspiring shared purpose Leading with care Evaluating information Connecting our service Sharing the vision Engaging the team Holding to account Developing capability Influencing for results. As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for The Organisation to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed. ### THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER ### Successful applicants May be required to attend for a Health Assessment an expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply. Are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.