Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to join our supportive and dynamic team on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave until 27th August 2027.
This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified or early-career therapist to develop their clinical skills within a well-established service, working predominantly within the school aged service.
The role will need you to:
- Assess, diagnose, and manage a varied caseload of patients with speech, language, and communication needs
- Deliver evidence-based interventions in line with best practice
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, families, carers, and external agencies
- Maintain accurate clinical records and reports
- Participate in service development and team meetings
You will need to have:
- Degree (or equivalent) in Speech and Language Therapy
- Registered with the HCPC (or eligible for registration)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to continuing professional development
We will offer:
- A supportive and friendly working environment
- Regular supervision and mentoring
- Opportunities for training and professional development
- Flexible working options (where possible)
Main duties of the job
- Providing high quality, child-centred care for children on community SLT caseloads from 0-19 years.
- Working with the clinical leads and other members of the team to develop, change and improve service delivery.
- To work in collaboration with other professionals and agencies to provide holistic care to the children under the speech and language therapy service (Schools, preschool/nursery settings, Family Hubs).
- Developing strong relationships with schools in order to support settings in their awareness of, confidence in and implementation of Universal and Targeted levels of support.
- Delivering direct Specialist level support and interventions within schools.
- Supporting non-qualified staff and students working within the team.
- Providing specialist knowledge and skills within relevant clinical area.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Specialist knowledge of assessments and interventions for client group.
- Knowledge of national and local policies and procedures relevant to client group and role.
- Understanding of the role of other professionals (relevant to care group).
- Awareness of policies and procedures relating to Child Protection.
Desirable
- Knowledge of PCI, Hanen strategies.
- Knowledge of educational training packages e.g. ELKLAN, WellComm.
- Knowledge of various strategies and interventions e.g. PECS, Makaton, Core Boards.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of engaging effectively with a range of client groups.
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience within the NHS
- Experience of delivering and developing training.
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent (Post Graduate Diploma or MSc in Speech and Language Therapy leading to registration with HCPC).
- Membership of RCSLT
- HCPC membership
- Ability to travel to different places of work/driving licence
Desirable
- Additional accreditations in Specialist areas of diagnosis and/or intervention pertinent to Speech and Language Therapy.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust in Colchester, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist role. The advertised salary is £32,073 - £39,043 per annum. The contract type is 12 months (Fixed term/secondment until 27th August 2027). The application deadline is 28 Jul 2026.
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