Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist: Youth Justice Service

Cnwlnhshealthcharity; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading health charity in the UK is seeking a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for the Youth Justice Service. This permanent, part-time position involves providing expert SLT services and supporting staff in addressing speech and language needs for young people. Applicants should possess a relevant degree and substantial experience, including the ability to deliver training and work within a multi-agency framework. The role offers a salary of £53,751 - £60,651 per annum and various professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous relocation package

Flexible working options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent.
• Health Professions Council registration – Licence to Practice.
• Evidence of completion of specialist short courses relevant to young people with communication difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Provide a specialist SLT service to young people in the Youth Justice Service.
• Deliver core and specialist training for YJS staff.
• Support the design of communication-friendly intervention plans.

Skills

Therapeutic interventions

Assessment tools

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Recognized Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification

Health Professions Council registration

Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Job description

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist: Youth Justice Service

Grade: NHS AfC Band 7 | Contract: Permanent | Hours: Part time - 7.5 hours per week | Ref: 333-G-HCS-1159

Site: Alexandra Avenue Health & Social Care Centre Primary Care Hub, Town Harrow | Salary: £53,751 - £60,651 per annum incl HCAS (pro rata if P/T)

Job overview

Thanks to new investment from Harrow Local Authority, we’re launching an innovative Speech and Language Therapy role to work within the Youth Justice Service (YJS). This is a unique opportunity to shape a developing service that aims to improve outcomes for young people involved in or at risk of offending.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Speech and Language Therapist to help embed speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) awareness and practice across the YJS.

Main duties of the job

• Provide a specialist SLT service to the young people accessing the Youth Justice Service (YJS) and their families, the YJS staff and the partner agencies working with the young people.
• Provide expert guidance to case‑holding staff and multi‑agency teams to identify and respond to speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
• Support the implementation of SLCN screening tools at initial assessment, and advise on age‑appropriate, evidence‑based practice.
• Deliver core and specialist training to YJS staff and wider criminal justice partners, promoting trauma‑informed and communication‑supportive practices.
• Contribute to the design and adaptation of communication‑friendly intervention plans.
• Review and advise on child‑friendly materials including intervention plans, contracts, leaflets, and justice‑related documents to ensure clarity and inclusivity.
• Provide regular reports on service activity and outcomes and contribute to strategic planning.

Working for our organisation

• A warm welcome.
• Highly structured induction.
• Excellent levels of support and supervision including regular clinical and management supervision every 8 weeks and an annual appraisal.
• Termly peer supervision meetings where you can discuss cases, read articles together and share your experiences.
• Clearly defined caseloads.
• A wide range of opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Easy access to clinical specialists in all clinical areas.
• Designated admin and planning time.
• Involvement in innovative project work in acute and community settings.
• Memberships at relevant CENs are supported and encouraged.

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification or equivalent.
• Health Professions Council registration – Licence to Practice.
• Evidence of completion of specialist short courses relevant to young people with communication difficulties.
• Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Further training courses relevant to the post.
• Membership of relevant CEN.
• Evidence of advanced training in a clinical specialist area.

Experience

• Extensive post‑qualification experience working with young people with SLCN.
• Working within adolescents and/or in secondary education environments.
• Assessment, treatment and management of YP with speech, language and communication difficulties.
• Experience of clinical supervision of staff and students.
• Experience in developing and delivering training to other disciplines, carers and service users.
• Experience in inter‑agency working.
• Working independently.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system and relevant legislation and policy.
• Experience of working within a Youth Justice Service.

Knowledge and Skills

• Well‑established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to CYP with speech, language and communication needs.
• Well‑established knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and established negotiation and problem‑solving skills – including observation, listening and empathy skills.
• Working knowledge of the roles of the SLT in the education and Youth Justice service and the roles of other professionals in Health, Education and Social Care involved with YP.
• The ability to work in an unpredictable environment and to prioritise own workload and others.
• Established knowledge of national policies and procedures, in particular safeguarding children, SEN and Disability Act for children, the Children and Families Act 2014 and foundation stage and National Curriculum.
• Sound knowledge of the safeguarding responsibilities for the role.
• Ability to interpret Health and Local Authority policy issues and drivers and move Children’s Therapy Service developments in line with these.
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals relevant to working with young offenders.

Important information

• Due to the high response levels we receive for some vacancies, we may expire any of them prior to the advertised closing date – please submit your application as soon as possible.
• Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome – check your eligibility under the UKVI points‑based system.
• Our Agenda for Change employment contracts are subject to a contractual 13‑week probationary period.
• If you are offered a job, information will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

Contact

• Fiona Weir – Clinical Service Manager, Children’s SLT – [e-mail], Tel: [phone]
• Sarah Bunch – Principal Speech and Language Therapist – [e-mail]

CNWL NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults.

We offer a generous relocation package (subject to eligibility assessment) and flexible working options, including bank assignments for most roles.