Experienced Speech and Language Therapist

Job Title: Experienced Speech and Language Therapist

Service/Department: Youth Justice Service/Schools/ Settings

Location: Birmingham
- Co-location with Youth Justice Service

Accountable/Responsible to: Workforce Development Lead (Line Manager)/ Clinical Service Coordinator (CSC)

Salary: £37,796 - £46,580

Chatterbug Limited is a National Social Enterprise providing a range of Speech and Language Therapy services. We believe in providing high quality, evidence‑based input that delivers real results. Our core values are Open, Connected, Dependable, Fortitude.

To plan, develop, and deliver effective, evidence‑based Speech and Language Therapy services across Schools/Settings and the Youth Justice Service (YJS). The postholder will also support the needs of private clients within the local area, with reasonable travel required, typically up to one hour, depending on service need, and provide high‑quality input for children and young people with a range of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), including identification and addressing of communication needs.

• Coordinate the provision of suitable Speech and Language Therapy services in line with the needs of the client base.
• Participate in the assessment and diagnosis of children/young people with a range of SLCN.
• Provide advice, support, and training for professionals working for the YOT team.
• Proactively support the growth and development of Chatterbug by representing the organisation at local/national levels.

• Assessment & Diagnosis:
  Conduct specialist assessments for children and young people with diverse SLCN, including those with special educational needs, complex needs, those in care, and those accessing the YJS.
• Intervention:
  Develop and implement evidence‑based treatment programmes, measuring and evaluating outcomes to ensure clinical effectiveness.
• Specialist YJS Support:
  Advise on strategies to support young people within the justice system.
• Environment Optimization:
  Provide advice on creating communication‑friendly environments, considering the skills of parents, carers, and other professionals.
• Multi‑Agency Working:
  Contribute specialist knowledge to multi‑disciplinary teams (including YJS, teachers, and health panels).
• Complex Reporting:
  Produce detailed, accessible reports reflecting specialist knowledge, including contributions to Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and Court Reports.
• Conflict & Empathy:
  Demonstrate expert skills in managing conflict and motivating clients and carers, particularly where significant barriers to understanding are present.
• Training Delivery:
  Develop and deliver specialist training to YJS staff, school teachers, and parents.
• Clinical Leadership:
  Provide supervision, mentorship, and training for assistants, Newly Qualified Practitioners and students.
• Service Growth:
  Represent the organisation at local and national levels.

• Gather statistical data punctually.
• Participate in service research as required.
• Undertake Clinical Governance/audit projects within the local service as required.
• Possess a working knowledge of relevant procedures, including safeguarding children, SEN procedures and other legal frameworks.

• Identify personal/professional development through a Personal Development Plan or Professional Portfolio.
• Demonstrate passion and commitment through self‑guided study.
• Participate in performance review to ensure objectives reflect service and trust plans.
• Adhere to RCSLT Professional and Local Clinical Guidelines.
• Attend relevant in‑service training and meetings.
• Maintain and continually develop professional skills and knowledge in SLCN.

• Comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR and Freedom of Information Act 2000.
• Adhere to Chatterbug policies protecting information assets, confidentiality and data quality processes.
• Maintain clinical and corporate records to organisational standards.

Chatterbug is an Equal Opportunities Employer and aims to challenge discrimination, promote equality and respect human rights. All employees must act in ways that support equality and diversity, adhering to the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s Business: employees are required to follow national and local safeguarding policies and act upon concerns in accordance with them.

This job description acts only as a guide and is not an exhaustive list. The role may be allocated additional tasks in line with the business needs and developments.