Specialist Speech and Language Therapist: Youth Justice Service

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.

• 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 approaches.
• 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.

• You will be joining and welcomed into a diverse therapy team who actively promote and advocate for equality and diversity.
• Flexible working.
• Highly structured induction.
• Excellent levels of support and supervision which includes 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.

Essential criteria

• 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

Desirable criteria

• Membership of relevant CEN
• Evidence of advanced training in clinical specialist area

Essential criteria

• Extensive post-qualification experience working with young people with SLCN
• Working within adolescents and/or in secondary education environments
• Assessment, treatment and management of young people 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 interagency working
• Working independently

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of the criminal justice system and knowledge of the relevant legislation and policy
• Experience of working within a Youth Justice Service

Essential criteria

• 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

Desirable criteria

• 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