Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Youth Justice Service

Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist – Youth Justice Service NHS AfC:
Band 7

Contract:

Fixed term, 9‑12 months (maternity cover). Full time – 37.5 hours per week.

Site:
Wood End Centre, Town Hayes. Salary: £53,751 – £60,651 per annum (incl. HCAS pro rata).

Closing date: 02/02/2026 23:59.

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) provides integrated healthcare to a third of London’s population, including Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. The Trust serves diverse communities and is committed to equality, diversity and safeguarding.

Band 7 role covering maternity leave within the Youth Justice Service. You will lead all aspects of Speech and Language Therapy for children aged 10‑18 in Hillingdon Youth Justice and Adolescent Services.

• Provide specialist assessment and intervention for children known to the Service.
• Consultative advice to the professional network and attend multi‑disciplinary meetings.
• Recommend changes to physical environments and written communications.
• Deliver training to Service professionals.
• Gather and report data, including key performance indicators.
• Lead on quality governance, audits, projects and service development.
• Provide shadowing opportunities, second opinions and support the CNWL Criminal Justice Speech and Language Peer Support Network.
• Coordinate with the Hillingdon Youth Justice Service Health Hub.
• Assess, intervene, and make onward referrals to CAMHS, Child Development, Audiology, etc.
• Adapt practice to individual circumstances, including cultural, linguistic and learning diversity.
• Use negotiation and conflict management skills, including aggression management and safeguarding procedures.
• Maintain sensitivity to emotional needs, use trauma‑informed practices and ensure engagement of children, parents/carers and the professional network.
• Document safeguarding concerns, participate in case conferences and reviews, and record in clinical records.
• Work independently and attend NHS clinical supervision every 6‑8 weeks.
• Compile evidence of professional development for RCSLT CPD log.
• Work within relevant legal frameworks, e.g. SEND, London Safeguarding Children Procedures, Youth Justice Guidance.

• Regular supervision meetings with a team leader every 6‑8 weeks.
• Peer support network of Speech and Language Therapists within Criminal Justice.
• Supportive working environment with opportunities for informal support.
• Opportunities for clinical and leadership skill development with a varied caseload.
• Opportunities to set up innovative projects and improve the service.

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent.
• Further training in Sauma Informed Practices, social, emotional and mental health.
• Health and Care Professions Council licence.
• Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Extensive training relevant to the post.
• Member of CEN relevant to post.

• Experience working with secondary‑age children with speech, language and communication difficulties, including co‑occurring social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Experience working in a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Experience delivering training.
• Experience leading projects to improve or develop service.
• Experience completing clinical audits and presenting findings.
• Experience working within the Youth Justice Service.
• Experience working alongside children's social care professionals.
• Experience managing a Speech and Language service.
• Experience presenting information at management/board meetings.

• In‑depth knowledge of assessment tools for school‑age children with SLCN and SEMH.
• Experience with a range of therapeutic approaches for children with SEMH and SLCN.
• Knowledge of clinical governance principles.
• Knowledge of national policies and procedures relevant to SLCN.
• Good knowledge of roles of other professionals.
• Knowledge of record‑keeping standards.
• Experience with SYSTM1, Child View or Liquid logic Children’s Systems (LCS).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with professionals, children and their families.
• Evidence of being a pro‑active and supportive team…