Locum Band 6/7 Speech and Language Therapist

This role is based on site, working face-to-face, at rural locations in Wales and will be requiring temporary accommodation to be sought nearby if you are not within a commutable distance.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Band 6 or Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist to join the Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Diagnostic teams based across Powys, Wales at sites in Newtown, Welshpool and Brecon. This locum position focuses on supporting the assessment and diagnosis of children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other related conditions. The successful candidate will hold a caseload and be responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based assessments, diagnostics, and therapy interventions for children and their families within a multi-disciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities:

Neurodevelopmental Assessments:

Conduct comprehensive speech, language, and communication assessments for children and young people with suspected neurodevelopmental conditions. Participate in multi-disciplinary neurodevelopmental assessments, providing specialist input into diagnostic processes. Use a range of assessment tools and methodologies (standardised and non-standardised) to evaluate speech, language, and communication skills, as well as cognitive and social communication abilities. Provide expert advice on the communication needs of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in collaboration with other professionals (e.g., paediatricians, psychologists, and occupational therapists).

Diagnosis and Reporting:

Contribute to the diagnostic process for conditions such as ASD, ADHD, and other related neurodevelopmental conditions, ensuring that speech and language factors are thoroughly considered. Prepare detailed, clear, and evidence-based reports for families, schools, and other agencies involved in the child's care. Ensure that findings and diagnoses are communicated effectively and sensitively to families, providing emotional support where necessary.

Treatment and Intervention:

Develop and deliver individualised therapy plans based on assessment results, aiming to improve communication skills and social interactions. Provide therapeutic interventions, including speech and language therapy, to address issues such as communication delays, language processing difficulties, social communication challenges, and behaviour linked to neurodevelopmental conditions. Offer support to parents, carers, and schools in implementing therapeutic strategies at home and in the educational setting.

Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration:

Work within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), attending regular meetings to discuss complex cases, contribute to the development of care plans, and provide advice and guidance to colleagues on communication strategies. Liaise with other services (e.g., social care, education, and healthcare professionals) to ensure a holistic approach to the child’s care. Support colleagues with complex cases and provide clinical supervision to junior staff or assistants, as required.

Family and Carer Support:

Provide training and guidance to families and caregivers on how to support and facilitate their child’s communication development at home and in the community. Empower families by providing advice on strategies to enhance communication, manage challenging behaviours, and promote social interactions.

Clinical Supervision and Development:

Participate in regular supervision sessions with a senior clinician or supervisor. Engage in reflective practice, self-assessment, and continual professional development to ensure high standards of clinical practice. Support and mentor junior team members, students, and assistants, promoting their development and ensuring service delivery standards are met.

Record Keeping and Administration:

Maintain accurate, up-to-date clinical records in line with professional and organisational standards. Ensure all documentation is clear, concise, and complies with safeguarding and confidentiality policies. Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of service delivery and outcomes.

Safeguarding and Compliance:

Adhere to safeguarding procedures, ensuring any concerns are reported and managed according to local protocols. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), and organisational policies regarding assessment, diagnosis, and service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent). HCPC registration. Significant clinical experience working with children and young people, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Advanced knowledge and experience of assessing and treating speech, language, and communication difficulties in children. Experience in neurodevelopmental assessments and diagnostic processes. Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and communicate complex information clearly. Strong clinical reasoning and reflective practice skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when working with families and children.

Desirable:

Experience in autism assessment and diagnosis (e.g., ADOS-2, ADI-R). Knowledge of or training in neurodevelopmental conditions, including experience of working with children with complex communication needs. Experience providing supervision and mentorship to junior staff. Experience in working in community or clinic-based settings.

Key Skills:

Clinical Expertise: Strong background in conducting detailed assessments and implementing therapy for children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Communication: Excellent ability to convey complex information to families, children, and professionals in a clear and supportive manner. Problem-Solving: High-level clinical reasoning to address complex cases and provide individualised interventions. Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team. Organisation: Ability to manage a caseload, prioritise tasks, and ensure deadlines are met. Empathy: Ability to show empathy and sensitivity in challenging and emotional situations, particularly when delivering a diagnosis.

Additional Information:

The role may require travel within the local community or across different service locations, so access to a car or reliable transportation is essential. The position may require flexible working hours depending on the needs of the service and families. As a locum position, it offers flexibility in terms of contract length, with the potential for extension or permanent transition depending on service requirements.