Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity for a Speech and Language Therapist who is passionate about working in the field of Autism.



You would be joining the Children's Therapies Team in the South East Kent locality. We are an integrated therapies team providing Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services, working in collaboration with colleagues such as Paediatricians, Clinical Psychologists and Specialist Nurse Advisors as part of the diagnostic pathway for Autism.



This full time vacancy is within the South East Locality and is based in Margate, at Greenbanks multi agency hub. The role will also include working where the need is greatest across the locality, which currently is in Canterbury.



This Band 7 role encompasses both leadership and clinical work in the community with children and families aged 0-19 years. You will be part of an innovative, cohesive and enthusiastic team of Autism diagnostic speech & therapists.



This is an opportunity for a therapist with direct experience of working with children with ASD and knowledge of current assessment tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) to join our ASD diagnostic team. Ideally you would already be ADOS trained, however, for the right candidate, training would be made available.



We would strongly advise that you speak to one of our recruiting staff and arrange a visit. Please contact Sonia Sivyer (sonia.sivyer@nhs.net) - 07815649191 or Harriet Harris (harrietharris@nhs.net).



Carrying out high-quality ADOS assessments, as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) for children and young people.



Effectively communicating with neurodiverse children and young people and their families. As well as internal and external staff. Demonstrating neuro affirming practice.



Produce high quality, detailed reports in a timely manner.



Leading on service policy and clinical care pathways across the trust in this specialist clinical area



Reporting to and advising on development requirements in this specialist area to Professional Leads, Team Leads, Locality Clinical Manager and/or Head of Service



Participating in your own reflective practice and on-going learning within the field of Autism



Ensuring that staff working in the field of Autism have regular access to effective supervision, training and support to enhance their CPD in this area.



Band 7 Clinicians hold responsibility for delegated line management and supervision of staff working within the team.



The successful applicant will work alongside the local Community Paediatric team to assess children on the Autism diagnostic pathway.



There will also be a focus on supporting with our "waiting well" project, to ensure that patients waiting are kept informed. In addition we would like you to support the team in developing their neuro-affirming practice, and to keep the team informed about the latest research and developments within the field of Autism, through CPD opportunities.



Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we've got a passion for delivering high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. To do this we need outstanding people who share our values compassionate Aspirational Responsive Excellent



We know a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion leads to better patient care and a happier workforce. We pride ourselves in being diverse and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences



We ask for information about your protected characteristics on our application forms. This isn't visible to anyone involved with shortlisting or interviewing you, except when you choose to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme due to disability. Short listers will see two ticks alongside your application to ensure they apply the principles of the scheme to your submission



The data we collect helps us to ensure we are attracting diversity in our applicants, that all our colleagues have equitable access to career opportunities and supports us on our journey to being a Great Place to Work



As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want you to be able to work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Talk to us about a flexible working arrangement that won't involve sacrificing time for personal interests or family commitments. We'll support you to work flexibly in a way that will suits us both



See where you can go with KCHFT career pathways

Please note:

at this stage, the role is open only to colleagues currently employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts and the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB). Nursing vacancies are also open to Student Nurses and Newly Qualified Nurses.



As a community Trust, many of our roles require individuals to be able to drive to perform their duties. Where driving is a requirement of the role, you will be asked to confirm that you hold a full UK driving licence or a full driving licence issued by an EU country (not exchanged from a non-EU country) to proceed with your application. We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities into employment. If you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team via kentchft.recruitment@nhs.net, quoting the vacancy reference number, so we can support you further.



The job description and person specification gives you all the information you need about this role. Please look carefully at the criteria in the person specification and tell us what you have done that shows you meet this in your application. If you need an application form in an alternative format please let our recruitment team know. All information you supply on your application should, to the best of your knowledge, be true and accurate.



Still have questions? The recruiting manager would love to hear from you, their contact details can be found in the job advert.



We can get a lot of applications for some roles so to be in with the best chance of being shortlisted please make sure you apply as soon as possible. A vacancy may close early if there is a lot of interest in the job.



At KCHFT we strongly encourage colleagues in clinical and non-clinical roles who have direct or social contact with patients to be fully vaccinated. In this way we will be doing all we can to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues and the patients we serve.



Find out more about the community difference here .



Good luck! We can't wait to meet you and welcome you to #teamKCHFT, #cometocommunity.