Job Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to work with and support children 0-5 with their speech, language and communication development and support their families and wider professionals?



The Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Service has an opportunity for a full time Support Practitioner role on a 12 month, fixed-term basis. This is based in our Luton Locality as part of our Early Communication Support Team.



The successful applicants will have experience of working with children and / or young people, be able to work as part of a team; be dynamic, motivated and creative, with excellent communication skills.



Should we receive a high number of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 24-08-2025



The post holder will work with our Early Communication Support Team to offer early advice and support for children aged 0-5 and their families and wider professionals through the Family Hubs, under the supervision of a Speech and Language Therapist as a member of the Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy team. They will:



Work alongside the Speech and Language Therapist(s) (SLT) and wider external colleagues to run therapy groups, carry out advice reviews, model and implement therapy advice and programmes.



Independently provide training and support to Early Years settings, parents/carers and wider colleagues under supervision and guidance from a therapist.



Meet families at a range of community stay and play groups to offer support and advice on speech, language and communication development.



Demonstrate an understanding of child development and apply this knowledge within their role.



Understand the theoretical knowledge of language and communication.



Provide clinical administrative support, including preparing resource materials.



Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.



There's one reason why our services are outstanding - and that's our amazing staff - who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey.



If you share our passion for innovative and high-quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading-edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.



Main Duties and Responsibilities



To carry out specified observation (auditory and visual) and information gathering to contribute to the SLTs' assessment.



To promote key messages about early communication development to parents/carers within a range of venues and stay and play sessions.



To devise (when appropriate), implement and carry out or model therapeutic interventions which have been set by the SLT with patients with targeted communication needs.



To demonstrate input to early years settings and parents / carers.



To independently provide training and follow up support for Early Years Settings and wider colleagues on communication and language interventions.



To design, prepare and organise therapy activities, resources, training materials and equipment for own or others' therapy, within the programme agreed by the supervising SLT.



To plan a timetable of activities for therapy sessions.



To use own initiative within sessions and to work independently and unsupervised when appropriate.



To recognise appropriate opportunities to independently extend advice and strategies for patients and recognise when to refer patients back to the SLT for this advice.



To recognise potential conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support from your supervisor or line manager to find a resolution.



To form productive working relationships with service users who may be under stress and/or have challenging communication difficulties and to motivate them to engage in work programmes.



To contribute to overall caseload management by updating waiting lists appropriately with and without



To provide mentoring and support to colleagues as required.



To complete case notes, collaborative working documents and other record keeping requirements following clinical sessions, liaison meetings and patient contacts.



To deal with queries and questions received by email or phone from parents/carers or professionals.



To support the administrative work of the Speech and Language Therapy service and initiate appropriate administrative tasks when required.



Communication



To provide direct feedback to patients, parents / carer, other professionals on the sessions carried out.



To liaise with other professionals, support staff, parents / carers, ensuring that they understand the therapy approach or programme of work, under indirect supervision by a therapist or Senior Support Practitioner.



To be sensitive and communicate respectfully and effectively, particularly where difficulties in understanding exist.



To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff, which are characterised by open communication, trust and respect.

Key Relationships:

Internal



Speech and Language Therapists

Support Practitioners

SPA and Trust Administrators



External -



Patients- Children 0-5 years of age



Parents / Carers



Education Services



Family Hub and Flying Start Staff



Early Years Practitioners



0-19 Team (Health Visitors / School Nurses)



Referrers



Other Health Services (e.g. Paediatricians / Occupational Therapy)



6. To attend and contribute as appropriate to Locality Meetings, Clinical Forums and Paediatric service meetings and other professional and / or relevant meetings.



Budgetary Responsibility



To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate.



Does not hold budgetary responsibility but is aware of the need to plan non- pay

expenditure.



People Management



Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and

KSF process.



To attend relevant training and development in order to further develop skills in

implementing and knowledge of Speech and Language Therapy approaches and

programmes.



To actively participate in reflective clinical supervision in order to develop and enhance

practice.



Clinical and Practice Governance



Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records and

information in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.



Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed, or transferred

electronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance and

Information Security policies.



The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes.



The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures.



Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required by

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.



The post holder much participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required.



The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.



The post involves working with small children - frequent requirement for sitting on child -

size chairs or on the floor in a restricted position.



To apply skills in physically working with patients with disabilities with support.



To transport equipment required for sessions or training, to a variety of locations.



To be flexible to the demands of the environment including unpredictable work patterns and

sudden change in patient need.



To maintain sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of children with special needs,

learning disabilities and / or communication difficulties and their carers.



To demonstrate standard keyboard skills and use IT effectively to extend and complete

programmes and activities.



To have the ability to travel by car throughout Luton and / or Bedfordshire when required,

including a full driving licence and access to own transport (unless you have a disability as

defined by the Equality Act 2010).