Job summary
Are you looking for a new opportunity? Do you want to join a dedicated team of professionals who are as passionate about changing the lives of disabled children in the UK? Then Caudwell Children is the place for you.
This is a permanent post supporting specifically the Speech and Language Therapy Team, in the delivery of effective clinical support through assessment, formulation and ongoing support to children and families accessing the service. You must have experience working in the field of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and have specialist skills relating to these.
Main duties of the job
As an important part of the MDT, you will contribute to specialist autism diagnostic assessments, formulation and recommendations.
Undertake assessments of communication, both informal and formal standardised assessments.
Undertake clinical work with individuals and groups, providing advice, resources, strategies and workshops, as appropriate.
Mentor parents, teaching staff and other carers in skill building communication and the development of nurturing language learning environments for children with speech and language needs.
Communicate results of assessment and make recommendations within the multidisciplinary team and to families.
About us
WORKING FOR YOUR ORGANISATION
Caudwell Children is a Staffordshire based national charity, registered since 2000, providing practical and emotional support to children with a disability and their families. Supporting children aged 0 to 18 years. Some of our services extend to young people transitioning into adulthood to age 25 years. The Caudwell International Childrens Centre is the UKs first independent purpose-built facility dedicated to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Our dedicated Autism Service provides:
Multidisciplinary assessment and intervention.
Practical and emotional support for children with autism and their families.
Active research programme for all work undertaken
We offer:
Competitive salaries
Excellent working conditions
University campus location
Purpose built neurodiversity friendly building
Support with CPD
Regular 1:1 management supervision
Regular 1:1 clinical supervision
On-site free parking
Details
Date posted
19 August 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
Depending on experience £50,000
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
B0338-25-0012
Job locations
Caudwell International Children's
Centre, Innovation Way
Keele
Staffordshire
ST5 5NT
Job description
Job responsibilities
Specialised Speech and Language Therapist Lead
Are you looking for a new opportunity? Do you want to join a dedicated team of professionals who are as passionate about changing the lives of disabled children in the UK? Then Caudwell Children is the place for you.
This is a permanent post supporting specifically the Speech and Language Therapy Team, in the delivery of effective clinical support through assessment, formulation and ongoing support to children and families accessing the service. You must have experience working in the field of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and have specialist skills relating to these.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Clinical Team Manager:
Supervise less specialist Speech and Language Therapists, offering advice and training where needed
Support the development of the Speech and Language Therapy pathway within the Autism Diagnostic service, and support development of the new Speech and Language Therapy Intervention pathway
Undertake specialist assessments of communication, both informal and formal standardised assessments
Communicate results of assessment and therapeutic findings with the multidisciplinary team
Undertake clinical work with individuals and groups, providing advice, resources, strategies and programmes, as appropriate, using specialist skills and autism specific approaches where required
Support in developing the post-diagnostic communication workshops and recommendations to parents and teachers, ensuring they are up to date with the evidence base
Main Duties:
Support the development of communication training programmes and communicate these to our Communication Trainers for implementation
Direct and supervise less experienced SaLTs, using specialist skills and developing leadership skills
Contribute to the working of the multi-disciplinary team and act as a specialist resource for communication issues
As part of the team engage actively in practice development, evaluation, audit and research activities to inform evidence-based practice
Under the direction of the Clinical Team Manager support and manage the SaLTs
Where appropriate share and disseminate research findings with professional colleagues in the interests of practice development
Provide mentorship and clinical supervision for practice education placements for students of Speech and Language Therapy
As part of the SaLTs team, participate in the specialist education and training of professional and clinical colleagues, students, visitors and volunteers.
Ensure compliance and completion of Continuing Professional Development activities
Contribute to supporting other colleagues in their CPD, particularly in relation to communication
Communicate with children and families in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
Work collaboratively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and share information with team members in informal and formal situations
Demonstrate a high level of personal communication skills
Represent the profession in team meetings and working groups
Support the SaLT team to positively promote the SaLT role
Share relevant information with SaLT colleagues and other members of the clinical team
Liaise with other departments and services within CICC
General
Under the direction of the Clinical Team Manager
Ensure compliance with professional standards for Speech and Language Therapy practice.
Adhere to HCPC regulations and RCSLT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Speech and Language Therapists.
Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities identified in supervision and appraisal.
Maintain professional portfolios in line with HCPC and RCSLT requirements.
Apply specialist knowledge and skills in order to demonstrate professional proficiency.
Develop and maintain links with other SaLTs in specialist field of work.
Keep up to date and integrate relevant new initiatives and recommendations from RCSLT and other relevant organisations, ensuring that practice is informed and current, where appropriate.
Ensure that all information and matters of a confidential nature are dealt with in accordance with statutory and organisational policies and procedures and that the staff team adhere to the same.
Take responsibility for continuing personal development in order to enhance knowledge, skills and experience needed for safe and effective practice and the achievement of agreed service outcomes and personal appraisal targets.
Keep comprehensive records of activity in accordance with organisational IT systems and professional standards.
Ensure all record keeping is in line with local, professional, organisational and National guidelines.
Attend training as appropriate to the role applying knowledge gained to the workplace and maintain an up-to-date training profile.
To engage in Support and Supervision sessions to reflect on practice enhancing communication and quality of service.
To work effectively, co-operatively as a member of a team, maintaining good working relationships with colleagues and professionals from other agencies.
At all times promote and ensure anti-discriminatory practice in all matters of staff management and service delivery in accordance with the organisation equality and diversity approaches and statutory and regulatory guidelines.
Adhere to all Caudwell Children policies and procedures.
When necessary, work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays to ensure the efficient operation of the service.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria
Speech and Language Therapy degree
Registered member of Health Professions Council
Postgraduate training or CPD in the area of Autism
At least 3 years post registration experience, ideally with specialist client group
Experience of working with children with autism and /or complex needs/LD
Experience of Autism specific approaches such as social stories, TEACCH, Attention Autism, Intensive Interaction
Experience of undertaking specialist assessments of communication
Formulation and implementation of appropriate interventions / strategies
Experience of working with children who use AAC
Production of generic and individual communication resources including AAC
Experience of delivering training to a range of audiences
Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team
Experience of working with families
Knowledge of a range of Neurodevelopmental disorders
Understanding of evidence-based practice
Knowledge of statutory/mandatory training requirements
Knowledge of relevant legislation, i.e. Childrens Act 2004, Mental Capacity Act 2005
Knowledge of current safeguarding and child protection legislation and practice
Knowledge of Information Governance Standards
Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation
Knowledge of SEND agenda and Education Health Care Plans
Excellent team-working and communication skills
Excellent leadership skills
Ability to undertake occasional travel in order to meet the needs of the post
Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work under pressure
An openness and willingness to learn new skills and to put these into practice.
A personal commitment to the organisations values and principles
A commitment to the principles and practice of continual improvement and the provision of personalised services
A commitment to uphold the rights of children; vulnerable and disabled people
A commitment and the organisations approach to equality and diversity
A positive can-do attitude
Ability to demonstrate a flexible approach to workAble to meet the physical requirements of the role after reasonable adjustments have been made for illness or disability
Undertake personal and professional development in order to meet the changing demands of the job
Desirable Criteria:
Experience of working with children with sensory difference
Training and experience working with children with challenging behaviours
Experience of working with volunteers
This Job Description indicates only the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list. The Organisation reserve the right to amend this Job Description from time to time, according to business needs and in consultation with the post holder.
DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE CHECKS
The Charity is committed to safeguarding children and young people and therefore adopts a safer recruitment approach through a robust recruitment and selection process. All posts within the Charity are subject to DBS checks, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This role is eligible for an Enhanced with barred lists DBS check.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Specialised Speech and Language Therapist Lead
Are you looking for a new opportunity? Do you want to join a dedicated team of professionals who are as passionate about changing the lives of disabled children in the UK? Then Caudwell Children is the place for you.
This is a permanent post supporting specifically the Speech and Language Therapy Team, in the delivery of effective clinical support through assessment, formulation and ongoing support to children and families accessing the service. You must have experience working in the field of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and have specialist skills relating to these.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Clinical Team Manager:
Supervise less specialist Speech and Language Therapists, offering advice and training where needed
Support the development of the Speech and Language Therapy pathway within the Autism Diagnostic service, and support development of the new Speech and Language Therapy Intervention pathway
Undertake specialist assessments of communication, both informal and formal standardised assessments
Communicate results of assessment and therapeutic findings with the multidisciplinary team
Undertake clinical work with individuals and groups, providing advice, resources, strategies and programmes, as appropriate, using specialist skills and autism specific approaches where required
Support in developing the post-diagnostic communication workshops and recommendations to parents and teachers, ensuring they are up to date with the evidence base
Main Duties:
Support the development of communication training programmes and communicate these to our Communication Trainers for implementation
Direct and supervise less experienced SaLTs, using specialist skills and developing leadership skills
Contribute to the working of the multi-disciplinary team and act as a specialist resource for communication issues
As part of the team engage actively in practice development, evaluation, audit and research activities to inform evidence-based practice
Under the direction of the Clinical Team Manager support and manage the SaLTs
Where appropriate share and disseminate research findings with professional colleagues in the interests of practice development
Provide mentorship and clinical supervision for practice education placements for students of Speech and Language Therapy
As part of the SaLTs team, participate in the specialist education and training of professional and clinical colleagues, students, visitors and volunteers.
Ensure compliance and completion of Continuing Professional Development activities
Contribute to supporting other colleagues in their CPD, particularly in relation to communication
Communicate with children and families in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
Work collaboratively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and share information with team members in informal and formal situations
Demonstrate a high level of personal communication skills
Represent the profession in team meetings and working groups
Support the SaLT team to positively promote the SaLT role
Share relevant information with SaLT colleagues and other members of the clinical team
Liaise with other departments and services within CICC
General
Under the direction of the Clinical Team Manager
Ensure compliance with professional standards for Speech and Language Therapy practice.
Adhere to HCPC regulations and RCSLT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Speech and Language Therapists.
Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities identified in supervision and appraisal.
Maintain professional portfolios in line with HCPC and RCSLT requirements.
Apply specialist knowledge and skills in order to demonstrate professional proficiency.
Develop and maintain links with other SaLTs in specialist field of work.
Keep up to date and integrate relevant new initiatives and recommendations from RCSLT and other relevant organisations, ensuring that practice is informed and current, where appropriate.
Ensure that all information and matters of a confidential nature are dealt with in accordance with statutory and organisational policies and procedures and that the staff team adhere to the same.
Take responsibility for continuing personal development in order to enhance knowledge, skills and experience needed for safe and effective practice and the achievement of agreed service outcomes and personal appraisal targets.
Keep comprehensive records of activity in accordance with organisational IT systems and professional standards.
Ensure all record keeping is in line with local, professional, organisational and National guidelines.
Attend training as appropriate to the role applying knowledge gained to the workplace and maintain an up-to-date training profile.
To engage in Support and Supervision sessions to reflect on practice enhancing communication and quality of service.
To work effectively, co-operatively as a member of a team, maintaining good working relationships with colleagues and professionals from other agencies.
At all times promote and ensure anti-discriminatory practice in all matters of staff management and service delivery in accordance with the organisation equality and diversity approaches and statutory and regulatory guidelines.
Adhere to all Caudwell Children policies and procedures.
When necessary, work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays to ensure the efficient operation of the service.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria
Speech and Language Therapy degree
Registered member of Health Professions Council
Postgraduate training or CPD in the area of Autism
At least 3 years post registration experience, ideally with specialist client group
Experience of working with children with autism and /or complex needs/LD
Experience of Autism specific approaches such as social stories, TEACCH, Attention Autism, Intensive Interaction
Experience of undertaking specialist assessments of communication
Formulation and implementation of appropriate interventions / strategies
Experience of working with children who use AAC
Production of generic and individual communication resources including AAC
Experience of delivering training to a range of audiences
Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team
Experience of working with families
Knowledge of a range of Neurodevelopmental disorders
Understanding of evidence-based practice
Knowledge of statutory/mandatory training requirements
Knowledge of relevant legislation, i.e. Childrens Act 2004, Mental Capacity Act 2005
Knowledge of current safeguarding and child protection legislation and practice
Knowledge of Information Governance Standards
Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation
Knowledge of SEND agenda and Education Health Care Plans
Excellent team-working and communication skills
Excellent leadership skills
Ability to undertake occasional travel in order to meet the needs of the post
Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to work under pressure
An openness and willingness to learn new skills and to put these into practice.
A personal commitment to the organisations values and principles
A commitment to the principles and practice of continual improvement and the provision of personalised services
A commitment to uphold the rights of children; vulnerable and disabled people
A commitment and the organisations approach to equality and diversity
A positive can-do attitude
Ability to demonstrate a flexible approach to workAble to meet the physical requirements of the role after reasonable adjustments have been made for illness or disability
Undertake personal and professional development in order to meet the changing demands of the job
Desirable Criteria:
Experience of working with children with sensory difference
Training and experience working with children with challenging behaviours
Experience of working with volunteers
This Job Description indicates only the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list. The Organisation reserve the right to amend this Job Description from time to time, according to business needs and in consultation with the post holder.
DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE CHECKS
The Charity is committed to safeguarding children and young people and therefore adopts a safer recruitment approach through a robust recruitment and selection process. All posts within the Charity are subject to DBS checks, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This role is eligible for an Enhanced with barred lists DBS check.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent qualification
- Postgraduate training or CPD in the area of Autism
- Registered member of Health Professions Council
Experience
Essential
- At least 3 years post registration experience, ideally with specialist client group
- Experience of working with children with autism and /or complex needs/ LD
- Experience of undertaking specialist assessments of communication
- Formulation and implementation of appropriate interventions / strategies
- Experience of working with children who use AAC
- Production of generic and individual communication resources including AAC.
- Experience of delivering training to a range of audiences.
- Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of working with families
Desirable
- Experience of working with children with sensory differences
- Training and experience working with children with challenging behaviours
- Experience of working with volunteers
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of statutory/mandatory training requirements
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, i.e. Childrens Act 2004, Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Knowledge of current safeguarding and child protection legislation and practice
- Knowledge of Information Governance Standards
- Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation
- Knowledge of SEND agenda and Education Health Care Plans
- Excellent team-working and communication skills
- Excellent leadership skills
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent qualification
- Postgraduate training or CPD in the area of Autism
- Registered member of Health Professions Council
Experience
Essential
- At least 3 years post registration experience, ideally with specialist client group
- Experience of working with children with autism and /or complex needs/ LD
- Experience of undertaking specialist assessments of communication
- Formulation and implementation of appropriate interventions / strategies
- Experience of working with children who use AAC
- Production of generic and individual communication resources including AAC.
- Experience of delivering training to a range of audiences.
- Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of working with families
Desirable
- Experience of working with children with sensory differences
- Training and experience working with children with challenging behaviours
- Experience of working with volunteers
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of statutory/mandatory training requirements
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, i.e. Childrens Act 2004, Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Knowledge of current safeguarding and child protection legislation and practice
- Knowledge of Information Governance Standards
- Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation
- Knowledge of SEND agenda and Education Health Care Plans
- Excellent team-working and communication skills
- Excellent leadership skills
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Caudwell Children
Address
Caudwell International Children's
Centre, Innovation Way
Keele
Staffordshire
ST5 5NT
Employer's website
https://www.caudwellchildren.com/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Caudwell Children
Address
Caudwell International Children's
Centre, Innovation Way
Keele
Staffordshire
ST5 5NT
Employer's website
https://www.caudwellchildren.com/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
19 August 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
Depending on experience £50,000
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
B0338-25-0012
Job locations
Caudwell International Children's
Centre, Innovation Way
Keele
Staffordshire
ST5 5NT