Job summary
Are you an energetic, self-motivated and adaptable Speech and Language Therapist with an interest in the contribution SLT can make to improving outcomes for this vulnerable group of young people? We were one of the first SLT services to provide support into the Youth Justice and Support Service settings nationally. We therefore have well-established, excellent working relationships with our Youth Justice and Support Service and the Senior Management Team are passionate about the role of SLT in this setting, actively participate in national projects, support the RCSLT work in this clinical area and promote our joint working nationally.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our established service to the Youth Justice and Support Service in Milton Keynes.

Main duties of the job
The main focus of the post will be:

• Assessment, treatment and management of young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) within the Youth Justice and Support Service and those who are at risk of exclusion from school.
• Providing training to staff in the Youth Justice and Support Service (and other staff/professionals working alongside the Youth Justice and Support Service) to support their understanding of the needs of young people with SLCN
• Working collaboratively with other agencies to ensure that SLCN needs are identified and addressed within the Youth Justice processes

About us
We are a forward-thinking Service, committed to ongoing development, embracing change and innovation and driven by evidence based practice. We are very proud to be at the forefront of service delivery for this client group and to have Senior Managers in the Youth Justice and Support Service who value and promote our work. You will receive comprehensive induction, mentoring, supervision and appraisal to enable you to continue your ongoing professional development and contribute to service development.

Milton Keynes is a growing and vibrant city with easy access to the M1 and superb facilities for everyday living and leisure activities. Access to your own transport is essential as you will be travelling around the locality as part of your job role.

Job responsibilities
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:

• Assessment, and management of young people within the Youth Justice Support Service (YJSS) and associated PRRE Project.
• Provide training to staff in the YJSS and other professionals to support their understanding of the needs of young people with speech, language and communication needs

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• To work with the YJSS setting and with individual young people to further develop an effective, collaborative, evidence- based SLT service
• To participate in service development
• To provide advice and support to parents/carers, non-specialists, Education staff and other specialist professionals working with young people with a range of needs.
• To be an effective member of the SLT team and the broader multidisciplinary team
• To undertake other duties as requested by the Team or Service Lead to contribute to the effective running of the SLT Service

To work with whole settings and with individuals to:

• Develop the staff knowledge base around SLCN and SEMH needs and the interplay between the two through training and collaborative working
• Develop policies and practices around SLCN within and across settings and professional groups e.g. Communication Supportive Classrooms
• Work collaboratively with other agencies to ensure that SLCN are identified and addressed within the Youth Justice and Education processes
• Working collaboratively with young people /staff and families to identify clear targets and action plans related to SLCN for individuals and settings
• Provide individualized, dynamic assessments, adapted to meet the young persons needs and preferences.

For more details please see attached Job Description.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification (or equivalent)
• Registered Member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
• Health Professions Council Licence to Practice

Desirable

• Degree level 2:1 or above

Experience
Essential

• Experience working with secondary age children
• Experience working with social, emotional and mental health needs

Desirable

• Clinical experience within YOT

Other
Essential

• Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult matters and/or in difficult situations
• Develop oneself and the development of others
• Contribute to the improvement of services
• Maintain quality in own work and encourage others to do so
• Holds a UK driving license, has use of own car and able to travel across Milton Keynes as required
• Proven ability to influence the practice of others to accommodate and address SLCN within service organisation and delivery
• Evidence of the ability to identify clear outcomes and action plans for the involvement of SLT with individuals and settings
• Specialist knowledge in the differential diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions and presenting SLCN including those profiles associated with syndromes, autistic spectrum disorder, learning difficulties and social emotional needs including attachment disorder
• Experience of designing and delivering training to different audiences adapting communication style to suit the needs of the learners
• Evidence of some understanding of the current evidence base relating to the SLCN needs of children/YP presenting with challenging behaviours and SLT involvement with these groups
• Evidence of contribution to service development in this or other areas of practice

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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).