Job summary
Fixed Term (Mat cover) | 7.5 hrs per week (in addition to SCH substantive contract) | SCH Internal Applicants Only

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children with complex communication needs? We're looking for a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist to join our dynamic paediatric team.

The post will primarily focus on Mainstream Schools settings, reflecting current service demands. However, as needs evolve, there could be opportunities to work across the wider paediatric team.

Main duties of the job
Reporting into the Team Leader, some of your responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to the Mainstream Schools pathways, carrying out initial assessments for children referred with speech, language and communication needs.
• Use specialist clinical skills to make efficient, evidence-based decisions on diagnosis and next steps based on case history, referral information, observation, and assessment.
• Provide clear, empathic, and accessible feedback to parents/carers, and identify and initiate appropriate onward referrals where needed.
• Produce succinct, high-quality reports for families and professionals reflecting specialist knowledge.
• Work collaboratively as part of the SLT team for the allocated sessions, demonstrating strong communication, flexibility, and advanced problem-solving skills alongside responsibilities within their substantive role.

About us
At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We're proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we're excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Job responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage all applicants to review their right to work eligibility before submitting an application to help avoid any disappointment during the recruitment process.

This role has been assigned occupation code 2223 using the CASCOT coding tool. Under current Home Office guidance for further information on occupation codes, sponsorship eligibility and right-to-work requirements, please visit: Skilled Worker visa: Your Job GOV.UK. Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK

Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at scn-tr.recruitment.team@nhs.net. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Relevant professional qualification (1st degree level or equivalent)
• Registered member of Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists and Health Professions Council
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development to post-graduate certificate level or equivalent short courses and CPD opportunities

Desirable

• 2:1 BMed degree, or Distinction at Masters level.
• Working towards or completion of RCSLT Proficient Level EDS Competencies.

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working independently post completion of NQP competencies.
• Paediatric SLT experience from referral through to discharge across a range of clinical areas. This would normally be achieved within 3 years of clinical experience.
• Experience of providing reports and advice on client management to other health professionals, carers and non-specialist health colleagues.
• Experience of working within a culturally diverse demographic, and working with interpreters
• Experience of working collaboratively with carers and other professionals.
• Experience of writing EHCP reports and attending annual reviews.

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• In depth knowledge of a range of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions with SLC and/or EDS difficulties.
• Knowledge of national and local education and health policies and legislation relevant to client group.
• Knowledge and understanding of universal, targeted and specialist provision.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills with an ability to manage specialist and complex caseload independently.
• Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance, audit and required standards of record keeping.
• Due to the requirement to undertake visits and transport non-portable equipment, the post holder is required to have access to their own transport.

Attributes
Essential

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially in relation to liaison and joint working
• Resilience in coping with a busy, complex caseload, and carers/ professionals who are under emotional strain.
• Evidence of highly developed negotiation skills and management of conflict
• Commitment to continued professional development and reflective practice
• Adaptable to new situations and personnel.
• Commitment to person centred planning and user and carer involvement in service delivery and development

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
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).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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).