Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (Advanced Practitioner)

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 07 July 2026

We are looking for an enthusiastic, innovative and experienced Speech and Language Therapist to coordinate the community clinic caseloads across the South of the county. The post is a fixed term maternity cover post based in the Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Team in the South Staffordshire area. The post holder will manage a community clinic caseload and provide second opinions for colleagues across South Staffordshire. The successful applicant will carry out leadership duties within the team, attend tribunals if required, and support junior colleagues with second opinions, supervision and appraisals. They will also attend Early Years Forum meetings throughout the year.

The post holder will be required to work closely with fellow coordinators within the South team to support staff and manage caseloads effectively. The post holder will hold a caseload that predominantly covers clinics, nurseries and schools in Cannock, and will operate from the main base in Rugeley. There may be some travel required to attend team meetings and supervision in other settings across the geographical area.

This post would be suitable for a current band 7 therapist, or an experienced band 6 therapist who is looking for the opportunity to develop leadership experience and to further develop clinical skills working with children and young people with severe communication disorders within community clinic and mainstream settings.

Please refer to attached documents for full details of responsibilities and job description.

• undertake assessment and plan intervention for children within community clinic settings with a range of communication difficulties
• support junior colleagues through supervision, joint sessions, and second opinions
• contribute to team development by leading projects, conducting appraisals, and training external providers and partners
• provide clinical caseload summaries to the Team Leader when required for a designated area

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Please refer to attached documents for full details of responsibilities and job description.

• lead on coordination of clinical caseloads for West area of the team

Assess, diagnose and manage children who present with speech, language and communication difficulties that impact on their ability to communicate effectively.

• regularly supervise and mentor identified team members including newly qualified staff to ensure that care/intervention is delivered by staff who have the relevant skills and competences
• lead on a range of service development projects
• support with service training and development of others
• provide second opinions and support on a consultative basis to other Speech and Language Therapy colleagues in the identified clinical areas
• attend and contribute to local Senior SLT Development meetings, and monitor and coordinate clinical caseloads across Cannock and Lichfield alongside the Team Leader, Office Manager and Business Support Officer
• provide written advice to contribute to the assessment and review process undertaken by the Local Authority for children who have or may have special educational needs (EHCP)

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent
• Registration with HCPC
• Modules at Masters Level or equivalent postgraduate clinical courses within area of clinical expertise
• Willingness to undertake a Mentorship/clinical education qualification/training as required
• Willing to undertake further training

• Post graduate courses in children's speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)
• Attendance at relevant clinical excellence networks
• Up to date field work / pre registration student training

• Significant experience in the clinical specialism including assessment and management of children's SLCN
• Ability to manage time and caseload effectively
• Supporting children, young people, families and carers in dealing with the impact of communication impairment
• Working in a multidisciplinary team
• Experience of negotiation and conflict management in clinical situations
• Experience of leading clinical audit in specialism
• Presentation skills
• Experience of supporting students on placement
• Experience of effective leadership within a team
• Experience of supporting others effectively with caseload management
• Evidence of project work
• Significant experience of supporting children, young families and carers in promoting health and wellbeing
• Significant experience of managing and implementing change

• Evidence of expert/advanced knowledge relevant to the post
• Understanding the Information Governance, Data Protection, HCPC standards and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children
• Knowledge of relevant Frameworks and NICE guidance
• Understanding of wider NHS agenda and its application to the local context

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.

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust