Children's Speech and Language Therapist Advanced Practitioner

Job summary
The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Advanced Practitioner is a strategic, population-level clinical leadership role working across education, health and care systems to improve outcomes for children and young people aged 0-25 with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

This role will provide advanced clinical leadership across Northamptonshire working collaboratively with both North and West Local Authorities, the ICB, Education Settings, Universities, Parent Carer forums North and West and professional networks to strengthen the speech and Language therapy workforce and increase SLT into the mainstream education settings.

Main duties of the job
The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Advanced Practitioner is a strategic, population-level clinical leadership role working across education, health and care systems to improve outcomes for children and young people aged 0-25 with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

This role will provide advanced clinical leadership across Northamptonshire working collaboratively with both North and West Local Authorities, the ICB, Education Settings, Universities, Parent Carer forums North and West and professional networks to strengthen the speech and Language therapy workforce and increase SLT into the mainstream education settings.

About us
NHFT is an NHS Community and Mental Health Foundation Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in hospital settings and in the community. We provide over 200 services across the county - as well as some specialist services in bordering and nearby counties. We work together with our partners to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors receives compassionate, person-centred care, regardless of their background or circumstances.

NHFT promotes a culture of learning, to improve the care and safety of our patients and colleagues. We have achieved our 'outstanding' rating by encouraging opportunity, innovation, development and growth across our workforce.

At NHFT we believe that work should be rewarded in every sense which is why we are proud to an accredited living wage employer.

We aim to support financial wellbeing and create an environment where are people feel valued and able to thrive.

Details
Date posted: 03 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year pa
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 3 years
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 270-TH514-CH
Job locations: Newland House, Campbell Square, Northampton, NN1 3EB, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities

• Policy, Strategy and Service Development
• Lead strategic initiatives to strengthen the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) workforce across education settings.
• Support implementation of SEND reforms, Experts at Hand and local SEND priorities.
• Influence workforce, placement and apprenticeship policy, ensuring compliance with NHS, HCPC, SEND and ICB requirements.
• Promote evidence-based practice, innovation and SEND inspection readiness.
• Strategy and Analysis
• Analyse workforce, service and population health data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Use evaluation, audit and outcomes to demonstrate impact and inform commissioning.
• Develop reports, business cases and recommendations for system leaders.
• Apply population health intelligence to address inequalities and improve access to SLT expertise.
• Planning and Organisation
• Lead programmes that expand placements, apprenticeships and workforce development.
• Develop and deliver workplans aligned to programme objectives and governance requirements.
• Manage competing priorities across organisations and maintain effective programme reporting.
• Communications and Partnerships
• Act as a system leader across education, health and care.
• Build partnerships with local authorities, education providers, NHS and independent services, universities, commissioners, parent-carer forums, DCOs and professional bodies.
• Present complex information, support collaborative decision-making and champion co-production.
• Influence stakeholders, negotiate solutions and drive system-wide improvement.
• Financial and Resource Management
• Support programme funding, business cases and commissioning activity.
• Ensure value for money and delivery of agreed outcomes.
• Workforce Development
• Act as educator, mentor, coach and supervisor.
• Develop innovative supervision models, professional learning opportunities and communities of practice.
• Promote SLT apprenticeships and provide professional leadership across Northamptonshire.
• Other
• Work independently using initiative to deliver programme objectives.
• Produce high-quality reports and presentations using Microsoft Office applications.
• Participate in virtual and face-to-face meetings requiring sustained concentration.

Flexibility and Evolving Responsibilities
As the ICB evolves, responsibilities may change to reflect organisational, system and national priorities.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Educated to Masters level (relevant focus) or equivalent managerial experience
• Evidence of sustained commitment to continuing professional development
• HCPC Registered Speech and Language Therapist

Desirable

• Evidence of Advanced Practice capability aligned to the NHSE Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Practice, or working towards this

Experience and knowledge
Essential

• Experience of working at a senior level in a relevant healthcare environment (NHS or other)
• Experience as a Speech and Language Therapist working with children and young people aged 0-25
• Experience managing complex and often confidential information, including supporting responses to media and political inquiries
• Experience of delivering complex and contentious change and transformation projects
• Experience of workforce development including students, apprentices and support staff
• Knowledge of the health, care and local government landscape, including relevant legislation, policies and guidance, and an understanding of the social determinants of public health

Desirable

• Uses technology to effectively plan work and evaluate effectiveness through audits

Strategy and Analysis
Essential

• A good understanding of current education, health and social care national aims and policy, and other determinants that impact on healthcare provision
• Experience using analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex problems, ability to recognise policy implications and manage competing priorities/interests in developing strategies
• Able to translate complex information into clear communications for a range of audiences, including effective reports to senior leadership
• Able to use research and innovation effectively to improve outcomes

Desirable

• Good data analysis and interpretation skills involving highly complex data, including an understanding of analytical methods and how to use data to support Population Health Management
• Experience scoping and delivering effective evaluations of projects and interventions, including understanding relevant data and evaluation tools and methods
• Enthusiasm for and experience of championing the critical role of technology and digitalisation in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes

People and culture
Essential

• Experience in leading and motivating teams, including recognising and promoting talent, and addressing underperformance appropriately
• Evidence of compassionate leadership and experience in promoting diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity
• Commitment to continuous improvement, organisational learning and achieving positive outcomes for staff, patients, service users and carers in line with the NHS People Promise

Partnerships and communities
Essential

• Experience working across organisational boundaries in the development and delivery of projects
• Able to represent the organisation credibly and positively in internal and external meetings
• Experience working on projects requiring cross-organisational collaboration and understanding the concept and aims of whole-system working
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, challenging within areas of responsibility and escalating appropriately where necessary

Governance and Assurance
Essential

• Experience delivering projects that require collective decision-making and negotiating successful outcomes

Desirable

• Good understanding of effective corporate governance and the route for decision making within the ICB

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address: Newland House, Campbell Square, Northampton, NN1 3EB, United Kingdom
Employer's website:

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Head of Children's Nursing, AHPs and Quality, Jo Fletcher, View email address on meeveem.com, View phone number on meeveem.com