SEHSCT Clinical and Service Lead for Childrens Community Clinic and Sure Start Band 8A

Advertised role location: Downshire Hospital, Main Building
Official document: Job Description (pdf)
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December 2016
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Clinical Specialist and Service Lead for
Children and Young People’s Community
Speech and Language Therapy and Sure
Start (CYPSLT)

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December 2016
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JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE Clinical Specialist and Service Lead for Children
and Young Peoples Community Speech and
Language Therapy and Sure Start
BAND 8a
DIRECTORATE Nursing, Primary Care and Older People
INITIAL LOCATION Trust wide. Initially based at Speech and Language
Therapy Department, Downshire Estate, Downpatrick
REPORTS TO Assistant Manager for Children’s Speech and Language
Therapy Service
ACCOUNTABLE TO Lead Professional for Speech and Language Therapy
Type of Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours
JOB SUMMARY
• To lead and develop the Community Children and Young Peoples Speech and
Language Therapy (CYPSLT) Community Service across the South Eastern Trust
area in conjunction with the Assistant Manager for CYPSLT services.
• To have a lead role in the strategic planning, development and evaluation of Speech
and Language Therapy within the CYPSLT service and Sure Start.

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• To provide an advanced/expert level of clinical expertise, underpinned by evidence
based practice/national guidelines, in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of
preschool / school aged children presenting with a wide range of Speech and
Language difficulties within clinic / pre-school / school settings as appropriate.
• To be responsible for providing advice, second opinions and clinical decisions in
relation to complex clinical management issues relating to the client group as
required across CYPSLT services.
• To be a consultative and final point of reference and provide guidance to the
CYPSLT Assistant Manager, Speech and Language Therapy Lead Professional with
regard to service developments, evidence based practice and outcome
measurement within the client groups/services.
• To be responsible for ensuring high quality, safe and effective care within the
CYPSLT Community service/Sure Start.
• The post holder will hold a clinical caseload.
• The post holder will have access to support from the CYPSLT Assistant Manager
and the Speech and Language Therapy Lead Professional.
KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
• To develop and implement the highest quality innovative clinical practice.
• To be responsible for the specialist holistic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of
Children and Young People within the service, providing an advanced level of
expertise. This will involve planning, implementing and evaluating the care delivery
according to changing healthcare needs.
• Work autonomously using advanced levels of history taking and assessment skills
within multidisciplinary team guidelines and protocols.
• Be proactive in clinical decision making underpinned by the highest level of
theoretical and practical knowledge and be able to demonstrate improved service
user outcomes
• To establish, maintain and effectively manage barriers to advanced, highly skilled
and effective communication with service users, carers and professionals across
health and social care and education, in order to develop a therapeutic relationship
within which highly sensitive, distressing health conditions and highly complex
issues are often addressed. This includes imparting information regarding
diagnosis, prognosis and treatment and referring to other teams as appropriate to
promote integrated working and to improve service user outcomes.
• To be responsible for the close liaison, advice, consultation both formally and
informally with other Speech and Language Therapy colleagues, those from other

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disciplines/agencies and to parents/care givers/relatives/education/voluntary
agencies as appropriate.
• To work closely with professional colleagues in Health, Education and other
Agencies in the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of training and
therapy programmes as appropriate.
• To work closely with the Lead Professional, CYPSLT Assistant Manager, Clinical
and services Leads, multi-disciplinary teams and others within SET and regionally
as appropriate, to ensure implementation and application of professional, regional
and local standards, policies and procedures, and promote evidenced based
practice (EBP) and research.
• To ensure a specialist/advanced knowledge of relevant legislation and contribute to
policy advice on speech language and communication needs in this population as
required.
• To promote, develop and co-ordinate co-production and Personal and Public
Involvement (PPI) within the CYPSLT Service and Sure Start within South Eastern
Trust.
• To lead in the implementation of innovative practice and new technologies in the
delivery of the designated SLT services within South Eastern Trust.
• To be aware of and adhere to current legislation in relation to the post including
Health and Safety regulations, and to provide information and professional advice
as required in relation to decision making related to such legislation.
• To maintain and expand upon professional knowledge/ competence and to attend
relevant courses and conferences in order to maintain a highly advanced level of
expertise and standards.
• To advise the CYPSLT Assistant Manager regarding the specialised equipment /
assessments for children and young people as appropriate.
• To be responsible for the Operational Governance and Clinical Management of the
services.
• To support the Lead professional and CYPSLT Assistant Manager to achieve all
relevant targets.
Clinical and Professional Responsibilities
• To be responsible for the planning and development of the designated CYPSLT
services.

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• As appropriate to oversee referrals for children and young people to other Health
and Social Services, including specialist Speech and Language Therapy Services
e.g. JCPC
• To work closely alongside and provide advice and training to other professionals
within Health, the Education Authority and Voluntary and Community sectors
• To ensure close working with colleagues within Education in the planning and
implementation of joint advice/support programmes.
• To monitor and evaluate the outcomes of clinical practice and liaise with the
CYPSLT Assistant Manager and Clinical and Service Leads in the development of
efficient and effective models of clinical intervention and service delivery.
• To develop and extend a level of advanced professional knowledge and clinical
expertise relevant to the specified populations.
• To provide specialist advice to others including both internal and external
stakeholders on the management of children and young people within the
Community setting presenting with a range of speech, language and
communication difficulties
• To be actively involved in safeguarding of children and young people and attend
case conferences as required.
• To provide clinically expert information and advice relating to current knowledge
and trends in Speech and Language Therapy management for these client groups.
• To hold responsibility for the triaging of new referrals into the Community Children’s
Speech and Language Therapy service, advising triaging clinicians and CBO
(Central Booking Office) staff as required.
• To attend SPOE (Single Point of Entry) triage meetings, for referrals to the Child
Health Service within South Eastern Trust.
• To provide advice to the CYPSLT Assistant Manager and Lead Professional for
Speech and Language Therapy regarding the development of relevant policies and
procedures for the client groups.
Managerial responsibilities both within an operational and strategic context
• To deputise for the CYPSLT Assistant Speech and Language Therapy Manager
as required.

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• To inspire and demonstrate leadership qualities through delivery of specialist
advice, working with others, demonstration of personal qualities, continuous
service improvement and setting direction.
• To promote innovation and change within CYPSLT Services to underpin the
reform and modernisation of services to patients and their carers.
• To ensure that a high quality responsive CYPSLT service is maintained and
developed.
• To identify, devise, implement and evaluate standard setting, protocols, quality
initiatives and audit within clinical area in consultation with the CYPSLT Assistant
Manager.
• To support the CYPSLT Assistant Manager with service planning and
development of initiatives. This will include developing business cases as
appropriate.
• To have delegated responsibility for development/review/monitoring of
policies/services developments, within service areas.
• To provide information and advice to the Speech and Language Therapy Lead
Professional, in conjunction with the CYPSLT Assistant Manager, regarding the
provision and development of best practice/evidence based practice.
• To provide a consultative point of reference for colleagues outside the Trust
attending uni and multidisciplinary forum/advice groups in consultation with the
Speech and Language Therapy Lead Professional/Assistant CYPSLT Manager.
• To represent the Speech and Language Therapy Service in meetings within
Health and Education as required both within Trust and at a regional level.
• To collect, submit and interpret clinical statistics as required by the CYPSLT
Assistant Manager and Speech and Language Therapy Lead Professional.
• To compile reports regarding clients as required for other health, educational and
care staff.
• To have enhanced knowledge of the Education Authority Special Educational
Needs (SEN) legislation and be a final point of reference for all CYPSLT in relation
to the client groups.
• To provide appropriate advice reports in relation to the Education (NI) Order 1996
and Code of Practice (DE) within specified time scales, in consultation with the
CYPSLT Assistant Manager.
• To have responsibility for clinical audit across CYPSLT Services as appropriate in
consultation with the CYPSLT Assistant Manager.

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• To be responsible for standard setting for clinical audit
• In day to day practice to adhere to the principles of the Data Protection Act and
Trust publication “Data Protection”.
• To assist the CYPSLT Assistant Manager in the design of governance processes
relating to the services, to ensure safe and effective care for patients and clients
that complies with public sector values and codes of conduct, operations and
accountability.
• To adhere to the clinical responsibilities as per Trust clinical and social care
governance guidelines.
• To contribute to investigation of incidents and complaints when required: participate
in identifying lessons learnt and the sharing of learning across CYPSLT service and
SET.
• To delegate duties to subordinate staff when appropriate.
• To participate in selection and recruitment panels for the service within the Trust
and participate on panels for own and other professional staff recruitment, as
required.
• To be aware of the importance of the promotion of the Speech and Language
Therapy Service across community and school settings through competent, efficient
and effective work practices.
• To adhere to the Trust’s policy on continuous quality improvement and be aware of
service improvement methodology.
• To develop and maintain high quality working arrangement with other Clinical and
Service Leads and the CYPSLT Assistant Manager to ensure the achievement of
service group and corporate objectives
• To adhere to the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists Professional
Standards and HCPC standards.
• To lead by example in practising the highest standards of conduct in accordance
with the Code of Conduct for DHSSPS managers and HSC values.
• To identify and advise, the Lead Professional and CYPSLT Assistant Manager of
possible areas of research/ EBP and service developments and to respond to these
as appropriate within the resources available.
• To be involved in administration work involved in carrying out duties including
maintenance of digital clinical records, reports and statistics.

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• To be aware of Trust policies and departmental guidelines and adhere to
those relevant to the post.
• To fully participate in and advise at Senior Management Meetings for
CYPSLT Service and CYPSLT staff forums.
• To deputise for the Assistant Speech and Language Therapy Manager as
required
• To take part in and carry out annual Staff Appraisal (PPDR).
Learning and Development Responsibilities:
• To monitor the training needs of work colleagues e.g. AHP, Nursing staff,
support assistants, education staff and carers in relation to the management
of speech, language and communication difficulties.
• To facilitate learning for service users and their parents/carers in relation to
their identified health needs.
• In collaboration with other senior staff, ensure that clinical practice is patient
centred and research based in accordance with professional practice,
guidelines and national and local benchmarks.
• To educate and develop others in advanced practice by supporting and
facilitating colleagues.
• To lead as appropriate regarding in-service training throughout South Eastern
Trust and to contribute to lectures, seminars and conferences as requested.
• To be committed to maintaining an advanced expert level of advanced
skills/knowledge and identify learning needs for both self and others.
• To complete R.C.S.L.T. CPD online annually and copy to CYPSLT Assistant
Manager.
• To advise other professional groups on research as requested.
• To regularly initiate and record research and evaluate practice on an on-going
basis.
• To follow the Trust’s Research Committee requirements and the R.C.S.L.T.’s
Ethical Guidelines for Research as laid down in the Code of Professional
Conduct.

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• To be responsible for making research findings public and disseminating
them fully within the relevant client and professional groups.
• When necessary support and facilitate colleagues in research and clinical
audit in order to improve effectiveness, and quality of service users care.
• To undertake clinical supervision, appraisal and systematic peer review of
colleagues on an individual and group basis
• To regularly undertake audit and service evaluation to inform service
improvement using an evidenced based approach to draw on best practice.
• To meet regularly with the CYPSLT Assistant Manager regarding supervision,
annual appraisal, service planning and performance monitoring.
Compliance to all Trust Policies and Procedures
• To be aware of current legislation and policies in relation to post.
• To be responsible for the selection, care and maintenance of equipment and test
materials.
• To adhere to Trust and Education Complaint’s Procedure.
• To carry out any other designated duties which may be required relating to the
particular needs of the service.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Organisation supports and promotes a culture of collective leadership where those
who have responsibility for managing other staff:
1. Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables
all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the required
performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the services they
deliver.
2. Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and
support.
3. Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning.

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4. Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full
potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making.
5. Adhere to and promote Organisational policy and procedure in all staffing matters,
participating as appropriate in a way which underpins The Organisation’s values.
RAISING CONCERNS - RESPONSIBILITIES
6. The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of
openness and transparency.
7. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and
act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’
policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
8. The post holder will, in the event of a concern being raised with them, ensure that it is
managed correctly under the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’
policy and ensure feedback/learning is communicated at individual, team and
organisational level.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The post holder will be required to:
6. Ensure the Organisation’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her
own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
7. Co-operate fully with the implementation of The Organisation's Health and Safety
arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her
manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for
patients/clients, members of the public and staff.
8. Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example:
• Smoke Free policy
• IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
• standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour
9. Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your
designated area of work.
10. Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection
prevention and control.

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11. Take responsibility to minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible.
This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment
when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and
reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and
minimising travel.
12. All employees of the Organisation are legally responsible for all records held, created
or used as part of their business within the South Eastern H&SC Trust including
patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or
electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are
accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of
Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General
Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are
required to be conversant with the South Eastern H&SC Trust policy and procedures
on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
13. Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to
maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.
14. Represent The Organisation’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard
of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom
he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and
respectful manner.
This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is
not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within
which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade
may be assigned from time to time.
It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within
The Organisation's area, as needs of the service demand.
eHealth
The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has invested in eHealth to deliver better,
faster, safer care to our community and is committed to supporting staff to utilise
associated information systems that directly and indirectly inform care. Trust staff are
therefore required to commit sufficient time to ensure that they acquire and/or retain the
core technology skills required to support their role.
Personal and Public Involvement (PPI)
Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community
were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and

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effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal and Public
Involvement (PPI).
Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

August 2026

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PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE AND BAND Clinical Specialist and Service Lead for Children
and Young Peoples Community Speech and
Language Therapy and Sure Start - Band 8a
DEPARTMENT Speech and Language Therapy Department
DIRECTORATE Nursing, Primary Care and Older People
SALARY To be confirmed
HOURS Full Time 37.5 hours per week
Ref No:
Notes to applicants:
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how
you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being
shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable
criteria.
2. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section
1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please
note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at
shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet
the desirable criteria.
3. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of
employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at
shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection
stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you
meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in
the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

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Factor Criteria
Ideally no more than 6-8 criteria in this section
Method of
Assessment
Experience &
Qualification
• Applicants must have a minimum of
two years at band 7 level relevant
recent clinical experience working with
CYP with complex speech, language
and communication difficulties
• Show evidence of advanced training
and experience of communication and
associated disorders within the client
groups at postgraduate level e.g. MSC
or equivalent
• Advanced training and/or experience
of working with children and young
people with speech sound disorders.
• Experience of supervision and
organisational management.
• Experience of providing
advice/consultation to a range of
professionals, including health and
education
Shortlisting by
Application Form
Registration 1. Professional qualifications required by
Royal College of Speech and Language
Therapists.
2. Current registration of R.C.S.L.T and
license to practice.
3. Current registration of Health Care
Professional Council
4. Professional indemnity insurance.
Shortlisting by
Application Form
Other Hold a current full driving licence which is valid
for use in the UK and have access to a car on
appointment. This criterion will be waived in
the case of applicants whose disability
Shortlisting by
Application Form

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prohibits driving but who have access to a
form of transport approved by the Trust which
will permit them to carry out the duties of the
post.
SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the
interview/ selection stage:
Skills /
Abilities
• Evidence of collaborative practice within
multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of Health and Social Services
reforms.
• Understanding of the Northern Ireland
Curriculum and how, learning difficulties
and communication difficulties impact on
this.
• An understanding of current research in
the specified client group.
• Knowledge of the principles of clinical
governance /audit.
• Knowledge of minimum quality standards
of speech and language therapy practice
as contained CQ Live.
• A knowledge of how to use outcome
measures to evaluate intervention.
• An independent knowledge of different
models of diagnosis.
• An independent knowledge of different
models of clinical intervention.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – including
observation, listening and empathy skills.
• Highly developed Negotiation and
Problem solving skills.
• Demonstrates excellent analytical and
reflection skills.
Interview / Test

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• Well-developed concentration skills.
• Willingness to try innovative approaches.
• Excellent presentation skills, both written
and verbal.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Prioritisation skills.
• Evidence of personal and professional
development and commitment to
continuing professional development.
• Good time management skills.
Knowledge Interview / Test
INCLUDE FOR SENIOR POSTS (Band 8a or above) IF RELEVANT
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview
that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding
leadership role. The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare
Leadership Model, details of which can be found at

Particular attention will be given to the following dimensions:
• Inspiring shared purpose
• Leading with care
• Evaluating information
• Connecting our service
• Sharing the vision
• Engaging the team
• Holding to account
• Developing capability
• Influencing for results.

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As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to
carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment
to this post can be confirmed.
To access a copy of the Access NI Code of Practice, please Click here
The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has guidance on the Recruitment of
People with Criminal Convictions. To access a copy of this guidance, please Click
Here
Protecting and using your information
To access a copy of the Trust’s Data Protection Policy Statement,
Click Here
THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Successful applicants:
• may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
• can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a
higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the
person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the
successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band,
AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.
• are able to request Flexible Working from the 1
st
day of their employment. A
number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations
including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-
time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-
time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern,
depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged
to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be
available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to
help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times