West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Band 7 (15 hrs) Community Paediatric Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
We are seeking a highly specialist speech and language therapist to join our preschool complex needs (PSCN) team, working on Thursdays & Fridays in Ipswich CDC. You will provide assessment, differential diagnosis, and intervention for children from birth to 5 years old, focusing on communication needs. While early years dysphagia experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. Experience with the EHC needs assessment process and collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) are essential.
You will:
- Independently manage a caseload of preschool children with complex needs.
- Conduct assessments and deliver 1:1 interventions across various community settings.
- Work closely with MDT professionals, including diagnostic assessment sessions.
- Upskill and empower therapy partners—parents, carers, or educational staff—through direct and indirect work, including in-person and virtual (Teams) training.
- Fully participate in the EHC progress/needs assessment process, writing assessments and reports for initial plans and reviews.
- Provide referrals, signposts, and support for eating/drinking difficulties based on your expertise.
- Lead at a highly skilled level, supporting junior colleagues and supervising students.
- Contribute to innovation within the team, participating in whole-team meetings and pathway discussions.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Advantageous but not essential:
- Familiarity with Systm One (training provided if needed).
- Experience conducting multidisciplinary assessments (essential otherwise).
- Proficiency in video-calling (e.g., Teams).
About the Role
This role is part of an inclusive service that promotes neuro-affirmative practices, ensuring a supportive, progressive, and evidence-based approach to care.
Key working arrangements:
- Based in Ipswich CDC, with travel to rural locations.
- Regular supervision and support sessions available.
- Working 15 hours per week (Thursdays & Fridays).
About Our Team
We are West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, a dynamic, friendly, and rural NHS organisation serving over 250,000 people across west Suffolk. We deliver high-quality care and compassion through hospitals (including the 500+ bed West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, a partner of the University of Cambridge), community services, and support at home.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
We care for people across the lifespan, including:
- Emergency & Emergency Care (A&E, maternity, neonatal, day surgery).
- Specialist Nursing, Therapy, and Rehabilitation services.
- Diagnostic Interventions (such as paediatric complex needs assessments).
Our values drive everything we do: fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety, and teamwork. With 4,900+ multinational staff, we strive to be a great place to work and help you grow your career.
We are committed to diversity, belonging, and inclusivity, ensuring every voice matters. Here, #BeKnown for the differences that make us all unique—join us and stand out for what you bring.
What Next?
For further enquiries or informal visits, contact:
Kimberley Downing PSCN Pathway Lead Email: Kimberley.downing@wsh.nhs.uk Telephone: 07929 789476
Interviews scheduled: Monday 3rd August 2026
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location