The Communication and Language Specialist (CALS) role at ChatterBug Speech and Language Therapy Service in Leeds involves supporting Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) in delivering therapy to children with communication challenges. The CALS will implement therapy programs, both individually and in groups, while maintaining communication with lead therapists regarding session outcomes. Responsibilities also include preparing therapy materials, conducting training for parents and professionals, and ensuring the effectiveness of communication strategies and tools, including non-verbal methods.
Additionally, the CALS will engage in community promotion of speech and language skills, maintain case notes and therapy supplies, and participate in ongoing training and professional development. The role requires good communication skills to effectively advise and interact with clients, caregivers, and educational staff, ensuring inclusive and supportive treatment plans that consider individual client needs and circumstances. Responsibilities may also extend to administrative tasks and business development initiatives to promote the service within the community.
Additionally, the CALS will engage in community promotion of speech and language skills, maintain case notes and therapy supplies, and participate in ongoing training and professional development. The role requires good communication skills to effectively advise and interact with clients, caregivers, and educational staff, ensuring inclusive and supportive treatment plans that consider individual client needs and circumstances. Responsibilities may also extend to administrative tasks and business development initiatives to promote the service within the community.
This role is for a Communication and Language Specialist. A CALS takes on a supportive role alongside Speech and Language Therapists working with children with a wide range of communication difficulties in a variety of local community based venues, this could be within schools or setting within Halton and Liverpool. CALS will carry out therapy programmes devised by Speech and Language Therapists, under the guidance of a lead therapist, this may be with individuals or with groups of children. They will support the preparation and maintenance of therapy / training materials and equipment for the service and service users. The CALS will promote the importance of Speech, Language and Communication skills in the local community.
Clinical
- To carry out therapy programmes devised by Speech and Language therapists either with individual children or in small groups, often working independently, and reporting session outcomes to the lead or supervising therapist.
- To become proficient in recognising children with a range of communication difficulties, and delivering treatment plans, whilst being supported by a Speech and Language Therapist.
- To provide universal and targeted level advice on optimising the clients communicative environment taking into consideration the communication skills of parents/guardians, carers and other professionals.
- To provide universal and targeted level advice and support to professionals working with children with communication needs and typically developing children to ensure optimum development.
- To become proficient in using signs, symbols or other non-verbal communication systems.
- To assist the therapist in devising and implementing a range of non-verbal communication systems (such as signs or symbols).
- To highlight to the supervising therapist where appropriate onward specialist referrals for children may be required e.g. to Audiology
- To provide administrative support preparing, photocopying and maintaining supply of therapy materials/equipment and augmentative communication materials.
About us
Clinical
- To carry out therapy programmes devised by Speech and Language therapists either with individual children or in small groups, often working independently, and reporting session outcomes to the lead or supervising therapist.
- To become proficient in recognising children with a range of communication difficulties, and delivering treatment plans, whilst being supported by a Speech and Language Therapist.
- To carry out School/Nursery and occasionally home visits as identified by a Speech and Language Therapist.
- To undergo an initial period of in service training and continue to receive appropriate training.
- To keep Speech and Language Therapists fully informed of a childs progress.
- To respect the confidentiality of all information to which she/he has access.
- To maintain departmental quality standards in working practices and be aware of clinical pathways and guidelines.
- To have a flexible approach in the support of the Speech and Language Therapy team.
- To represent the service at meetings where required, under the guidance of a Speech and Language Therapist e.g. school review meetings, service promotion events.
- To provide universal and targeted level advice on optimising the clients communicative environment taking into consideration the communication skills of parents/guardians, carers and other professionals.
- To provide universal and targeted level advice and support to professionals working with children with communication needs and typically developing children to ensure optimum development.
- To become proficient in using signs, symbols or other non-verbal communication systems.
- To assist the therapist in devising and implementing a range of non-verbal communication systems (such as signs or symbols).
- To highlight to the supervising therapist where appropriate onward specialist referrals for children may be required e.g. to Audiology
- To provide administrative support preparing, photocopying and maintaining supply of therapy materials/equipment and augmentative communication materials.
- To be responsible for the care and maintenance of SLT equipment.
Communication
- To have very good verbal/written communication skills.
- Communicate information about treatment to clients, carers and other professionals effectively.
- To provide verbal advice to parents/guardians, carers and other professionals regarding the management and care of children this will be appropriate to a range of audiences and easy to understand.
- To ensure that clients/parents/ teaching staff are involved in the delivery of the treatment plans.
- To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with service policies.
- To share information with clients, carers and other professionals, observing current data protection guidelines.
Teaching Skills
- To deliver pre written training to others related to Speech, Language and Communication.
- To demonstrate the ability to reflect on and evaluate the training provided with guidance from a lead Speech and Language Therapist.
- To support/coach/skill and advise others in the delivery of treatment programmes e.g. parents/carers and education practitioners.
Clinical Governance Requirements
- To gather and submit statistical data punctually.
- To have a working knowledge of relevant procedures including safeguarding children.
- To engage in Continuing Professional Development.
- To demonstrate a passion and commitment to the profession through self-guided study.
- To participate in an individual performance review, ensuring that the objectives set reflect the service and organisation plans as well as own development needs.
- To attend relevant in-service training and meetings.
- To take responsibility for maintaining and continually developing professional skills and knowledge in SLCN.
- To participate in team and departmental projects as required.
Business Development
- To promote and raise awareness of ChatterBug and the services we provide and represent the organisation at a local level.
- To identify opportunities to help support the growth/ development of the organisation by identifying opportunities for new business.
- To represent the company ethos and values.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- To demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers and mentors and to identify own strengths and development needs.
- To anticipate and take appropriate steps to prevent the breakdown of relationships with parents/guardians and other professionals.
- To gather service user feedback and participate in service analysis of feedback.
Responsibility for Client Care and Contact with Carers
- To demonstrate the ability to support people with communication difficulties and their parents/carers.
- To work closely with clients, carers and other professionals to negotiate and agree with client management.
- To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where significant barriers to understanding exist.
- To respond sensitively at all times.
- To demonstrate skills in motivating clients, carers and other professionals to engage in the therapeutic process.
- To adapt practice to meet individual clients circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences.
Physical Skills
- To demonstrate good auditory and perceptual skills in the treatment of clients.
- To demonstrate knowledge and awareness of correct moving/handling clients and your limitations within this.
- To use equipment with due care and attention.
Responsibility for Equipment or Financial Resources
- To be responsible for the security, care, maintenance and delivery of equipment ensuring standards of safety are maintained, including equipment loaned to clients.
- To monitor stock/equipment levels in our own service area and request new equipment as appropriate.
Level of Freedom to Act
- To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking support as appropriate to this role as a support practitioner.
- To work within defined departmental and national protocols/policies as specified by the lead SLT.
- To manage a caseload as allocated by and directed by lead SLT.
- To recommend discharge/continuation of intervention appropriately to the lead SLT as appropriate.
This job description acts only as a guide and is not an exhaustive list. This role may be allocated additional tasks in line with the business needs and developments.
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