Speech and Language Therapist

Children, Young

People and Families Service (CYPFS)

CYP Speech and

Language Therapist

Band

5, 37.5 hours (5 days) per week, permanent

The CYP Speech & Language Service has an exciting

opportunity for a full-time, permanent Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to

join our

busy community teams to support the delivery of speech and language

interventions across the city of Plymouth.

We are looking for Band 5

therapists who will be able to work with a mixed paediatric caseload with

children with speech and language needs in community clinics, early years

settings and mainstream schools.

We provide a service based on

the Care Aims philosophy which means you can deliver direct therapy that is

matched to the childs individual needs. The service is committed to CPD,

research and audit and a mentor system, clinical supervision and annual

appraisal are in place.

The post holder may be required

to work anywhere in the city as directed by the service team leaders, so

flexibility is essential.

The

closing date for applications to be submitted by: 16.10.2026

Main duties of the job

To provide an independently managed

speech and language service to a mixed paediatric caseload with speech language

and communication needs (SLCN) with support from

senior colleagues.

To collect, identify and interpret complex case related

information, undertake a range of formal and informal assessment, propose

differential diagnosis based on evidence and prioritise and decide on

appropriate treatment/management of CYP speech language and communication needs

matched to the client/family need. To provide training and

communication advice in schools, nurseries and other locations for

implementation by teacher assistants and other professionals.

All Livewell Southwest

staff are expected to able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.

Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Details

Date posted

01 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£32,073 to £39,043 a year

Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time,

Part-time,

Job share,

Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2026-PTA-1636

Job locations

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY

United Kingdom

Four Greens Community Trust

15 Whitleigh Green

PLYMOUTH

PL5 4DD

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical

To independently manage personal caseload with

reference to theory, published research and evidence, and agreed best practice with

supervision available from senior colleagues.

To identify, collect, analyse, and interpret

complex case related information and data from clients, carers and other

relevant sources including cross agency working.

To undertake a range of formal and informal

assessments as indicated by the presenting speech, language and communication

difficulties (SLCD) and other factors, including analysis of understanding and

use of voice, grammar, vocabulary, speech sounds, fluency, social use of

language, non-verbal communication, carer-child interaction and play skills and

make judgements from these concerning prioritisation and future management.

To propose differential diagnoses on the basis

of assimilated evidence gathered from a range of assessments - some of which

may be conflicting - and with reference to typical and atypical developmental

norms and research evidence.

To prioritise and decide on appropriate

treatment/management matched to individual client/family need from a range of

options ensuring client/carers are fully involved in the decision making

process.

To provide assessment and communication advice

in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher

assistants and other professionals.

To be responsible for the writing and

dissemination of clinical reports based on assessment and treatment findings to

appropriate professionals and relevant others including legal Education Health

and Care Plans and/or documentation for child protection cases.

To be responsible for admission, management and

discharge of clients in relation to personal caseload with appropriate caseload

supervision from senior colleagues.

To explain highly complex and sensitive case

related information to meet a range of levels of understanding of clients and

carers, where anxiety often acts as a barrier and co-operation is not

guaranteed. To recognise that the communication difficulty may be the

first indicator of deeper more complex problems and to counsel parents and

carers accordingly.

To demonstrate empathy and reassurance when

providing clients and carers with information that has long-term implications

for lifestyle and educational and social development e.g. children whose

communication difficulties are not likely to be resolved and which will affect

their ability to learn with lifelong implications.

To monitor, recognise and evaluate subtle

changes in the clients condition and adapt the assessment and treatment

programme accordingly e.g. monitoring changes in sound production, quality and

pitch.

To assess the risk to, and vulnerability of,

patients and families in relation to timing and manner of treatment and amount

of information provided.

To recognise the need for onward referral for

second opinions, more specialist SLT intervention or multidisciplinary advice.

To negotiate with parents/carers and

professionals around individual case diagnosis and management where others have

less specialist knowledge and/or experience in relation to SLCD, and

differences of professional judgement can occur e.g. levels of priority for

treatment and impact of the communication difficulty on accessing the

educational curriculum.

To allocate cases to, monitor and supervise

work of speech and language therapy assistants following completion of NQP

competency framework.

To initiate and/or contribute to multi-agency

case discussions and management in relation to complex cases when the need for

this has been identified through assessment and observation, including child

protection issues, ensuring a well-coordinated care plan and pathway when

professional and ethical opinions may differ.

To be responsible for raising awareness about

speech and language development and disorders in relation to own personal

caseload, and how to manage these in different contexts. This will include: nursery staff, teachers,

teacher assistants and relevant others.

To undertake periodic supervision with more

experienced colleagues and to reflect on practice with peers.

Professional

To

maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council and the

Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.

To

progress and develop professional and clinical skills across a range of speech,

language and communication difficulties (SLCD) by working with more experienced

staff, undertaking self-directed and more formal CPD activities and maintaining

personal portfolio.

To

recognise own professional and clinical boundaries and competencies and seek

advice, support and training when necessary with in an individual performance

review framework.

To

maintain professional and service standards with adherence to local and

national guidelines and clinical governance including confidentiality.

To

record and update personally generated clinical observations, assessment

results, and treatment and advice details in client case notes.

To

participate in the Organisations Annual Appraisal Process.

To

follow and implement local and national policies with elements of independent

professional judgement.

To

contribute to local policy and service development through the clinical

governance process.

To be

responsible for maintaining equipment records and the safe use and security of

clinical equipment. To identify and request therapy equipment to meet caseload

demands (according to service guidelines).

To provide

clinical activity data and routine

recording of CPD, travel, and other related activity, observing data protection

guidelines.

To provide

clinical and professional education and assessment of SLT students and other

AHP students as required (first year post qualification) having attended

appropriate training.

To take

part in research and clinical audit as directed by senior staff, undertake

action research with personal caseload and contribute to others research by

providing data.

To be

able to recognise breakdown/conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support

from more senior colleagues to resolve.

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical

To independently manage personal caseload with

reference to theory, published research and evidence, and agreed best practice with

supervision available from senior colleagues.

To identify, collect, analyse, and interpret

complex case related information and data from clients, carers and other

relevant sources including cross agency working.

To undertake a range of formal and informal

assessments as indicated by the presenting speech, language and communication

difficulties (SLCD) and other factors, including analysis of understanding and

use of voice, grammar, vocabulary, speech sounds, fluency, social use of

language, non-verbal communication, carer-child interaction and play skills and

make judgements from these concerning prioritisation and future management.

To propose differential diagnoses on the basis

of assimilated evidence gathered from a range of assessments - some of which

may be conflicting - and with reference to typical and atypical developmental

norms and research evidence.

To prioritise and decide on appropriate

treatment/management matched to individual client/family need from a range of

options ensuring client/carers are fully involved in the decision making

process.

To provide assessment and communication advice

in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher

assistants and other professionals.

To be responsible for the writing and

dissemination of clinical reports based on assessment and treatment findings to

appropriate professionals and relevant others including legal Education Health

and Care Plans and/or documentation for child protection cases.

To be responsible for admission, management and

discharge of clients in relation to personal caseload with appropriate caseload

supervision from senior colleagues.

To explain highly complex and sensitive case

related information to meet a range of levels of understanding of clients and

carers, where anxiety often acts as a barrier and co-operation is not

guaranteed. To recognise that the communication difficulty may be the

first indicator of deeper more complex problems and to counsel parents and

carers accordingly.

To demonstrate empathy and reassurance when

providing clients and carers with information that has long-term implications

for lifestyle and educational and social development e.g. children whose

communication difficulties are not likely to be resolved and which will affect

their ability to learn with lifelong implications.

To monitor, recognise and evaluate subtle

changes in the clients condition and adapt the assessment and treatment

programme accordingly e.g. monitoring changes in sound production, quality and

pitch.

To assess the risk to, and vulnerability of,

patients and families in relation to timing and manner of treatment and amount

of information provided.

To recognise the need for onward referral for

second opinions, more specialist SLT intervention or multidisciplinary advice.

To negotiate with parents/carers and

professionals around individual case diagnosis and management where others have

less specialist knowledge and/or experience in relation to SLCD, and

differences of professional judgement can occur e.g. levels of priority for

treatment and impact of the communication difficulty on accessing the

educational curriculum.

To allocate cases to, monitor and supervise

work of speech and language therapy assistants following completion of NQP

competency framework.

To initiate and/or contribute to multi-agency

case discussions and management in relation to complex cases when the need for

this has been identified through assessment and observation, including child

protection issues, ensuring a well-coordinated care plan and pathway when

professional and ethical opinions may differ.

To be responsible for raising awareness about

speech and language development and disorders in relation to own personal

caseload, and how to manage these in different contexts. This will include: nursery staff, teachers,

teacher assistants and relevant others.

To undertake periodic supervision with more

experienced colleagues and to reflect on practice with peers.

Professional

To

maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council and the

Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.

To

progress and develop professional and clinical skills across a range of speech,

language and communication difficulties (SLCD) by working with more experienced

staff, undertaking self-directed and more formal CPD activities and maintaining

personal portfolio.

To

recognise own professional and clinical boundaries and competencies and seek

advice, support and training when necessary with in an individual performance

review framework.

To

maintain professional and service standards with adherence to local and

national guidelines and clinical governance including confidentiality.

To

record and update personally generated clinical observations, assessment

results, and treatment and advice details in client case notes.

To

participate in the Organisations Annual Appraisal Process.

To

follow and implement local and national policies with elements of independent

professional judgement.

To

contribute to local policy and service development through the clinical

governance process.

To be

responsible for maintaining equipment records and the safe use and security of

clinical equipment. To identify and request therapy equipment to meet caseload

demands (according to service guidelines).

To provide

clinical activity data and routine

recording of CPD, travel, and other related activity, observing data protection

guidelines.

To provide

clinical and professional education and assessment of SLT students and other

AHP students as required (first year post qualification) having attended

appropriate training.

To take

part in research and clinical audit as directed by senior staff, undertake

action research with personal caseload and contribute to others research by

providing data.

To be

able to recognise breakdown/conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support

from more senior colleagues to resolve.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with a paediatric caseload

Desirable

• Experience of working unsupervised.
• Able to implement and adapt specialised treatment programmes from a range of options based on extended clinical experience.
• Able to undertake and adapt wide range of formal and informal assessments to meet patient need.
• Supervision of SLT assistants.
• Experience of providing placement education for SLT students.

Qualifications

Essential

• Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy.
• Membership of RCSLT.
• HCPC registration.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of a range of assessment materials and therapy approaches for children with SLCN.

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD to maintain and develop competencies and knowledge base e.g. working with more specialist staff, Specific Interest Groups (RCSLT registered), Clinical Excellence Network and short specialist courses, self-directed study.
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance.
• Working knowledge in use of sign and symbol systems such as Makaton.

Skills

Essential

• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate highly complex information to meet a range of levels of in understanding of clients and carers.
• Ability to recognise own clinical competencies and the need for onward referral for more specialist advice.
• Ability to reflect on practice to identify own strengths and development needs .
• Ability to demonstrate effective team working.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to frequently travel independently and in a timely manner between Livewell Southwest sites and community locations including areas not served by public transport.

Desirable

• Ability to negotiate and explain complex case related information about speech & language development and disorders to a range of audiences.
• Ability to pass on skills to carers and other professionals to enable them to carry out communication advice for complex communication disorders.
• Ability to identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with a paediatric caseload

Desirable

• Experience of working unsupervised.
• Able to implement and adapt specialised treatment programmes from a range of options based on extended clinical experience.
• Able to undertake and adapt wide range of formal and informal assessments to meet patient need.
• Supervision of SLT assistants.
• Experience of providing placement education for SLT students.

Qualifications

Essential

• Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy.
• Membership of RCSLT.
• HCPC registration.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of a range of assessment materials and therapy approaches for children with SLCN.

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD to maintain and develop competencies and knowledge base e.g. working with more specialist staff, Specific Interest Groups (RCSLT registered), Clinical Excellence Network and short specialist courses, self-directed study.
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance.
• Working knowledge in use of sign and symbol systems such as Makaton.

Skills

Essential

• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate highly complex information to meet a range of levels of in understanding of clients and carers.
• Ability to recognise own clinical competencies and the need for onward referral for more specialist advice.
• Ability to reflect on practice to identify own strengths and development needs .
• Ability to demonstrate effective team working.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to frequently travel independently and in a timely manner between Livewell Southwest sites and community locations including areas not served by public transport.

Desirable

• Ability to negotiate and explain complex case related information about speech & language development and disorders to a range of audiences.
• Ability to pass on skills to carers and other professionals to enable them to carry out communication advice for complex communication disorders.
• Ability to identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

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

NHS Careers website .

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

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

NHS Careers website .

Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

200 Mount Gould Road

Mount Gould

Plymouth

Devon

PL4 7PY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical

To independently manage personal caseload with

reference to theory, published research and evidence, and agreed best practice with

supervision available from senior colleagues.

To identify, collect, analyse, and interpret

complex case related information and data from clients, carers and other

relevant sources including cross agency working.

To undertake a range of formal and informal

assessments as indicated by the presenting speech, language and communication

difficulties (SLCD) and other factors, including analysis of understanding and

use of voice, grammar, vocabulary, speech sounds, fluency, social use of

language, non-verbal communication, carer-child interaction and play skills and

make judgements from these concerning prioritisation and future management.

To propose differential diagnoses on the basis

of assimilated evidence gathered from a range of assessments - some of which

may be conflicting - and with reference to typical and atypical developmental

norms and research evidence.

To prioritise and decide on appropriate

treatment/management matched to individual client/family need from a range of

options ensuring client/carers are fully involved in the decision making

process.

To provide assessment and communication advice

in schools, nurseries and other locations for implementation by teacher

assistants and other professionals.

To be responsible for the writing and

dissemination of clinical reports based on assessment and treatment findings to

appropriate professionals and relevant others including legal Education Health

and Care Plans and/or documentation for child protection cases.

To be responsible for admission, management and

discharge of clients in relation to personal caseload with appropriate caseload

supervision from senior colleagues.

To explain highly complex and sensitive case

related information to meet a range of levels of understanding of clients and

carers, where anxiety often acts as a barrier and co-operation is not

guaranteed. To recognise that the communication difficulty may be the

first indicator of deeper more complex problems and to counsel parents and

carers accordingly.

To demonstrate empathy and reassurance when

providing clients and carers with information that has long-term implications

for lifestyle and educational and social development e.g. children whose

communication difficulties are not likely to be resolved and which will affect

their ability to learn with lifelong implications.

To monitor, recognise and evaluate subtle

changes in the clients condition and adapt the assessment and treatment

programme accordingly e.g. monitoring changes in sound production, quality and

pitch.

To assess the risk to, and vulnerability of,

patients and families in relation to timing and manner of treatment and amount

of information provided.

To recognise the need for onward referral for

second opinions, more specialist SLT intervention or multidisciplinary advice.

To negotiate with parents/carers and

professionals around individual case diagnosis and management where others have

less specialist knowledge and/or experience in relation to SLCD, and

differences of professional judgement can occur e.g. levels of priority for

treatment and impact of the communication difficulty on accessing the

educational curriculum.

To allocate cases to, monitor and supervise

work of speech and language therapy assistants following completion of NQP

competency framework.

To initiate and/or contribute to multi-agency

case discussions and management in relation to complex cases when the need for

this has been identified through assessment and observation, including child

protection issues, ensuring a well-coordinated care plan and pathway when

professional and ethical opinions may differ.

To be responsible for raising awareness about

speech and language development and disorders in relation to own personal

caseload, and how to manage these in different contexts. This will include: nursery staff, teachers,

teacher assistants and relevant others.

To undertake periodic supervision with more

experienced colleagues and to reflect on practice with peers.

Professional

To

maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council and the

Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.

To

progress and develop professional and clinical skills across a range of speech,

language and communication difficulties (SLCD) by working with more experienced

staff, undertaking self-directed and more formal CPD activities and maintaining

personal portfolio.

To

recognise own professional and clinical boundaries and competencies and seek

advice, support and training when necessary with in an individual performance

review framework.

To

maintain professional and service standards with adherence to local and

national guidelines and clinical governance including confidentiality.

To

record and update personally generated clinical observations, assessment

results, and treatment and advice details in client case notes.

To

participate in the Organisations Annual Appraisal Process.

To

follow and implement local and national policies with elements of independent

professional judgement.

To

contribute to local policy and service development through the clinical

governance process.

To be

responsible for maintaining equipment records and the safe use and security of

clinical equipment. To identify and request therapy equipment to meet caseload

demands (according to service guidelines).

To provide

clinical activity data and routine

recording of CPD, travel, and other related activity, observing data protection

guidelines.

To provide

clinical and professional education and assessment of SLT students and other

AHP students as required (first year post qualification) having attended

appropriate training.

To take

part in research and clinical audit as directed by senior staff, undertake

action research with personal caseload and contribute to others research by

providing data.

To be

able to recognise breakdown/conflict when it occurs and seek advice and support

from more senior colleagues to resolve.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with a paediatric caseload

Desirable

• Experience of working unsupervised.
• Able to implement and adapt specialised treatment programmes from a range of options based on extended clinical experience.
• Able to undertake and adapt wide range of formal and informal assessments to meet patient need.
• Supervision of SLT assistants.
• Experience of providing placement education for SLT students.

Qualifications

Essential

• Specialist graduate level education in speech and language therapy.
• Membership of RCSLT.
• HCPC registration.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of a range of assessment materials and therapy approaches for children with SLCN.

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD to maintain and develop competencies and knowledge base e.g. working with more specialist staff, Specific Interest Groups (RCSLT registered), Clinical Excellence Network and short specialist courses, self-directed study.
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance.
• Working knowledge in use of sign and symbol systems such as Makaton.

Skills

Essential

• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate highly complex information to meet a range of levels of in understanding of clients and carers.
• Ability to recognise own clinical competencies and the need for onward referral for more specialist advice.
• Ability to reflect on practice to identify own strengths and development needs .
• Ability to demonstrate effective team working.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to frequently travel independently and in a timely manner between Livewell Southwest sites and community locations including areas not served by public transport.

Desirable

• Ability to negotiate and explain complex case related information about speech & language development and disorders to a range of audiences.
• Ability to pass on skills to carers and other professionals to enable them to carry out communication advice for complex communication disorders.
• Ability to identify, collect, analyse, and interpret complex case related information.