Children Specialist Speech & Language Therapist for Autism

An opportunity has arisen to join our Multi-Disciplinary Diagnostic Team forAutism (MDA).This is an exciting time to come and join our highly motivated and pro-active team. The team has undergone a recent expansion which has allowed for further development of bespoke clinical pathways to support children and young people who are referred onto the diagnostic pathway. We wish to recruit a motivated and passionate Highly Specialist Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) with a specific interest in Autism / Social communication difficulties The post holder will work within the Multi-Disciplinary Assessment Team (MDA), carrying out complex speech, language and communication assessments to assist with a diagnostic outcome for children within the autism spectrum. You will be an integral part of the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trusts Autism diagnostic Service. Our departmentoffers : excellent opportunities for development through appraisal, peer review, training opportunities, clinical supervision & safeguarding supervision excellent support from peers and experienced colleagues within the team excellent support from peers and experienced colleagues within the team Well-resourced settings regular clinical and staff meetings opportunities for collaborative working with other professional groups Structured induction and supervision programme. Interview date will be arranged after the closing date. Main duties of the job The role involves effective working within the MDA team, providing detailed specialist assessment, evaluation and advice of a complex nature to aid correct diagnosis for children referred into the autism diagnostic pathway. You will work along side paediatricians, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists and be expected to provide feedback of outcomes to parents and schools. This will involve assessment within the clinic setting, at home and school. The successful candidate will also provide advice and recommendations as part of the patient journey on the diagnostic pathway., To work effectively within the MDA team for autism spectrum disorders, providing detailed assessment and advice to aid correct diagnosis for these children. To work clinically with clients presenting with a wide range of communication difficulties including the Autistic spectrum, initiating and promoting excellence in clinical practice acting as a role model to junior staff. To be awareof & contribute to Risk Management Tocontribute to Clinical Governance initiative To maintain a culture which recognises and works in partnership with clients and carers, involving them in all decisions relating to care delivery. To liaiseeffectively with colleagues, other agencies, clients and their carers to ensurean efficient system of communication. Be able to vary how information iscommunicated dependent on the recipients, this may include difficult orsensitive information. To attend & participate in regular team meetings. Todemonstrate and maintain own knowledge and awareness of recognising andresponding appropriately to safeguarding the needs of vulnerable children.Including participation in regular safeguarding supervision at least once every12 weeks, in line with trust policy. To attend multi-agency safeguardingmeetings as required. To attend designated meetings and ensure accurate feedback of any changes to clients communication and / or feeding difficulties To participate in clinical supervision ensuringthat practice is maintained at high levels and is evaluated utilisingappropriate mechanisms. To provide regular clinical supervision formembers of the team To encourage contributions and suggestions from staff to improve the delivery of high-quality service within the department. To be pro-active in self-development byparticipating in learning opportunities provided through staff training andsupervision. Maintain and update skills and knowledge throughlife-long learning, especially within the sphere of childrens services. To provide opportunities for student training asrequired & liaise with HEIs as appropriate. Toundertake all mandatory / essential training as required by MYHT. To take the lead in team developments as designated by the line manager.

Essential

• Post registration SLT experience working with children with social communication needs
• Evidence of recent and relevant clinical experience of working with children with autism
• Ability to establish good working relationships
• Understanding of current NHS Policy direction and service modernisation
• Evidence of relevant ongoing professional and clinical development
• Experience of working in successful multidisciplinary teams
Desirable
• Experience of use of effective outcome measures
• Experience of teaching
• Experience of mentoring staff
• Previous work at Band 6 level
• Working within an autism diagnostic team
• ADOS trained
Skills and Abilities Essential
• Evidence of providing accurate records of communication consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Evidence of appropriate communication with people on complex matters and or complex issues
• Understanding and experience of inter-agency working and services available within health and social care and education services
• Sound understanding of Clinical Audit and evaluation
• IT literate, Ability to promote equality and value diversity
• Professional attitude and positive role model
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
• Ability to travel across the district
• Flexibility with regards to patterns of work
• Able to carry out duties commensurate with the role
Other Essential
• Ability to satisfy Occupational Health screening
• Adaptable and flexible according to the demands of the service.
• Understanding of need to maintain confidentiality
Knowledge and Awareness Essential
• Up to date and relevant knowledge of the variety of childhood conditions which impact on development of appropriate speech, language and communication skills.
• Considerable awareness of the impacts of SLCN on access to the curriculum., SLT Degree
• HCPC registered
• Evidence of relevant and up to date post graduate training & / experience working in the field of autism and working with education
Desirable
• Postgraduate qualification in autism
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We provide care and support to over a million people inWakefield and Kirklees in their homes, community settings and across ourthree hospital sites at Pontefract, Dewsbury and Pinderfields (Wakefield). Always striving for excellence, we are at the forefront ofinnovation and research, and we invest in teaching and the development of ourworkforce. We live by our values of caring, improving, being respectfuland maintaining high standards. We listen and learn because we aim to make MidYorkshire the best place to work and receive care. We value diversity and welcome talent and enthusiasmirrespective of age, disability, neurodivergence, sex, gender identity andgender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation,or other personal circumstances including providing unpaid carers support tosomeone with a health and care need. As ethnic minority groups, members of theLGBTQ+ community, and people with a disability / neurodivergence are currentlyunder-represented across the organisation, we encourage applications frommembers of these groups. We have policies and procedures to ensure allapplicants are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud of our staff networks - who offer valuableguidance and feedback from those with lived experience. We have a clear vision and you could be part of this! Ifyou share our values and you want to make a difference to the lives of ourpatients and their families and carers, we would love to hear from you.