Children's Speech and Language Therapist Advanced Practitioner
NHS AfC: Band 8a
Main area Speech and Language Grade NHS AfC: Band 8a Contract Fixed term: 3 years (SEND Reform post to be hosted by NHFT) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 270-TH514-CH
Site Newland House Town Northampton Salary £57,528 - £64,750 pa Salary period Yearly Closing 11/11/2026 23:59
Job overview
The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Advanced Practitioner is a strategic, population-level clinical leadership role working across education, health and care systems to improve outcomes for children and young people aged 0-25 with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
This role will provide advanced clinical leadership across Northamptonshire working collaboratively with both North and West Local Authorities, the ICB, Education Settings, Universities, Parent Carer forums North and West and professional networks to strengthen the speech and Language therapy workforce and increase SLT into the mainstream education settings.
Main duties of the job
The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Advanced Practitioner is a strategic, population-level clinical leadership role working across education, health and care systems to improve outcomes for children and young people aged 0-25 with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
This role will provide advanced clinical leadership across Northamptonshire working collaboratively with both North and West Local Authorities, the ICB, Education Settings, Universities, Parent Carer forums North and West and professional networks to strengthen the speech and Language therapy workforce and increase SLT into the mainstream education settings.
Working for our organisation
NHFT is an NHS Community and Mental Health Foundation Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in hospital settings and in the community. We provide over 200 services across the county - as well as some specialist services in bordering and nearby counties. We work together with our partners to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors receives compassionate, person-centred care, regardless of their background or circumstances.
NHFT promotes a culture of learning, to improve the care and safety of our patients and colleagues. We have achieved our 'outstanding' rating by encouraging opportunity, innovation, development and growth across our workforce.
At NHFT we believe that work should be rewarded in every sense which is why we are proud to an accredited living wage employer.
We aim to support financial wellbeing and create an environment where are people feel valued and able to thrive.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Policy, Strategy and Service Development
- Lead strategic initiatives to strengthen the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) workforce across education settings.
- Support implementation of SEND reforms, Experts at Hand and local SEND priorities.
- Influence workforce, placement and apprenticeship policy, ensuring compliance with NHS, HCPC, SEND and ICB requirements.
- Promote evidence-based practice, innovation and SEND inspection readiness.
Strategy and Analysis
- Analyse workforce, service and population health data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Use evaluation, audit and outcomes to demonstrate impact and inform commissioning.
- Develop reports, business cases and recommendations for system leaders.
- Apply population health intelligence to address inequalities and improve access to SLT expertise.
Planning and Organisation
- Lead programmes that expand placements, apprenticeships and workforce development.
- Develop and deliver workplans aligned to programme objectives and governance requirements.
- Manage competing priorities across organisations and maintain effective programme reporting.
Communications and Partnerships
- Act as a system leader across education, health and care.
- Build partnerships with local authorities, education providers, NHS and independent services, universities, commissioners, parent-carer forums, DCOs and professional bodies.
- Present complex information, support collaborative decision-making and champion co-production.
- Influence stakeholders, negotiate solutions and drive system-wide improvement.
Financial and Resource Management
- Support programme funding, business cases and commissioning activity.
- Ensure value for money and delivery of agreed outcomes.
Workforce Development
- Act as educator, mentor, coach and supervisor.
- Develop innovative supervision models, professional learning opportunities and communities of practice.
- Promote SLT apprenticeships and provide professional leadership across Northamptonshire.
Other
- Work independently using initiative to deliver programme objectives.
- Produce high-quality reports and presentations using Microsoft Office applications.
- Participate in virtual and face-to-face meetings requiring sustained concentration.
Flexibility and Evolving Responsibilities
As the ICB evolves, responsibilities may change to reflect organisational, system and national priorities.
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Person specification
Qualifications
- Educated to Masters level (relevant focus) or equivalent managerial experience
- Evidence of sustained commitment to continuing professional development
- HCPC Registered Speech and Language Therapist
- Evidence of Advanced Practice capability aligned to the NHSE Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Practice, or working towards this
Experience and knowledge
- Experience of working at a senior level in a relevant healthcare environment (NHS or other)
- Experience as a Speech and Language Therapist working with children and young people aged 0-25
- Experience managing complex and often confidential information, including supporting responses to media and political inquiries
- Experience of delivering complex and contentious change and transformation projects
- Experience of workforce development including students, apprentices and support staff
- Knowledge of the health, care and local government landscape, including relevant legislation, policies and guidance, and an understanding of the social determinants of public health
- Uses technology to effectively plan work and evaluate effectiveness through audits
Strategy and Analysis
- A good understanding of current education, health and social care national aims and policy, and other determinants that impact on healthcare provision
- Experience using analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex problems, ability to recognise policy implications and manage competing priorities/interests in developing strategies
- Able to translate complex information to clear communications for a range of audiences, including effective reports to senior leadership
- Able to use research and innovation effectively to improve outcomes
- Good data analysis and interpretation skills involving highly complex data, including an understanding of analytical methods and how to use data to support Population Health Management
- Experience scoping and delivering effective evaluations of projects and interventions, including understanding relevant data and evaluation tools and methods
- Enthusiasm for and experience of championing the critical role of technology and digitalisation in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes
People and culture
- Experience in leading and motivating teams, including recognising and promoting talent, and addressing underperformance appropriately
- Evidence of compassionate leadership and experience in promoting diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity
- Commitment to continuous improvement, organisational learning and achieving positive outcomes for staff, patients, service users and carers in line with the NHS People Promise
Partnerships and communities
- Experience working across organisational boundaries in the development and delivery of projects
- Able to represent the organisation credibly and positively in internal and external meetings
- Experience working on projects requiring cross-organisational collaboration and understanding the concept and aims of whole-system working
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills, challenging within areas of responsibility and escalating appropriately where necessary
Governance and Assurance
- Experience delivering projects that require collective decision-making and negotiating successful outcomes
- Good understanding of effective corporate governance and the route for decision making within the ICB
We are an equal opportunities employer, which aims to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.
All roles are subject to the home office immigration rules and therefore eligibility must meet certain requirements for any sponsorship to be considered. Please visit the government website for more information regarding eligibility,
At NHFT we support many of our colleagues to work flexibly and we will consider requests for flexible working from day one. For this role, we are open to discussing a range of options including flexible hours, agile/home working, compressed hours and part time hours. Please have a conversation with the recruiting manager about the flexibility you need and we will promise to explore what is possible with you.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
All posts that are engaged in a regulated activity will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a DBS re-check on a three yearly basis whilst employed in such a role. Staff employed in these posts will therefore be asked to register with the DBS Automatic Update Service upon receipt of their DBS certificate and must update yearly, the annual fee will be reimbursed subject to Trust policy. For further information please visit: DBS Update Service: applicant guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Please note if a DBS is applicable for the position then a charge will be deducted from your first salary.
Please note that all new starters to the trustare subject to a probationary period.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Jo Fletcher Job title Head of Children's Nursing, AHPs and Quality Email address [email protected] Telephone number 07989995435
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