Communication and Language Specialist (CALS)
Location: Birmingham
Working Pattern: 3 days per week
Hours: 18 hours per week
Pay: £13,628.16 per year
Reporting to: Clinical Service Manager / Supervising Speech and Language Therapist
We are looking for a Communication and Language Specialist to work alongside Speech and Language Therapists, supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs across schools, nurseries, homes, Chatterbug sites, community venues and online appointments.
You will use Chatterbug’s Brightspeech screening tools, deliver structured individual and group interventions, re-screen to track progress and keep accurate records. You will contribute observations to Speech and Language Therapist assessments and support families and education practitioners to implement agreed communication strategies.
This is a support-practitioner role with regular clinical supervision. You will work independently within delegated tasks and agreed plans, escalating concerns appropriately. Diagnosis, specialist assessment and final clinical decisions remain with the Speech and Language Therapist.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out Brightspeech screening and re-screening following training and agreed protocols.
- Deliver individual and group interventions indicated by screening results or an agreed Speech and Language Therapy plan.
- Record outcomes accurately and share progress or concerns promptly with the supervising therapist.
- Refer children and young people internally for in-depth Speech and Language Therapist assessment where indicated.
- Contribute structured observations and information to Speech and Language Therapist assessments.
- Support parents, carers and education practitioners to implement agreed strategies.
- Work across face-to-face and online settings according to service needs.
- Contribute to service-development and project work with Speech and Language Therapist guidance.
About You
- Relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- Experience of working with children and young people, including those with SLCN.
- Sound knowledge of speech, language and communication development.
- Clear communication, observation, organisation and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to follow structured programmes, recognise professional boundaries and use supervision effectively.
- A child-centred, inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming approach.
- Ability to travel between required service settings and work flexibly.
What We Offer
- Seven weeks’ annual leave, pro rata.
- NEST pension contributions, healthcare cash plan and wellbeing support.
- Blue Light Card and employee discount platforms.
- Role-specific training, competency development and regular clinical supervision.
How to Apply
Submit your CV and a short covering statement to [email protected].
Job Description: