Communication and Language Specialist (CALS)

Communication and Language Specialist (CALS) Job Purpose To support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) under the direction and supervision of a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). The role involves using Chatterbugs Brightspeech screening tools, delivering planned interventions, monitoring progress and supporting person-centred services across schools, nurseries, homes, community venues and online settings. Job Summary The postholder will conduct Brightspeech screenings within their training and competence, deliver individual and group interventions as directed by screening outcomes or SLT-agreed plans, re-screen to monitor progress, maintain accurate records and promptly report outcomes and concerns. They will contribute to SLT assessments through structured observations, support families and education practitioners to implement agreed strategies, and participate in service development. The CALS must work within the boundaries of the role and must not independently diagnose SLCN, undertake specialist SLT assessments, materially change clinical plans or make final referral or discharge decisions. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Clinical Responsibilities Screen children and young people using Brightspeech tools in accordance with training, protocols and agreed competence. Deliver individual and group interventions based on screening outcomes or plans agreed with the supervising SLT. Re-screen at agreed review points and accurately record screening, intervention and progress outcomes. Report progress, unexpected findings, risks and concerns promptly to the supervising SLT. Escalate concerns and refer to an SLT through agreed pathways where further assessment is required. Contribute to SLT assessments through structured observations and information gathered from children, families and education practitioners. Prepare and deliver intervention activities, adapting them within agreed parameters while maintaining clinical aims. Use visual supports, signs, symbols and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) approaches following training and SLT guidance. Support families and education practitioners to implement agreed communication strategies. Manage delegated workloads, seek supervision and recommend intervention reviews to the SLT. Final clinical decisions remain with the SLT. Contribute to service improvement and maintain screening and therapy resources safely. 2. Communication and Record Keeping Communicate clearly and respectfully with children, families, colleagues and professionals, considering individual, cultural and linguistic needs. Explain screening and intervention activities within the scope of the role and share agreed strategies accessibly. Keep the supervising SLT informed of progress, barriers, risks, safeguarding concerns and changes in presentation. Maintain accurate and timely records in Chatterbug systems, complying with confidentiality, data protection and information governance requirements. Attend relevant meetings, reviews and service-promotion activities. 3. Teaching and Practitioner Support Deliver prepared training, demonstrations and workshops within agreed competence and with SLT support. Support families and education practitioners to deliver agreed interventions and communication strategies. Gather feedback and review the effectiveness of training with the supervising SLT. 4. Clinical Governance and Safeguarding Follow Chatterbug policies, procedures, clinical pathways and standard operating procedures. Follow safeguarding guidance and act promptly on concerns in accordance with local and national procedures. Submit screening, activity, progress and quality data accurately and on time. Participate in supervision, audits, quality assurance, incident reporting and service improvement. Comply with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and Chatterbugs confidentiality requirements. 5. Continuing Professional Development Complete induction, competency development and mandatory training. Participate in clinical supervision, line management, appraisal and objective setting. Develop knowledge of SLCN, Brightspeech, intervention delivery, digital systems and outcome measurement. Recognise personal limits of competence and seek guidance when required. 6. Observation and Judgement Observe and describe communication skills objectively, distinguishing observations from interpretations. Apply agreed screening thresholds and intervention and escalation procedures consistently. Reflect on practice, use feedback constructively and identify learning needs. Identify barriers to engagement or progress and discuss adjustments with the supervising SLT. 7. Children, Young People and Families Build positive relationships through empathy, patience and a non-judgemental approach. Promote participation, choice and dignity through developmentally appropriate, neurodiversity-affirming practice. Adapt agreed activities to individual circumstances while maintaining intervention aims and seeking guidance when necessary. Maintain professional boundaries and respond sensitively to distress or barriers to understanding. 8. Service Development Contribute to projects, quality improvement and organisational initiatives with SLT guidance. Represent Chatterbugs values and social-enterprise mission. Collaborate across teams and share ideas to improve outcomes and service-user experience. 9. Equipment and Health and Safety Ensure the safe use, security and maintenance of screening, therapy and digital equipment. Monitor resources and request replacements through agreed processes. Follow infection prevention, lone-working, online safety and health and safety requirements. Complete required risk assessments and report hazards, incidents and near misses. Take reasonable care of personal safety and that of others. 10. Freedom to ActWork independently within delegated tasks, agreed plans, competence and protocols, with regular SLT supervision. Seek guidance when needs or circumstances fall outside the agreed plan or personal competence. The postholder must not independently diagnose SLCN, undertake specialist SLT assessments, prescribe or materially change clinical programmes, make final referral or discharge decisions, or provide advice beyond the scope of the role. Safeguarding Chatterbug is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults. The postholder must complete required training, follow safeguarding procedures and act promptly on concerns. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Promote equality, inclusion and human rights in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and Chatterbug policies. Provide equitable, culturally responsive and neurodiversity-affirming support and challenge discrimination. Person Specification Essential Qualifications Relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Education, Health or Care, or equivalent demonstrable experience. English and Maths at Level 2/GCSE or equivalent. Desirable Qualifications Relevant Level 4 or higher qualification. Training in SLCN, Brightspeech, Makaton, AAC or safeguarding. Essential Experience Experience working with children and young people, including those with SLCN. Experience collaborating with families, education practitioners or other professionals. Experience following structured programmes, recording outcomes and working within agreed boundaries. Experience of safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality. Desirable Experience Delivering individual or group communication interventions. Using screening tools, visual supports or AAC, or coaching others. Working across education, home, clinic, community or online settings. Essential Skills and Knowledge Understanding of typical speech, language and communication development and awareness of SLCN. Clear written and verbal communication, observation and record-keeping skills. Ability to follow protocols, use screening tools and deliver structured interventions following training. Ability to recognise limits of competence, escalate concerns and use supervision effectively. Confidence using digital systems and willingness to learn Brightspeech tools. Strong relationship-building, organisation and time-management skills. Commitment to safeguarding, equality, neurodiversity-affirming practice and Chatterbugs values. Job-Specific Requirements Ability to travel independently between service settings. Flexibility to deliver face-to-face and online services according to service needs. Enhanced DBS clearance and ongoing suitability to work with children and young people. Ability to work independently within delegated responsibilities and collaboratively with regular supervision. Assessment may include application forms, interviews, qualification checks and practical assessments, as appropriate.

Core Behaviours Innovative and Knowledgeable

Apply creativity, understand best practice and suggest improvements.

Respectful

Treat others fairly, listen actively and maintain professionalism.

Collaborative

Build effective relationships and support shared goals.

Resilient

Respond constructively to challenges and maintain focus.

Customer Focused

Prioritise childrens and families needs and resolve issues proactively.

Lead by Example

Demonstrate integrity, initiative and accountability.

Flexible

Adapt to changing priorities and new approaches.

Curious

Seek learning opportunities and support continuous improvement.

Results Oriented

Focus on meaningful outcomes and deliver agreed objectives. General Statement This job description is a guide and is not exhaustive. Duties may be reviewed in line with service and business needs, provided they remain appropriate to the role, competence and level of responsibility.