Job Description

Job description

Job Title

- Speech and Language Therapist

Business Area -

SLD College

Contract Type

-Permanent

Working Pattern

- Full Time, Term Time Only

Pay Scale

-37,000 - 45,000

(already pro-rata'd)

Role Purpose

The Speech and Language Therapist/Practitioner plays a vital role in supporting students with diverse communication needs to achieve their full potential within a therapeutic, personal centred college environment. This role exists to assess, develop and deliver tailored communication interventions that empower young people to express themselves, build meaningful relationships and engage fully in education and life.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the postholder will collaborate with teaching staff, therapists and families to embed communication strategies into everyday college life. They will champion inclusive, trauma-informed practice and contribute to the creation of communication-rich environments that promote independence wellbeing and lifelong learning.

The role requires not only strong clinical skills but also the empathy, adaptability and creativity needed to build trust and enable growth in students with autism, learning disabilities and social-emotional needs.

Context of cohort:

The learners you will be working with have a diagnosis of ASD or Global Delay and have sensory needs. Most of our learners need support with self and intimate care. We support our learners with transport and keeping safe in college and the community. All our learners are working within pre KS1 or KS1 Curriculum level for English and Maths. They are well supported by visuals and have communication needs. Our learners need sensory and well-resourced practical activities and are developing skills of working in a group to ensure social development but also benefit from the availability of quiet spaces and 1-1 activities.

Key Responsibilites

Assess, Plan and deliver speech, language and communication interventions for a caseload of students with diverse needs. Work collaboratively with teaching, pastoral and clinical teams to embed communication strategies across all settings. Develop individualised and group theory programmes, integrating therapeutic principles into educational planning. Provide training, guidance and resources to staff to support communication-friendly classrooms and environments. Maintain records of assessment, goals and interventions in line with college and professional standards. Use evidence-based practice and reflective evaluation to adapt interventions and demonstrate impact. Support transitions and communication development relevant to adulthood, vocational settings and independence.

Skills and Abilities

Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills

- able to assess complex communication needs and design appropriate interventions.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

- able to build effective relationships with students, colleagues and families.

Collaborative working

- skilled in working as part of a multidisciplinary team and contributing to holistic support planning.

Adaptability and creativity

- able to adjust therapeutic approaches to meet the individual needs of neurodivergent learners.

Empathy and emotional intelligence

- understand and responds sensitively to the emotional and communication needs of young people with additional needs.

Organisation and time management

- able to prioritise caseload demands, maintain accurate records and meet deadlines.

Training and coaching

- confident in delivering workshops and informal guidance to staff teams on communication strategies.

Commitment to reflective practice

- engages in supervision, feedback and ongoing professional development.

Digital literacy

- proficient in using technology for documentation, reporting and where relevant AAC tools and assistive technologies.

Understanding of inclusive and trauma -informed practice

- committed to creating a safe, respectful and empowering environments for all students.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent for practitioners) HCPC registration (for therapists) or relevant professional body membership (for practitioners) Experience working with young people with SLD, autism, learning disabilities or social emotional needs. Understanding of therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches in education. Excellent communication, team working and organisational skills. Ability to work flexibly and creatively within a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

Knowledge of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) Training in approaches such as SCERTS, intensive interaction or zones of regulation. Experience in specialist education or FE settings. Familiarity with EHCP processes and statutory SEND frameworks.

Behaviours and Attitudes

Student-centred

- places the needs, voice and aspirations of students at the heart of all decision making and practice.

Compassionate and respectful

- treats all individuals with dignity, patience and understanding regardless of their communication or behavioural needs.

Therapeutic and trauma informed

- applies a calm, nurturing and non-judgemental approach recognising the impact of trauma and adversity.

Professional and accountable

- takes responsibility for own actions, maintains confidentiality and adheres to ethical and clinical standards.

Resilient and reflective

- maintains a positive attitude in the face of challenges and actively promoting equity and belonging.

Collaborative

- values the perspectives of others, works constructively within teams and contributes positively to the college culture.

Solution focused

- responds to difficulties with curiosity and desire to find practical strengths-based solutions.

Committed to learning

- actively engages in personal and professional development to enhance skills and stay current with best practices.

Reliable and consistent

- provides stability and predictability for students by maintaining high standards and following through on commitments.
Declarations

We aim to create and maintain a safe environment and community where all young people and adults feel safe, secure and valued. We work hard to create strong relationships and show a commitment to safeguarding all young people.

Our work is classified as Regulated Activity as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (SVGA). This role will include regular contact with Children 121 or group setting.? This includes those that could be classified as vulnerable and both an understanding of and experience in adhering to UK safeguarding legislation is required.

Further information relating to our Safeguarding, Child Protection, Ex-offender or Safer Recruitment policies are available upon request.

All applications are assessed on an individual basis in relation to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

This post will require the successful candidate to complete our Disclosure Barring Service, Vulnerable Child and Adult register checks as well as reference checks. We may also carry out additional online searches such as social media as part of the selection process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 37,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 08/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025