Speech & Language Therapist - Paediatric in Leicester

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Speech and Language Therapist to join our small and growing paediatric team, delivering high-quality assessment, diagnosis and therapy for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). The role involves working across a variety of settings including our clinic, schools, nurseries and family homes, supporting children with a wide range of developmental speech, language and social communication differences.

We are a child-centred, inclusive service committed to neuroaffirming, evidence-based practice and to supporting every therapist to develop professionally whilst maintaining an excellent work-life balance.

Location: Petals Therapy Clinic, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire (LE9), with community and school-based work.

Reports to: Lead Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Salary: £32,500 - £48,500 (dependent on experience)

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week). Part-time and Term Time Only applications will also be considered (minimum 3 days per week).

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Essential Criteria:

• BSc (Hons), MSc or equivalent qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
• Minimum of one year experience working with children and young people.
• Sound knowledge of a range of paediatric speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), including developmental language disorder, speech sound disorders and social communication differences.
• Experience of planning, delivering and evaluating evidence-based assessment and intervention programmes.
• Experience of supporting children using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), including visual supports, Makaton and/or communication devices where appropriate.
• Ability to produce high-quality clinical documentation, including assessment reports, intervention plans and outcome measures.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, schools and other professionals.
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritise a varied caseload and manage time effectively.
• Commitment to person-centred, neuroaffirming and evidence-informed practice.
• Demonstrates high levels of professionalism, integrity and clinical reasoning.
• Commitment to continuing professional development and reflective practice.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the ability to work within professional, ethical and legal frameworks.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel between clinic, schools and community settings.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working within independent practice, schools and/or community paediatric settings.
• Experience supporting autistic children and young people using neuroaffirming, strengths-based approaches.
• Experience supporting children with ADHD, developmental language disorder (DLD), speech sound disorders and/or social communication differences.
• Knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) legislation, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Experience contributing to EHCP assessments, annual reviews and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Experience delivering training, workshops or coaching to parents, school staff and other professionals.
• Familiarity with a range of standardised paediatric speech and language assessments.
• Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Interest in service development and contributing to the growth of an independent practice.

What We Offer:

• Private healthcare cover.
• Generous annual leave with 30 days holiday plus an additional 10-day company shutdown over Christmas and New Year.
• Annual CPD budget with protected opportunities for professional development through both external courses and in-house learning.
• Regular clinical supervision, peer support and mentorship within a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
• A genuine commitment to work-life balance.
• Autonomy to be the therapist you trained to be.
• A varied and rewarding caseload across clinic, schools and community settings.
• The opportunity to help shape a growing independent practice.
• Career progression based on your contribution, performance and aspirations.
• Clinical freedom to use your professional judgement.
• A friendly, approachable and supportive team culture.
• Regular team socials and wellbeing events.

Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong clinical reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to adapt assessment and intervention to meet the individual needs of each child and family.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex clinical information clearly.
• Confidence facilitating collaborative discussions.
• Emotional resilience and professionalism.
• A proactive, reflective approach to learning and service development.

Personal Attributes:

• Compassionate, approachable and child-centred.
• Passionate about delivering high-quality, neuroaffirming therapy.
• Self-motivated with the confidence to work independently.
• Adaptable and able to embrace new ideas.
• Committed to maintaining high professional standards.
• Positive, enthusiastic and motivated to contribute to the ongoing development of the service.

Additional Information:

• This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List.
• Evidence of the right to work in the UK is required.
• The role involves travel between clinic, schools, homes and community settings; therefore a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
• Flexible working arrangements are available to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Regular clinical supervision, mentoring and continuing professional development opportunities are provided.
• To apply, please submit your CV. Upon receipt, you will be sent a Petals Therapy application form to complete and return before being considered for interview.