Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (SALT)

Arco Academy is a registered independent alternative school with sports as a specialism. In the heart of Camberwell, London, Arco Academy educates students referred by mainstream schools and the Local Authority. We emphasise pastoral care and take a holistic approach towards education. We aim to enhance the academic, well-being, and personal growth of all students of all abilities. We are committed to high-quality education and promoting our vision to unleash the potential in all our students by providing a creative and tailor-made curriculum. Every student is given the opportunity to learn, achieve, and succeed to their highest potential.

Consequently, we work diligently towards meeting the learning needs of our students, including encouraging sports participation, developing essential life skills, and nurturing positive relationships within the school and the wider community. We believe all staff members play a vital role in the lives of our students. Therefore, we take a proactive approach to the development and well-being of all Arco staff, investing in staff through CPD, internal support, and well-being initiatives. We celebrate the diversity and individuality of all students, staff, and partners. Arco Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an enhanced DBS and other necessary checks.

Job Summary: To provide a speech and language therapy assessment and intervention to adolescents and young adults with a range of speech, language & communication needs (SLCN) which may or may not be in the context of other neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. To develop skills within an identified specialist area. To effectively implement evidence-based models of care and approaches to intervention with a focus on outcomes and impact. To provide training to parents, education staff and other professionals as required, with support. To work seamlessly and collaboratively as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team contributing to service development projects where applicable.

Main Duties / Key Results Areas:

• Provide clinical services which are sensitive to the protected characteristics of age, disability, gender and gender neutral identification, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.
• Deliver a comprehensive speech & language therapy service to identified educational settings, following a universal, targeted and specialist model of delivery, with supervision and support.
• Undertake specialist assessment and intervention on a referral basis using a range of appropriate assessment tools to inform clinical decision making.
• Provide dysphagia assessment and intervention in identified settings / with identified clients within your scope of practice / competence, accessing support and supervision for complex cases.
• Provide differential diagnosis and recommend a clear, time-limited, evidence-based management plan.
• Work as part of the multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams involved with the children/young people and their families; contribute to care planning meetings, joint assessments, goals settings and reviews where appropriate.
• Use a range of therapy approaches relevant to the client group.
• Contribute to the delivery of training for parents, when appropriate and provide intervention to support communication skill development.
• Collaborate with involved teams to ensure effective and streamlined support; ensure EHCP / IEP targets are set and reviewed.
• Understand and use a range of AAC tools, including low and high-tech options.
• Understand factors contributing to behaviour that challenges and consider these in assessment and intervention planning.
• Support community-based grant-funded projects as appropriate; signpost and refer clients to appropriate services.
• Obtain parental/carer consent prior to assessment or intervention in line with professional guidelines; follow Mental Capacity Act (2005) processes and record decisions clearly in client notes.
• Maintain accurate records of assessment, treatment, review and discharge in line with legal and organisational requirements; monitor intervention effectiveness through goal setting, audits, and outcome measurement.
• Keep comprehensive confidential notes in line with HCPC regulations.

Professional:

• Be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team; educate the diverse and multicultural community and communicate complex information to staff, parents and carers.
• Monitor and manage own workload, including referrals and discharges; provide activity reports as requested.
• Participate in training of student speech and language therapists; provide supervision and assessment.
• Provide supervision and support to SLT assistants or junior therapists as appropriate.
• Maintain regular communication with the line manager; ensure safe practice through a caseload management plan and supervision as required.
• Undertake risk assessment and reporting of critical incidents; contribute to standards, policies and guidelines.
• Maintain professional development through evidence-based practice, CPD, supervision and mandatory training; explore new approaches (e.g., telehealth).
• Comply with professional codes of practice and organisational policies; contribute to effective team working and equality and diversity practices.
• Respect diversity and demonstrate awareness of cultural beliefs and practices in work with families.

General:

• Keep electronic records of all student contacts and maintain confidentiality in line with GDPR and HCPC standards.
• Support flexible service delivery and cover arrangements during periods of absence; use basic software tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Promote equal opportunities and safeguarding; ensure infection control and standard precautions; maintain HCPC registration and practice within scope.
• Undertake other duties as reasonably required; maintain a positive and inclusive work environment.

This role is offered on a flexible basis of 1-2 days per week, with exact working days negotiable. We’re keen for the role to start as soon as possible, but happy to discuss notice periods. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available. The school reserves the right to close this advert early and appoint before the closing date should a suitable candidate be identified.