At a Glance
- Tasks: Support college students in developing confidence and effective communication skills.
- Company: Join EKC Group, a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible hours, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Speech and Language Therapy qualification and relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 23499 - 23499 £ per year.
About The Role
Are you a passionate Speech and Language Therapist who is committed to supporting college students to develop confidence, independence, and effective communication skills? EKC Group is seeking a part-time Speech and Language Therapist to join the Group Speech and Language Therapy Service team to cover maternity leave. The role is largely based in the heart of the cathedral city of Canterbury and in Folkestone. Occasional work at or visits to other EKC Group Colleges in East Kent may be required. This team provides support for students with a range of speech, language and communication differences.
The role will involve:
- Carrying out review assessment
- Delivering therapy
- Training
- Contributing to the EHCP process
- Working with staff to support them to differentiate teaching and support
- Providing staff training and advisory services
The caseload comprises students with a broad range of needs, and may be working from pre‑entry to Level 3, within the College’s Supported Learning Department or on vocational courses across the College. All students on the caseload have an Education Health Care Plan which makes provision for speech and language therapy.
Hours per week: 18.5
Salary per year: £23,499
Working pattern: Flexible across Monday to Friday
Contract to: 09 July 2027
Benefits:
- Generous Annual Leave – 26 days FTE
- Learning and Development Opportunities – 3‑4 annual paid group development days and bespoke training programmes
- Flexible Personal Leave – Time off for your child’s first day at nursery or school, moving homes and for interviews
- Competitive Pension Scheme – 18% employer contribution
- Exclusive Discounts & Perks – Including restaurant, grocery, retail and holidays discounts as well as car leasing and tech purchasing schemes, on‑site nursery at Canterbury
- Wellbeing and Health Support – Generous sick pay, counselling services, discounted gym membership at Canterbury College, free eye tests and glasses vouchers, flexible support for medical appointments and return‑to‑work support
- Culture and Recognition – Being part of Community Days, an Annual Staff Celebration Day, and an eco‑friendly organisation dedicated to reaching net‑zero by 2030
About You
You will have a minimum of one year’s experience of delivering speech and language therapy services. While it would be preferable that you have had some experience with the respective group of students, working with post‑14 aged students within an education environment, other experience would still be considered. You must hold a recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. (Please note we will not be able to shortlist any potential candidate without having this qualification.) We need a team player who can be flexible so as to meet the challenges that can arise day‑to‑day in a Further Education Environment.
For enquiries, contact jobs@ekcgroup.ac.uk.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
East Kent Colleges Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of our communities. We consciously seek to increase the diversity of our staff body and encourage applications from candidates where there is underrepresentation in our workforce. We hold the Positive About Disability Award and are a Disability Confident Employer. We confirm our commitment to interviewing all applicants who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. We will explore any reasonable adjustments to a role due to a health need or disability. We have a commitment to Care Leavers (Care Covenant Pledge) and to current or previous Armed Forces personnel (Armed Forces Covenant Pledge) with a commitment to interview applicants who meet the essential criteria and who have declared this on their application.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and we ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities for upholding these principles. As a designated establishment, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore have an obligation to carry out checks to ensure that staff are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults. These checks include conviction/caution self‑declaration, Enhanced DBS check and obtaining sufficient referencing. It is a criminal offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. If you are successful in being shortlisted to interview, your suitability to work with children and vulnerable adults will be explored as part of the interview process.
Speech and Language Therapist in Canterbury employer: Ashford College
EKC Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff, offering generous annual leave, flexible personal leave, and a competitive pension scheme with an 18% employer contribution. Located in the vibrant cathedral city of Canterbury, the work culture fosters inclusivity and community engagement, with opportunities for continuous learning and development, making it an ideal environment for passionate Speech and Language Therapists dedicated to empowering students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Speech and Language Therapist in Canterbury
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Ashford College who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Ashford College can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Speech and Language Therapist in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Ashford College and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Ashford College see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford College
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Ashford College.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Ashford College about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Ashford College supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
