At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead therapy for autistic children, integrating support into their educational journey.
- Company: Renowned charity provider dedicated to specialist autism education and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 12 weeks paid holidays, healthcare cash plan, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with autism while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strong clinical expertise and leadership experience in therapy for autism and complex needs.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 60000 € per year.
Compass Associates are delighted to be partnering with a renowned charity provider of specialist autism education and support. With an extensive portfolio of specialist schools, residential services and community programmes, they are dedicated to providing exceptional education, care and therapeutic support for autistic children and young people with complex needs.
Together, we are seeking an experienced Principal Therapist to join their specialist school in Watford, Hertfordshire, supporting children and young people with autism and complex needs. This is a senior clinical leadership role ideal for an experienced therapist looking to combine hands-on therapy with team leadership and service development within a multidisciplinary school environment.
You will play a key role in ensuring therapy is fully integrated into the educational experience, supporting students to achieve meaningful outcomes both academically and developmentally.
Key Responsibilities:- Deliver specialist Occupational Therapy interventions to children and young people with autism and complex needs
- Provide clinical leadership and supervision to therapists and therapy assistants
- Support the implementation of evidence-based therapy approaches across the setting
- Ensure therapy services align with current SEND and Ofsted frameworks
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and school leadership discussions
- Strong clinical expertise across speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, or related disciplines, with registration to the appropriate professional bodies, e.g. HCPC
- Significant experience working with autism and complex needs
- Previous leadership experience (2 years minimum) or extensive experience as a senior therapist
- Strong understanding of EHCP processes and SEND frameworks
- Experience working in education, specialist schools, SEN settings, or paediatric services
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
This role offers a salary of £48,000 to £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications, alongside a generous benefits package including:
- 12 weeks paid school holidays (term-time only contract, full pay)
- Auto-enrolled pension scheme
- Enhanced sick pay
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Life Assurance
- Online staff discount platform (shopping discounts, cycle to work, season ticket loan and more)
- Access to 24-hour employee assistance programme and Headspace App
- Flexible benefits and salary sacrifice schemes
If you’re an experienced SALT, OT, Psychologist or similar, looking for your next challenge in a specialist school, please contact Harriet Bradbury on 0161 527 9634, or email your CV to .
Recommendations:Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy. We offer a £500 voucher/charity donation for successful referrals following completion of probation.
Principal Therapist in Luton employer: Compass Associates
As a leading charity provider of specialist autism education and support, this organisation offers a rewarding work environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs. With a strong focus on professional development, generous benefits including 12 weeks of paid school holidays, and a supportive multidisciplinary team culture, this role as Principal Therapist in Watford provides an excellent opportunity for career growth while contributing to meaningful outcomes for students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Therapist in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the autism and therapy fields. Attend relevant events or workshops where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to therapy and leadership. Think about how you can showcase your experience with autism and complex needs. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you’re excited about working in a specialist school. We believe that enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that Principal Therapist position!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Therapist in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Therapist role. Highlight your clinical expertise and leadership experience, especially in working with autism and complex needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting autistic children and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior role, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams or implemented successful therapy approaches in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical expertise, especially in areas like speech and language therapy or occupational therapy. Be ready to discuss specific interventions you've implemented for children with autism and complex needs, as this will show your depth of knowledge.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves clinical leadership, prepare examples of how you've led teams or supervised other therapists. Think about times when you’ve contributed to service development or improved therapy practices, as these experiences will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Understand the Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the current SEND and Ofsted frameworks. Being able to discuss how your therapy services align with these standards will demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality support and education for students.
✨Engage in Multidisciplinary Discussions
Be prepared to talk about your experience in multidisciplinary team settings. Share how you've collaborated with other professionals to achieve meaningful outcomes for students, as this shows your ability to work effectively within a school environment.
