At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead therapy provision in a specialist autism school and support a dedicated team.
- Company: Join a renowned charity focused on specialist autism education and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 12 weeks paid holidays, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic individuals while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: HCPC Registered with 5+ years experience in therapy and leadership roles.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
Compass Associates are delighted to partner with a renowned charity providing specialist autism education and support. We are seeking a Clinical Lead to join our specialist school in Radlett, Hertfordshire. This new position will drive the development and delivery of therapy provision across the school, ensuring an integrated high‑quality service for pupils.
The successful candidate will lead a small but developing therapy team, supporting Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychology provision, while maintaining a manageable clinical caseload. You will work closely with the school’s leadership team and the organisation’s Head of Therapy to embed evidence‑based practice, shape service improvement and foster a culture of collaboration and professional development.
Work Pattern:
- Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
- Term‑time only (12 weeks paid school holidays per year)
- Full‑time preferred; 4‑day contracts will be considered
- Discussions regarding 1 day per week working from home can be accommodated
Location: This welcoming specialist school is based in Watford, commutable from Radlett, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Borehamwood, Barnet, Enfield, North London, Hatfield, Luton, Stevenage and surrounding towns and villages.
Criteria:
- HCPC Registered as a Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Practitioner Psychologist
- Minimum 5 years post‑qualification experience
- Experience working with autistic individuals or those with complex needs and SEN
- Leadership or supervisory experience within a multidisciplinary or clinical setting
- Strong understanding of EHCPs, outcome measures and integrated therapy models
Interview Process:
- An initial informal conversation, either virtual or in‑person
- A formal on‑site interview with the Head of Therapy, Principal and Deputy
Salary and Benefits:
- This Clinical Lead role offers a salary of ÂŁ48,000 to ÂŁ55,000 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
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development, including autism‑specific training
- 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
To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion, please contact Lijani Cherry at 02394 211 143 or lcherry@compassltd.co.uk. A candidate information pack including the full job description is available upon request.
Clinical Lead - Specialist Autism School (Charity) - Psychologist, OT or SALT in Watford employer: Compass Associates
Contact Detail:
Compass Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Clinical Lead - Specialist Autism School (Charity) - Psychologist, OT or SALT in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of autism education and therapy. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the charity and their approach to autism education. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and values. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet with the team, let your enthusiasm for working with autistic individuals and your commitment to integrated therapy models come through. We love seeing candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Clinical Lead - Specialist Autism School (Charity) - Psychologist, OT or SALT in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with autistic individuals and complex needs. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Clinical Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this role involves leading a therapy team, it’s crucial to emphasise any leadership or supervisory experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest evidence-based practices in autism therapy. Familiarise yourself with EHCPs and integrated therapy models, as these will likely come up during your interview. Being able to discuss specific strategies or case studies can really impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small therapy team, be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed a team or project, and how you fostered collaboration and professional development among your colleagues.
✨Connect with the School's Vision
Research the charity and the specialist school’s mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in this specific environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's approach to therapy, opportunities for professional development, or how they measure success in their programmes. It demonstrates your interest and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.