Speech and Language Therapist

A specialist education provider is seeking a dedicated and passionate Speech and Language Therapist to join its growing multidisciplinary team supporting young people with autism, learning disabilities, and complex communication needs. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a newly established Speech and Language Therapy service, helping to shape and develop provision while making a genuine difference to the lives of young people preparing for greater independence and adulthood.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with education, care, therapy, families, and external professionals to assess, support, and develop students' communication skills, enabling them to achieve positive educational, social, and life outcomes.

The Role

As a Speech and Language Therapist, you will manage a varied caseload of students with speech, language, and communication needs, delivering high-quality assessments, interventions, and communication support programmes. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes, support students with autism and learning disabilities, and provide specialist advice and training to staff, families, and external agencies.

This is an excellent opportunity for a therapist who enjoys working collaboratively and wants to play a key role in the development of an expanding specialist therapy service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and provide speech and language therapy interventions for students with a range of communication needs, including complex presentations.
• Develop communication profiles, support plans, and individual therapy programmes aligned to EHCP outcomes.
• Deliver individual and group therapy sessions to support communication, independence, and wellbeing.
• Support the implementation of communication strategies across educational and residential settings.
• Work collaboratively with education, care, therapy, and support teams to ensure holistic student support.
• Contribute to Annual Reviews, multidisciplinary meetings, and person‑centred planning processes.
• Provide advice, guidance, and training to staff, families, carers, and external professionals.
• Support students requiring Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) approaches.
• Make referrals to specialist services where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate clinical records, reports, and outcome measures in line with professional standards.
• Participate in service development projects, clinical audit activity, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with HCPC, RCSLT, SEND Code of Practice, and Clinical Governance requirements.
• Contribute to the continued development of the Speech and Language Therapy service.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent recognised qualification.
• HCPC Registration (Health and Care Professions Council).
• Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Post‑registration experience working with autistic young people and/or individuals with learning disabilities.
• Strong understanding of speech, language, and communication difficulties associated with autism and learning disabilities.
• Experience completing assessments, developing therapy programmes, and monitoring outcomes.
• Knowledge of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) approaches and communication technologies.
• Experience contributing to EHCP outcomes and multidisciplinary working.
• Understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and person‑centred approaches.
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
• Strong report writing, communication, and organisational skills.
• Commitment to evidence‑based practice and continuous professional development.

Desirable Experience

• Experience using Total Communication approaches.
• Experience supporting young adults within specialist education settings.
• Knowledge of Accessible Information Standards and RCSLT Good Communication Standards.
• Experience delivering staff training and communication workshops.
• Additional post‑qualification training relating to autism, learning disabilities, or AAC.

What's on Offer

• Permanent full‑time opportunity.
• Competitive salary of 37,000 - 42,000 per annum.
• Opportunity to help shape and develop a growing Speech and Language Therapy service.
• Structured supervision and professional support.
• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities.
• Collaborative multidisciplinary working environment.
• Opportunity to work with young people preparing for adulthood and greater independence.
• Meaningful and rewarding career supporting students to achieve their full potential.

This role would suit a Speech and Language Therapist, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, SALT Practitioner, Communication Specialist, Autism Specialist Therapist, Learning Disabilities Therapist, AAC Specialist, or Speech and Language Therapy Graduate with relevant post‑registration experience seeking an opportunity within specialist education and SEND provision.