Speech and Language Therapist Assistant

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: Oakfield Short Stay School South - Belle Vue Rd, Earl Shilton, Leicester LE9 7PA & Oakfield North (Shepshed) Forest Street, Shepshed, Loughborough LE12 9DB

Salary: £26,832 - £28,146 per annum (pro rata for part time) (pay award pending)

Working Hours: 37hrs - 42 weeks per year

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 23rd August 2026

Interview Date(s): TBC

About the Role

At Oakfield Short Stay School, the Speech and Language Therapy Assistant supports primary and secondary-aged pupils from EYFS through to Key Stage 4 whose speech, language, communication, and interaction needs may impact their learning, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and participation in school life. Working across both inreach and outreach services throughout Leicestershire County Council, the Speech and Language Therapy Assistant helps pupils develop the communication skills they need to engage successfully in education and everyday activities.

Working under the direction and supervision of the Speech and Language Therapist, the Speech and Language Therapy Assistant delivers targeted interventions, supports assessment activities, and implements personalised programmes designed to meet individual pupil needs. They work closely with pupils, families, education staff, and other members of the multidisciplinary team, including Occupational Therapists and educational professionals, to promote a consistent and holistic approach to support.

The role focuses on supporting the development of attention and listening skills, play skills, expressive and receptive language, social communication skills, executive functioning skills, self-regulation, and behaviours that may impact learning and participation. The Speech and Language Therapy Assistant also helps to create communication-friendly environments, models effective communication strategies, and provides practical support to education staff to embed communication strategies throughout the school day.

Through a child-centred and collaborative approach, the Speech and Language Therapy Assistant plays an important role in helping pupils build confidence, develop positive relationships, access learning, and achieve successful outcomes both within Oakfield and in educational settings across Leicestershire.

A DBS enhanced check for a regulated activity is required for this post.

About You

To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or Speech & Language related degree
• Experience supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and an understanding of the impact of SLCN can have on learning, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and social relationships.
• Understanding and experience of delivering interventions or therapeutic programmes under the guidance of a qualified professional to support the development of attention and listening skills, play skills, expressive and receptive language, social communication skills, executive functioning skills, self-regulation, and behaviour.
• Ability to build positive and effective relationships with children, young people, families, school staff, and external professionals.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise workload and maintain accurate records.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office, digital recording systems and online social media platforms.

In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Melanie Carte - Head Of Therapeutic Inreach and Outreach at Oakfield School.

At Leicestershire County Council we’re looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what’s on your CV. That’s why we’ve designed a recruitment process that’s fair, accessible, and focused on potential. And with benefits that support people at every age and stage of life, we make sure you can thrive - both personally and professionally.

If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we’d love to hear from you.

At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone. Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.