At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide on-site speech and language therapy to students with complex needs.
- Company: Great Oaks College, a specialist independent college for young adults.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, wellbeing benefits, and 24/7 access to private healthcare.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with diverse needs.
- Qualifications: Two years' experience in a specialist setting and understanding of dysphagia.
The predicted salary is between 37259 - 63176 £ per year.
Great Oaks College is a specialist independent college operating across two sites. The college provides further educational opportunities for students aged 19–25 with moderate, severe, and profound and multiple learning difficulties, many of whom also have additional needs such as physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and autism. We run three pathways: Vocational, Life and Living, Engagement for Life. The Life and Living Pathway is located at The Triangle in Hounslow, while the Engagement for Life and Vocational Pathways are based at The Windmill in Sunbury-on-Thames, which is the main college site.
Position
We are seeking to appoint a qualified Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) to provide an on-site SaLT service for our students and to work alongside the Head of Therapy to support and develop this provision.
Responsibilities
- Provide on-site speech and language therapy services to students.
- Collaborate with the Head of Therapy to support and develop the service provision.
- Identify and signpost students requiring specialist support.
Qualifications
- At least two years’ experience working in a specialist school or college for young adults with very complex needs, including PMLD, SLD, and autism.
- Basic understanding of supporting students with dysphagia.
- Ability to signpost to specialists when required.
- Valid DBS check (including adult barred list) and satisfactory references.
- Completion of a 26‑week probationary period.
Employee Benefits
- Comprehensive induction and INSET training.
- Excellent continuous professional development opportunities.
- Staff discounts and wellbeing benefits.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- 24/7 access to private doctors and nurses free of charge.
- Daily fruit provided.
- Eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Free eye test for eligible staff.
Contract & Salary
- Contract type: Permanent, term time plus 2 weeks in the summer holidays (total of 41 weeks, 0.91223 FTE).
- Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm.
- Salary: Competitive Inner London pay scale, aligned with NHS HCAS Inner Bands 5 (£37,259) to 7 (£63,176) and above, depending on experience.
Great Oaks College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and applicants are expected to share this commitment. Visiting the college is welcome. Please contact a member of the HR team to arrange an appointment at 020 3039 3730. Please ensure that you clearly explain how you meet the person specification within your application.
Closing Date: 2026. Interview Date: 2026. Please note: CVs will not be accepted. No agencies.
Speech & Language Therapist for Complex Needs College in Sunbury-on-Thames employer: Greatoakscollege
Great Oaks College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Speech and Language Therapists dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young adults with complex needs. With comprehensive professional development opportunities, a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, and a competitive salary aligned with NHS pay scales, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful educational pathways in Hounslow and Sunbury-on-Thames.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Speech & Language Therapist for Complex Needs College in Sunbury-on-Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college! Visit Great Oaks College and chat with staff and students. This will give you a feel for the environment and help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other professionals in the field, especially those who work with complex needs. They might have insights or even leads on job openings that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of PMLD, SLD, and autism. Be ready to discuss how you would support students with these needs and share examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Great Oaks community.
We think you need these skills to ace Speech & Language Therapist for Complex Needs College in Sunbury-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with students with complex needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported students with PMLD, SLD, and autism in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see how you meet the person specification.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greatoakscollege
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of speech and language therapy, especially in relation to complex needs. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by students with PMLD, SLD, and autism. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working in specialist settings. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference in students' lives, particularly those with additional needs. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with the Head of Therapy, be ready to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've worked with other professionals to develop services or support students. Highlighting your teamwork skills will be key!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the college's approach to therapy and how they support their students. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in the institution's mission and values. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
