Specialist Speech And Language Therapist (Secondary Schools) - 0.6Fte in Wareham

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (secondary schools) – 0.6FTE

Job Summary
Develop and apply specialist speech and language therapy skills with secondary mainstream school pupils, managing a varied and complex caseload of SLCN autonomously across several secondary schools in Merton.

The Merton Speech & Language Therapy Service is part of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Integrated Service (SENDIS) and provides statutory work, EHCP assessment and a unique buy‑back service across Merton schools. The post holder will work independently, manage a defined caseload and contribute to the supervision and development of newly qualified therapists, assistants and students.

What we offer

• Clinical supervision by a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
• Peer support groups and supervision
• Varied learning opportunities within the borough to support career development
• Mileage or public transport costs between schools
• Training and professional fees in line with CPD
• Manageable caseload sizes
• Opportunity to design and deliver bespoke interventions, encouraging creative thinking
• Friendly and supportive neurodiversity‑affirming working environment
• Hybrid working opportunity
• Laptop and telephone provided
• Access to reward and discount scheme
• Comprehensive induction and support programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing support

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Make differential diagnosis on the basis of assessment, seeking advice if appropriate.
2. Assess, diagnose, plan and deliver interventions for pupils in secondary schools with a range of speech and language needs.
3. Provide appropriate specialist intervention and evaluate outcomes.
4. Provide the specialist speech and language therapy report for statutory assessment.
5. Defend clinical judgements at tribunal and evaluate opposing evidence.
6. Provide advice, training and support to colleagues in specified specialisms.
7. Provide a stipulated specialist SLT service to schools and special settings.
8. Work directly with schools and settings through a range of intervention activities.
9. Contribute to the monitoring of school performance within the LB Merton Monitoring Framework.
10. Maintain accurate and detailed file notes.
11. Prepare resources for specific work in schools and settings.
12. Liaise with relevant staff and statutory/voluntary partners to enable the SEND vision for Merton.
13. Contribute to continuous professional development for relevant teams.
14. Provide professional supervision, support and advice to trainees.
15. Interact sensitively with vulnerable young people, families, and highly qualified professionals.
16. Provide explicit explanations to parents about therapy recommendations.
17. Contribute to the implementation of the SEN & Inclusion Strategy relating to speech and language.
18. Be accountable for own professional action, recognise boundaries and seek advice as appropriate.
19. Offer advice and support to local authority and school colleagues in developing inclusive provision.
20. Operate as part of the buy‑back services offered by the Merton Speech and Language Therapy Service.
21. Train the team on local, national and international developments in your area of expertise.

General Duties

1. Support service development priorities in line with the SEN & Inclusion Strategy.
2. Deliver statutory Speech and Language Therapy in secondary mainstream and ARPS within specialist parameters.
3. Work in partnership with Merton Speech and Language Therapy Managers for service development.
4. Supervise band 5 therapists once probation is completed.
5. Run peer supervision groups with other band 6 therapists.
6. Contribute to the induction of NQP and update the new‑starters pack.
7. Carry out duties fairly and without unlawful discrimination, in line with Council policies.
8. Adhere to Health and Safety, Data Protection, and other departmental policies.
9. Maintain a working environment that respects diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.
10. Respond to complaints in accordance with the Customer Complaints Procedure.
11. Use computers and ICT to report on performance indicators and target attainment.
12. Work collaboratively with all agencies to coordinate services and use resources efficiently.
13. Brief Merton Speech and Language Therapy Managers on publicity matters.
14. Contribute to effective teamwork through communication systems, team training and meetings.
15. Act under the supervision of the Merton SLT Team within SENDIS.
16. Maintain professional memberships (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and HCPC).
17. Keep up to date with new developments, attend training and contribute to workshops, seminars and conferences.
18. Work flexibly and undertake any other duties as required by the Manager.

Person Specification

Qualifications – Essential

• Qualified Therapist status, HCPC registered.
• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists or equivalent.
• Experience working in a multi‑professional context.
• Experience training and supporting TAs/LSAs in delivering SLCN programmes.
• Interest or experience in supervising NQPs and student speech and language therapists.
• Experience working with/enabling the parents of pupils with SEN.
• Clear understanding of effective strategies in working with disaffected pupils and pupils with SEN.
• Ability to devise resources for others to deliver.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues for staff working supportively in schools.
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities policies, social inclusion and anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Good time and personal management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good level of IT skills.
• Ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations with tact and sensitivity.
• Ability to travel around the borough.

Provisional Requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Job Details

• Date posted: 03 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £43,680 to £48,003 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part‑time, Flexible working
• Reference number: F0019-26-0001
• Job locations: Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX, United Kingdom