At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead therapy outcomes and support autistic young people in a specialist school setting.
- Company: Highly regarded educational organisation focused on autism support.
- Benefits: Term-time contract, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a stable team with excellent staff retention and growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while leading a dedicated therapy team.
- Qualifications: HCPC-registered therapist with significant experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 58500 £ per year.
We are proud to be recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded specialist educational organisation dedicated to the support and development of autistic children and young people. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced therapist to step into a senior clinical leadership role within a dedicated, transdisciplinary team in Hertfordshire.
This is a rare chance to join a specialist school setting at a pivotal time, as the organisation continues to grow and develop its therapy provision. The school works with young people aged up to 22 years and has a strong track record of staff development and exceptional staff retention. If you are motivated by meaningful work and want to make a lasting impact on the lives of autistic young people, this role is well worth exploring.
As Principal Therapist, you will hold senior accountability for therapy outcomes within the school, working closely with the Head of Therapy and the school senior leadership team to drive quality, innovation and continuous improvement. The role combines direct clinical delivery (up to 50% of directed time) with strategic leadership, governance and team management responsibilities. You will supervise and line manage a small team of therapists, lead on EHCP-aligned intervention planning, and contribute meaningfully to the school's wider transdisciplinary educational provision.
We welcome applications from experienced therapists qualified in one of the following disciplines:
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Practitioner Psychology
Whichever your background, you will bring strong clinical expertise, a passion for autism education and the leadership credentials to inspire and develop a therapy team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead clinical governance, quality assurance and compliance with professional standards across the therapy team
- Oversee assessment, diagnosis and therapeutic planning aligned to individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Deliver group and individual therapy sessions (up to 50% of directed time)
- Provide clinical supervision and professional development support for therapy staff
- Support and advise on safeguarding matters, leading investigations and producing detailed reports
- Contribute to school improvement planning, self-evaluation and KPI reporting
- Build and manage relationships with external stakeholders including families, education professionals and university or research partners
- Lead on local recruitment, retention and career pathway development within the therapy team
- Maintain own HCPC registration and ensure colleagues maintain registration with relevant professional bodies
What We Are Looking For
- HCPC-registered therapist with significant post-qualification experience (minimum 6 years)
- Senior leadership or management experience within a school-based or specialist therapy setting — autism-specific experience highly desirable
- Proven experience delivering clinical supervision
- Strong understanding of EHCP frameworks and transdisciplinary approaches to autism education
- Track record of stakeholder engagement and partnership development
- Commitment to evidence-based practice and innovation in autism therapy
- Excellent communication, project management and strategic planning skills
- Understanding of therapeutic curriculum development and quality assurance in independent special schools
Why This Role Stands Out
- Term-time contract with full pay during school holidays — approximately 12 weeks paid leave per year
- A stable, high-retention team environment with colleagues who have been there for 25 years or more
- Growing therapy team with a genuine opportunity to lead and shape something meaningful
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension, Simply Health cash plan, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts and more
- Access to specialist CPD, an online learning academy, and funding towards further qualifications
- Relocation support considered for the right candidate
- Meaningful, values-driven work with a nationally recognised organisation
Principal Therapist in Watford employer: RGH-Global Limited
Join a highly regarded specialist educational organisation in Radlett, Hertfordshire, as a Principal Therapist, where you will be part of a dedicated transdisciplinary team committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic children and young people. With a strong focus on staff development, exceptional retention rates, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid leave during school holidays, this role offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and leadership within a supportive and values-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Therapist in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the therapy field, especially those who work with autistic children. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in autism education. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Talk about your experience in managing teams and driving quality improvements. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop a therapy team, so highlight relevant examples!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Therapist in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Therapist role. Highlight your relevant experience in therapy, especially with autistic children, and showcase how your skills align with the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves senior clinical leadership, don’t forget to emphasise your management experience. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects, particularly in a school or therapy setting.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGH-Global Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical expertise, especially around EHCP frameworks and autism education. Be ready to discuss specific cases or experiences that highlight your skills and how they align with the role of Principal Therapist.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience, particularly in managing therapy teams or driving quality improvements. Think about how you've inspired others and contributed to a positive team environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since building relationships is key, be prepared to talk about your experience with external stakeholders like families and education professionals. Share how you've successfully engaged them in the therapeutic process and any partnerships you've developed.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready. This could be about the school's vision for therapy provision or how they support professional development. It shows you're genuinely interested and invested in the role.
