At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated therapy team to support autistic children and young people.
- Company: Highly regarded educational organisation focused on autism support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time contract, generous leave, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and relocation support available.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a meaningful role within a supportive environment.
- 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 - Watford employer: RGH-Global Limited
Join a highly regarded specialist educational organisation in Hertfordshire, dedicated to supporting autistic children and young people. As a Principal Therapist, you will benefit from a stable, high-retention team environment, comprehensive benefits including a generous leave policy, and opportunities for professional development within a values-driven workplace. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while leading a growing therapy team in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Therapist - 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 and how they support autistic young people. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your clinical scenarios! Be ready to discuss your approach to therapy and how you would lead a team. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to quality care.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Therapist - Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Therapist role. Highlight your clinical expertise, leadership experience, and any work you've done with autistic children to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about autism education and how your background aligns with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in therapy settings or with EHCPs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGH-Global Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical expertise, especially in relation to autism education and EHCP frameworks. Be ready to discuss specific cases or interventions you've led, as this will show your depth of knowledge and experience.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and management experience. Think about times when you've successfully supervised a team or contributed to strategic planning. This role is all about inspiring others, so be ready to share how you've done that in the past.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since building relationships with families and external partners is key, think of ways you've effectively engaged with stakeholders before. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach these relationships in this new role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's therapy provision and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
