At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist therapy for children with speech and language needs across Southampton.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council's dedicated SEND Service team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and health support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent children and families.
- Qualifications: Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree and HCPC registration required.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 46141 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Speech & Language Therapist (SALT) role at Southampton City Council
We believe one simple thing: that everyday counts and everyone matters.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve been on a journey that has seen Ofsted has our Children’s Services as ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding Leadership’, and more recently has inspected our SEND provision (Area full SEND inspection) and how we work with partner agencies (Joint Target Area Inspection). In every inspection Ofsted has recognised our commitment and dedication to delivering the best outcomes for children, young people and families.
We have an opportunity for a Speech and Language Therapist to join our team!
About The Team
The Speech and Language Therapist will be a key member of the SEND Service and the ND MDT, a joint initiative between NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board and Southampton City Council. The team is dedicated to transforming support for neurodivergent children and young people, moving away from diagnosis-driven models towards a needs-led, family-centred approach.
About The Role
We are seeking a skilled and passionate Speech and Language Therapist to provide specialist therapy and support for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) across Southampton’s East, Central and West localities. The role involves direct clinical work, strategic service development, and multi-agency collaboration.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Delivering specialist speech and language therapy, including assessment, intervention, and review for children and young people with neurodivergent profiles.
- Supporting early identification and intervention through the ND Profiling Tool and MDT pathways.
- Providing training and guidance to professionals and families on communication strategies and neurodiversity awareness.
- Collaborating across education, health and social care to promote inclusive and integrated support.
- Attending locality team meetings and acting as a communication lead and liaison between Education and CSC.
- Contributing to the development and implementation of care pathways within the ND MDT.
- Maintaining accurate clinical records and contributing to service audits, evaluations, and reporting requirements.
- Participating in strategic planning, policy shaping, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Acting as a role model and advocate for inclusive communication, empowering children and young people to express themselves and participate fully in their education and community life.
About You
Essential Skills:
- Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree or equivalent.
- HCPC registration.
- Member of Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.
- Evidence of CPD in paediatric/neurodiversity specialism.
- Minimum 2 years in paediatric therapy.
- Experience with neurodivergent children and young people.
- Experience of delivering training and clinical supervision.
- Experience of multi-agency working.
- Relevant knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity and strategies to support.
- Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and Ordinarily Available Provision requirements.
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child protection issues.
- Proven communication skills, both oral and written, including report writing and presentation skills.
- Effective problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Experience of providing services to children and/or families with complex needs.
- Experience of mediation/negotiation skills to achieve positive outcomes.
- Good knowledge of parenting strategies, child development, attachment, and play.
- Ability to use own initiative and work both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent IT literacy, including MS Office and digital user platforms.
- Willingness to travel and work from locations outside normal work base as required.
- Commitment to personal development and continuous professional development.
Desirable Skills:
- Study at Master’s level or equivalent experience.
- Membership of relevant Special Interest Groups.
- Experience of policy development and contributing to service redesign.
- Experience of tribunal or legal reporting.
What We Can Offer You
Salary: The salary band for this role is £41,771 – £46,141 The starting salary is £41,1771 with annual progression through the salary bands.
- Excellent
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family-friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
- Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits – low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
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Speech & Language Therapist (SALT) employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Speech & Language Therapist (SALT)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Speech and Language Therapists in your area, especially those connected to Southampton City Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of neurodiversity and the SEND Code of Practice. We want to see your passion for supporting children and young people shine through, so be ready to share your experiences and ideas!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work, like reports or training materials you've created. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team and the families we support.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Southampton City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Speech & Language Therapist (SALT)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience with neurodivergent children and your skills in speech and language therapy. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of speech and language therapy, especially in relation to neurodiversity. Familiarise yourself with the SEND Code of Practice and be ready to discuss how you can apply this knowledge in practice.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Collaboration is Key
Be prepared to talk about your experience with multi-agency working. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with other professionals to support children and families, as this role heavily emphasises teamwork.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in their interventions. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.