12 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Title: Speech & Language Therapist
Job Purpose
To provide specialist speech and language therapy assessment, advice, intervention, and support to school-aged children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs. The postholder will manage a defined caseload, deliver evidence-based therapy programmes, monitor outcomes, and work collaboratively with families, schools, and multidisciplinary professionals to help children achieve their educational and developmental potential.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
-
Assess, diagnose, and provide specialist speech and language therapy interventions for children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs.
-
Manage a defined caseload, including children with complex needs requiring multidisciplinary input.
-
Develop and implement individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.
-
Monitor, review, and evaluate progress using speech and language therapy and educational outcome measures.
-
Provide written and verbal reports, recommendations, and feedback to families, schools, and relevant professionals.
Multi-Agency Working
-
Work collaboratively with teachers, educational staff, health professionals, parents, carers, and partner agencies.
-
Contribute to multidisciplinary assessments and planning to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people.
-
Provide professional advice and guidance to schools and families on communication needs and intervention strategies.
Leadership and Supervision
-
Provide support, mentoring, and professional guidance to junior therapists and Speech and Language Therapy Assistants.
-
Set objectives and monitor the effectiveness of delegated therapy programmes.
-
Support the development of service standards, policies, and best practice.
Service Development
-
Contribute to service improvement initiatives and professional developments.
-
Assist in the implementation and review of therapy programmes, policies, and procedures.
-
Participate in audits, outcome measurement, and quality assurance activities.
Safeguarding and Compliance
-
Comply with safeguarding, confidentiality, and information governance requirements.
-
Identify and escalate risks, concerns, complaints, and safeguarding issues appropriately.
-
Maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with professional and organisational standards.
Experience Required
Essential
-
Experience managing a caseload of children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs.
-
Experience undertaking specialist assessments, diagnosis, and intervention planning.
-
Experience working collaboratively with schools, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
-
Experience preparing reports and maintaining clinical records.
-
Experience supporting or supervising less experienced therapists, assistants, or support staff.
Desirable
-
Experience working within special schools or specialist educational settings.
-
Experience supporting children with complex communication needs.
-
Experience in service development, training, or quality improvement activities.
Qualifications
Essential
-
BSc (Hons) Degree or equivalent recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
-
Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
-
Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
-
Enhanced DBS clearance.
Desirable
-
Postgraduate training or specialist qualifications in one or more of the following areas:
-
Dysphagia
-
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
-
Makaton
-
TEACCH
-
Speech Disorders
Skills and Competencies
-
Advanced knowledge of speech, language, and communication disorders.
-
Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-
Ability to build effective relationships with children, families, schools, and professionals.
-
Excellent organisational and caseload management skills.
-
Strong problem-solving and clinical decision-making abilities.
-
Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
-
Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and clinical record management systems.
-
Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and information governance requirements.
Additional Information
Location: Surrey
-
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
-
Pay Rate: £32.76 per hour (Umbrella)
-
Reporting To: Clinical Team Leader
-
Service Area: Speech and Language Therapy, Children, Schools and Families
-
Travel Requirement: Regular travel may be required across the allocated geographical area within Surrey.
-
Contract Type: Temporary contract (subject to service requirements).
-
Professional Registration: HCPC registration and RCSLT membership must be maintained throughout employment.
-
DBS Requirement: Enhanced DBS clearance required.
-
Supervision: Regular clinical supervision, peer support, and continuing professional development opportunities provided.
-
Management Responsibility: May involve supervision and support of Speech and Language Therapy Assistants and junior therapists.
-
Work Environment: The postholder may work across mainstream schools, specialist centres, and special school settings within Surrey.
-
Payment Schedule: Bi-weekly
-
Start Date: Immediate start available
-
Closing Date: Applications closing soon – early applications are encouraged
