Clinical Lead - Specialist Autism School

Compass Associates; Watford; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned charity provider in Watford is seeking a Clinical Lead for their specialist school, focusing on developing high-quality therapy provision. The successful candidate will oversee a therapy team, work closely with school leadership, and have a strong understanding of autism. This role offers a salary of £48,000 to £55,000 per annum, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including paid school holidays and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

12 weeks paid school holidays

Auto-enrolled pension scheme

Enhanced sick pay

Healthcare Cash Plan

Life Assurance

Online staff discount platform

24-hour employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience.
• Experience working with autistic individuals or those with complex needs.
• Leadership or supervisory experience within a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of therapy provision across the school.
• Manage a small therapy team while maintaining a clinical caseload.
• Collaborate with the school's leadership and Head of Therapy.

Skills

Leadership experience

Understanding of EHCPs

Experience with complex needs

Team collaboration

Education

HCPC Registration as Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Practitioner Psychologist

Job description

Clinical Lead - Specialist Autism School

HCPC Registered Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Practitioner Psychologist

£48,000 to £55,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Term‑Time Only (Full Pay)

35 hours per week, but a minimum 4 days per week considered

Watford, Hertfordshire

A candidate information pack including the full job description is available upon request.

Overview

Compass Associates are delighted to be partnering with a renowned charity provider of specialist autism education and support. With an extensive portfolio of specialist schools, residential services and community programmes, they are dedicated to providing exceptional education, care and therapeutic support for autistic children and young people with complex needs.

Together, we are seeking a Clinical Lead to join their specialist school in Radlett, Hertfordshire.

This exciting new position has been created to drive the development and delivery of therapy provision across the school, ensuring an integrated, high‑quality service for pupils. The successful candidate will lead a small but developing therapy team, supporting Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychology provision, while maintaining a manageable clinical caseload.

You will work closely with the school's leadership team and the organisation's Head of Therapy to embed evidence‑based practice, shape service improvement and foster a culture of collaboration and professional development.

Work Pattern

• Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Term‑time only (12 weeks paid school holidays per year)
• Full‑time preferred, but 4‑day contracts will be considered
• Discussions regarding 1 day per week working from home can be accommodated

Location

This welcoming specialist school is based in Watford, commutable from Radlett, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Borehamwood, Barnet, Enfield, North London, Hatfield, Luton, Stevenage, and surrounding towns and villages.

Criteria

• HCPC Registered as a Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Practitioner Psychologist
• Minimum 5 years post‑qualification experience
• Experience working with autistic individuals or those with complex needs and SEN
• Leadership or supervisory experience within a multidisciplinary or clinical setting
• Strong understanding of EHCPs, outcome measures and integrated therapy models

Interview Process

1. An initial informal conversation, either virtual or in‑person
2. A formal on‑site interview with the Head of Therapy, Principal, and Deputy

Salary and Benefits

This Clinical Lead role offers a salary of £48,000 to £55,000 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications, alongside a generous benefits package including:

• 12 weeks paid school holidays (term‑time only contract, full pay)
• Auto‑enrolled pension scheme
• Enhanced sick pay
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development, including autism‑specific training
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• Online staff discount platform (shopping discounts, cycle to work, season ticket loan and more)
• Access to 24‑hour employee assistance programme and Headspace App
• Flexible benefits and salary sacrifice schemes

Contact Details

To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion, send in your CV. A candidate information pack including the full job description is available upon request.

Compass Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £200 John Lewis vouchers for each successful recommendation.