Lead Speech and Language Therapist

Orbis Education & Care Ltd; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care and education provider in Wales is seeking a Lead Speech and Language Therapist for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves providing leadership to a team of therapists and delivering high-quality therapy to children and young people with complex needs. Candidates should have HCPC registration and experience in a similar environment. The position offers significant opportunities for professional development and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Commitment to CPD

Health cash plan

Discounts with Blue Light Card

Inclusive team culture

Qualifications

• Registered with HCPC as a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Minimum post-qualification experience with children and young people.
• Previous leadership or mentorship experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Guide and mentor a team of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Conduct assessments and develop therapy plans.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for patient care.
• Lead service development and monitor outcomes.

Skills

HCPC registration

Experience with ASD and complex needs

Supervision or mentoring experience

Understanding of SEND frameworks

Training in PECS, Makaton, AAC

Education

Degree/diploma in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

About The Role
Lead Speech and Language Therapist – 12-Month Fixed Term
Salary: £32,799.30 – £37,927.85 (dependent on experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (term-time only considered)
Contract: 12-month fixed term
Location: Multi-site role across Orbis Education & Care services

Lead with purpose. Support with passion.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Speech and Language Therapist to join Orbis Education & Care on a 12-month fixed-term contract, working across multiple settings. In this key leadership role, you will support the delivery and development of high-quality therapy provision for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other complex needs, while guiding and mentoring other therapists across our schools and residential services.

About Orbis Education & Care
Orbis provides care and education for children and young people with a range of complex needs, including autism, communication difficulties, sensory challenges, and learning disabilities. Our integrated model blends therapeutic, educational, and residential support to give each individual the best chance to thrive.

What you’ll be doing

- Leadership & Supervision: Provide guidance, mentoring, and clinical leadership to a team of Speech and Language Therapists and practitioners across multiple schools and homes.
- Assessment & Intervention: Conduct comprehensive assessments and develop evidence-based therapy plans for communication, eating, drinking and swallowing needs.
- Collaborative Working: Work closely with education, residential and clinical colleagues. As well as external stakeholders and families to deliver joined-up, person-centred care.
- Service Development: Drive innovation and best practice across our SLT provision, contributing to policy, training, and service improvement.
- Monitoring & Review: Track progress, evaluate outcomes, and adjust interventions to ensure measurable impact.
- Training & Support: Deliver internal training on communication strategies, AAC, and supporting individuals with complex needs.
- Specialist Practice: Where qualified, provide input on dysphagia management and advise on AAC tools to promote inclusive communication.

What you’ll bring

- HCPC registration and a recognised degree/diploma in Speech and Language Therapy
- Proven post-qualification experience with children and young people with ASD and complex needs
- Previous experience supervising or mentoring SLTs (or readiness to step into a lead role)
- Strong understanding of SEND frameworks and multi-agency collaboration
- Ability to work flexibly across multiple locations and manage a varied caseload
- Training or experience in PECS, Makaton, AAC, and Dysphagia

Please note: This job role involves regulated activity with children and adults and requires an enhanced DBS with barred list check.

What we offer

- Opportunities to lead and grow within a clinically progressive environment
- Commitment to CPD, with leadership training and specialist skill development
- Health cash plan following successful probation
- Access to the Blue Light Card for discounts across hundreds of retailers
- A warm, inclusive, and supportive team culture

Ready to lead impactful, inclusive communication support across Orbis?
Apply now with your CV and a cover letter—we’d love to hear from you.

Orbis Education & Care is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage a diverse and inclusive working environment.

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