Principal Therapist

National Autistic Society; Meopham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading autism charity in Meopham seeks a Principal Therapist to lead therapy services and enhance daily support for autistic pupils. The successful candidate will drive therapeutic excellence, work with a dedicated team, and engage with families to foster lifelong change. Applicants must have relevant qualifications and a passion for supporting autistic individuals. The role is permanent and offers excellent training opportunities, along with benefits such as a pension scheme and healthcare cash plan.

Benefits

Auto-enrolled pension scheme

Training and development programme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Life Assurance

Flexible benefits at reduced costs

Qualifications

• Passionate about supporting autistic children and young people.
• Able to work independently with minimal support.
• Sensitive towards the needs of vulnerable individuals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive therapy provision within Helen Allison School.
• Embed therapy into daily classroom life for tailored support.
• Guide group of therapists and implement evidence-based strategies.

Skills

Experience with autism

Good listening skills

Teamwork

Resilience to challenging behavior

Personal care capabilities

Education

Qualified Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist or Practitioner Psychologist

Job description

Location: Meopham

Overview

Are you ready to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact? At Helen Allison School, we’re seeking a dynamic Principal Therapist to lead and drive our therapy provision and shape the future of autism practice. Our pupils have a complex profile of need, and this role places you at the heart of embedding therapy into daily classroom life to ensure every child receives the tailored support they deserve. As part of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll guide a school based dedicated group of therapists, implement the latest evidence‑based strategies, and work together with families to strengthen parental engagement and create lifelong change across the family unit. With opportunities to contribute to curriculum development, collaborate with professionals, and connect with the wider NAS network, this is your chance to influence both local practice and national research, all while making a real difference in the day to day lives of autistic pupils and their communities.

Who we are

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children. We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work. We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism‑friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws. We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.

Who we are looking for

• Experienced OT, SLT or Practitioner Psychologist who has a passion to work in an organisation that specialises in autism, supporting autistic children and young people to live the life they choose.
• Role based in our school; the main part of your role will be to drive therapeutic excellence within Helen Allison School.

Your qualities

• Patient, inspiring, caring and sensitive towards the needs of vulnerable people
• Good listeners, able to report and record information accurately
• Team players, able to work independently with little support as required
• Resilient, able to work proactively with challenging behaviour
• Willing and able to provide personal care to individuals
• Individuals who value diversity, health and safety and are committed to safe working practice.

What we can offer you

• Auto‑enrolled pension scheme
• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, shopping discounts etc)
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• A portfolio of salary sacrifice and other flexible benefits at reduced costs
• Access to a 24‑hour employee assistance programme & a Headspace App

This is a term‑time, permanent contract with 12 weeks paid holiday a year, which must be taken within the existing school holidays for your school. This is to ensure our pupils receive the continuous support they require while at school.

Where you will be working

Helen Allison School

About our application process

When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.

For more information about this job please contact Paula Walker, Head of Therapy, at [e-mail]

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.

Safeguarding & Equality

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Please click here to view the safeguarding policy and please click here to view the policy and procedure for employment of ex‑offenders.