Specialist Speech & Language Therapist- Special Schools/Complex Needs

NELFT NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Romford; On-site; GBP 4,000 - 6,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Romford is seeking a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist to deliver care to children and young people aged 0-19 in schools and clinic settings. The role involves assessments, interventions, and training school staff, offering opportunities to develop in specialized areas. This permanent position features a supportive environment with a strong focus on wellbeing and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

High Cost Area Supplement

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Current registration and entitlement to practice.
• Experience with AAC and Autism is desirable.
• We welcome applicants who have completed their NQP competency goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessments and deliver intervention for children and young people aged 0-19.
• Train and upskill school staff to support communication needs.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Speech and Language Therapy

Ability to work in schools

Experience with AAC

Experience with Autism

Education

Relevant professional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

Overview

Speech and Language Therapists are core to the efficient service delivery for children, young people and their families. You will deliver care to children, young people and their families in schools and within the clinic setting, working within our well-established, supportive special school team as well as in clinic settings. In allocated schools you will provide assessments, deliver intervention and training to upskill school staff. There are opportunities to develop and specialise in areas relating to the caseload, including AAC and Autism.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessments and deliver intervention for children and young people aged 0-19 with speech, language, and communication needs in clinics, schools, and community settings.
• Train and upskill school staff to support communication needs.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and contribute to pathway meetings and safeguarding processes.

Induction, probation and terms

NELFT places importance on welcoming new starters with a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training and equipment allocation. Induction details include opportunities to meet executives and attend drop-in sessions on engagement, health and wellbeing, held at the Trust head office in Rainham, Essex. The post is subject to a probationary period (internal applicants may be exempt in certain cases).

The role attracts a High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum £4,714 to maximum £5,941).

Qualifications and requirements

• Relevant professional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Current registration and entitlement to practice.
• Ability to work in schools and clinic settings; experience with AAC and Autism is desirable.
• We welcome applicants who have completed their NQP competency goals and are ready for progression.

Application process and references

Please provide references from your most recent employer, including at least one direct Line Manager or Supervisor with professional email addresses. References are contacted after an offer is made. Any gaps in employment should be clearly indicated. Applications made through NHS Jobs are processed via the TRAC system. Check spam/junk mail for correspondence.

Use of AI and sponsorship

Applications should be written by the applicant. If AI tools are used, the document may be rejected as part of the assessment process. We are a registered sponsor organisation but may not offer sponsorship for all roles. Check eligibility under the UKVI points-based system.

Benefits and environment

Joining #TeamNELFT means joining a welcoming and supportive environment. We are CQC rated Good and strive for an Outstanding rating. We have sites across North East London, Essex, Kent and Medway, delivering community and mental health services for adults and children. We are committed to equality and diversity, staff wellbeing, flexible working, and supporting work-life balance. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and have received Working Families Top 10 Employer and Carers UK accreditation. We offer development opportunities, staff networks, and training.

Additional notes

Joining the team means you will work with children and young people aged 0-19, in our dedicated children’s services clinic or in community settings and patient homes. There is also scope to support eating, drinking and swallowing. The role is permanent with supervision and multidisciplinary support, and cross-border collaboration with neighbouring boroughs. Location: Romford, with accessible transport links.