Speech and Language Therapist

The Methodist Church in Britain; Sunbury-on-Thames, Hounslow, Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Oaks College is seeking a qualified speech and language therapist to lead its on-site therapy service for students aged 19 to 25. The role focuses on EHCP-based therapy, embedding communication strategies across college life, and producing assessments and annual review reports.

You will work with the Head of Therapy to shape and expand the service, report to the Principal and College Board, and contribute to the college's Quality Improvement Plan with the Senior Leadership Team.

Qualifications

• RCSLT-recognised degree, diploma or MSc in speech and language therapy, or equivalent.
• Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE grade 5 or above, or equivalent)
• Relevant continuing professional development
• Specialist training and experience in autism and social communication

Responsibilities

• Deliver speech and language therapy set out in students' EHCPs, including individual and group therapy
• Lead the college's SaLT provision with the Head of Therapy, developing and expanding the service
• Support teaching and support staff to embed SaLT programmes into lessons and pathways
• Lead and advocate for the college's Total Communication approach across staff and stakeholders
• Take part in assessing new students, including liaising with current settings and visiting placements
• Produce written reports and attend annual reviews
• Advise on, order and organise SaLT equipment and resources across the college
• Report regularly to the Principal and College Board and advise on strategic development
• Contribute specialist expertise to the college's Quality Improvement Plan with the Senior Leadership Team
• Plan and deliver training to college staff and the wider community with Deputy Principals
• Work with families and carers on transition, making referrals and supporting handover of communication aids
• Manage own workload including clinical supervision, and work with external professionals such as for dysphagia

Skills

SaLT assessment & planning

Group therapy delivery

AAC (high/low tech)

Report writing & annual reviews

Interpersonal communication

Staff training delivery

Education

RCSLT-registered degree/diploma/MSc in Speech and Language Therapy

GCSE English & Maths Level 2

CPD in autism & social communication

Tools

Makaton

Dysphagia management (external)

Job description

Great Oaks College, a specialist independent college for young adults with autism and learning difficulties, wants a qualified speech and language therapist to lead its on-site therapy service for students aged 19 to 25. The work centres on delivering EHCP-based therapy, embedding communication strategies across college life and writing assessments and annual review reports. The lead role works alongside the Head of Therapy to shape and expand the service, reporting to the Principal and College Board.

What the job involves

• Deliver speech and language therapy set out in students' EHCPs, including individual and group therapy
• Lead the college's SaLT provision with the Head of Therapy, developing and expanding the service
• Support teaching and support staff to embed SaLT programmes into lessons and pathways
• Lead and advocate for the college's Total Communication approach across staff and stakeholders
• Take part in assessing new students, including liaising with current settings and visiting placements
• Produce written reports and attend annual reviews
• Advise on, order and organise SaLT equipment and resources across the college
• Report regularly to the Principal and College Board and advise on strategic development
• Contribute specialist expertise to the college's Quality Improvement Plan with the Senior Leadership Team
• Plan and deliver training to college staff and the wider community with Deputy Principals
• Work with families and carers on transition, making referrals and supporting handover of communication aids
• Manage own workload including clinical supervision, and work with external professionals such as for dysphagia

What’s required

Qualifications

• RCSLT-recognised degree, diploma or MSc in speech and language therapy, or equivalent
• Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE grade 5 or above, or equivalent)
• Relevant continuing professional development
• Specialist training and experience in autism and social communication

Registration & licences

• Registered with HCPC with current membership

Experience

• At least two years in a specialist school or college working with young people with autism and SLD
• Working with EHCPs, including outcomes-based intervention
• Delivering individual and group therapy
• Supporting staff to embed communication strategies, including high and low tech AAC
• Writing professional reports and contributing to annual reviews

Skills & knowledge

• Assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating SaLT interventions
• Designing and delivering speech and language programmes

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check including the adult barred list
• Satisfactory references

Other

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to travel between the two college sites

Nice to have

• RCSLT membership
• Specialist training and experience in dysphagia and PMLD
• Competent in a range of communication strategies, such as touch cues and Makaton
• Experience working with children or young people with complex needs, including PMLD