Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Leeds City Council; Leeds; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational authority in Leeds is looking for a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. The role involves supporting young people with complex communication needs, conducting therapy groups under supervision, and creating educational resources. The ideal candidate should have experience in care, education, or health sectors, along with strong communication skills and a positive attitude. This term-time position includes professional development and collaboration with a dedicated team of professionals.

Benefits

Comprehensive CPD programme

Supportive staff team

Opportunity for career development

Qualifications

• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Experience working with young people with complex autism and communication needs.
• Willingness to learn and reflect on effective practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapy support for young people with SEMH and complex communication needs.
• Deliver speech and language intervention groups under supervision.
• Create resources and documentation to support therapy delivery.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Resilience

Initiative

Education

Experience working in care, education or health sector

Tools

Boardmaker

Job description

Overview

Broomfield secured a 'Good' Ofsted grade in March 2023. Inspectors noted that leaders have 'high ambitions' and 'high aspirations for all pupils', and that 'staff are proud to work in our school'. We are proud of our community where staff are committed to supporting young people to fulfil their potential and prepare them fully for their future, particularly focusing on communication, independence, and emotional regulation.

We are excited to share that our school is going to be rebuilt and will open to an additional 100 young people in September 2027. Currently we are designing and planning the internal and external areas to ensure we have an environment that fully supports the needs of our learners and our school community.

We are extending our Speech and Language Therapy service and have an exciting new role for a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant. The role is suitable for candidates who have experience working with autistic people with complex communication needs and SEMH. Candidates who have experience in education, care and health services will be considered. In return, you will be provided with comprehensive Continuous Professional Development and supported by a professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff team who will ensure you are fully equipped to meet the needs of our diverse learners.

The role of the C1 Speech and Language Therapy Assistant will support the Speech and Language Therapist to ensure the delivery of a Speech and Language Therapy provision across school to young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

Responsibilities

• Provide speech and language therapy support within a class for young people with SEMH, autism and complex communication needs.
• Deliver therapy and run speech and language intervention groups across school under the supervision of the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Support the implementation of strategies and good practice across school in relation to SLCN.
• Liaise about young people with the Speech and Language Therapist and other members of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
• Undertake administrative duties, including the creation of resources, as required to support the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Collaborate with the Speech and Language Therapist to deliver the speech and language therapy provision of Broomfield South SILC.
• Run intervention groups within Broomfield South SILC under the supervision of the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Access supervision from the Speech and Language Therapist during scheduled supervision sessions and when required in order to effectively deliver the role.
• Support class teams in ensuring that recommendations made by the Speech and Language Therapist are upheld and embedded.
• Create resources, including communication books and therapy resources, as required under the advice of the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Enable young people on a daily basis to access our provision of specialist services and support, empower and encourage them to progress and gain skills that lead to increased independence through communication.
• Develop knowledge of SLCN and strategies to support the young people at Broomfield South SILC.
• Ensure clinical notes and young people’s files, reviews and paperwork are up to date, in line with services delivered.
• Support and further develop the young people’s skills in communication, interaction and social behaviour.
• Work as part of a team in developing good communication systems, maintaining effective relationships and promoting good practice.
• Reinforce appropriate behaviours and be a role model to the individuals we support following the school’s Positive Behaviour Policy and Emergency Care and Control.
• Analyse information and dynamically risk assess situations and take appropriate action, seeking advice where necessary.
• Attend and contribute to meetings and discussions such as group supervision.
• Be constantly aware of and flexible in meeting the needs of our young people.
• Create opportunities for members to gain new experiences or practice the skills they possess or are in the process of learning.
• Work within the staff team to identify and assess difficulties and behaviours and agree constructive solutions to problems in partnership with the young people and other staff.
• Implement all school policies and procedures to the highest possible standards.
• Conduct yourself in a professional, discreet yet sensitive and friendly manner.
• Complete any designated training to support your role and implement CPD taken.
• Be responsible for safeguarding all pupils and promoting their welfare by adhering to all child protection procedures.

Qualifications and Candidate Strengths

• Ability to relate well to children, young people and adults.
• Excellent team player.
• Resilience.
• Ability to use initiative.
• Problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Positive ‘can do’ attitude.
• Dedication to improving outcomes for most complex young people.
• Willingness to learn, reflect and share effective practice with others.
• Experience working with young people with complex autism, communication needs and SEMH.
• Experience of working alongside a Speech and Language Therapist in implementing strategies and intervention plans to support SLCN.
• Further training and supervision will be provided by the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Working knowledge of Boardmaker is advantageous.
• Ability to structure young people’s play to facilitate language and communication development.
• An understanding of speech, language and communication development is desirable.
• Experience working in the care, education and/or health sector is essential.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team to meet the needs of the young people is essential.
• Ability to deliver personalised provision understanding and put in place advice and recommendations from the Speech and Language Therapist team.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Any Special Conditions of Service

There is a requirement to submit to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau background check. You will be required to complete a DBS check against the Children’s barred list, and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out for preferred candidates. This role is term‑time working; there may be a need to occasionally work outside of school hours and off‑school premises, as required by the school. Smoking is prohibited on site.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people. The role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

About Broomfield SILC

Broomfield SILC is a generic special school for pupils aged 2 to 19 years with four sites: our main site and three partnership sites at Windmill Primary, Rodillian Secondary and White Rose Post 16. The SILC is based in the South of Leeds and caters for a wide range of needs from moderate and severe learning difficulties to complex and multiple learning needs, autism and SEMA/mental health needs. Some students have additional needs – physical, medical, speech and language, visual, hearing or sensory impairment. We are a popular choice for parents and carers and currently have over 270 pupils on roll.

Benefits

• Working with inspirational pupils and respectful, creative and resilient staff.
• The support of a professional, knowledgeable and inclusive staff team.
• A comprehensive CPD programme with potential for career development.
• An opportunity to be an integral part of young people’s journeys and a real sense of achievement.
• A workplace that listens to all staff and values their skillset and contribution.

Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding

We promote diversity and aim for a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome from all, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age, or disability. Broomfield SILC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and will undergo reference checks and online searches prior to interview. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and other statutory checks may include prohibition from teaching and section 128 checks.