Speech & Language Therapist

12 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Speech & Language Therapist

Job Purpose

To provide specialist speech and language therapy assessment, advice, intervention, and support to school-aged children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs. The postholder will manage a defined caseload, deliver evidence-based therapy programmes, monitor outcomes, and work collaboratively with families, schools, and multidisciplinary professionals to help children achieve their educational and developmental potential.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Assess, diagnose, and provide specialist speech and language therapy interventions for children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs.
  


• Manage a defined caseload, including children with complex needs requiring multidisciplinary input.
  


• Develop and implement individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.
  


• Monitor, review, and evaluate progress using speech and language therapy and educational outcome measures.
  


• Provide written and verbal reports, recommendations, and feedback to families, schools, and relevant professionals.
  

Multi-Agency Working

• Work collaboratively with teachers, educational staff, health professionals, parents, carers, and partner agencies.
  


• Contribute to multidisciplinary assessments and planning to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people.
  


• Provide professional advice and guidance to schools and families on communication needs and intervention strategies.
  

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide support, mentoring, and professional guidance to junior therapists and Speech and Language Therapy Assistants.
  


• Set objectives and monitor the effectiveness of delegated therapy programmes.
  


• Support the development of service standards, policies, and best practice.
  

Service Development

• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and professional developments.
  


• Assist in the implementation and review of therapy programmes, policies, and procedures.
  


• Participate in audits, outcome measurement, and quality assurance activities.
  

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Comply with safeguarding, confidentiality, and information governance requirements.
  


• Identify and escalate risks, concerns, complaints, and safeguarding issues appropriately.
  


• Maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with professional and organisational standards.
  

Experience Required

Essential

• Experience managing a caseload of children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs.
  


• Experience undertaking specialist assessments, diagnosis, and intervention planning.
  


• Experience working collaboratively with schools, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
  


• Experience preparing reports and maintaining clinical records.
  


• Experience supporting or supervising less experienced therapists, assistants, or support staff.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within special schools or specialist educational settings.
  


• Experience supporting children with complex communication needs.
  


• Experience in service development, training, or quality improvement activities.
  

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) Degree or equivalent recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
  


• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  


• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
  


• Enhanced DBS clearance.
  

Desirable

• Postgraduate training or specialist qualifications in one or more of the following areas:
  




• Dysphagia
  


• PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
  


• Makaton
  


• TEACCH
  


• Speech Disorders
  

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of speech, language, and communication disorders.
  


• Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills.
  


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  


• Ability to build effective relationships with children, families, schools, and professionals.
  


• Excellent organisational and caseload management skills.
  


• Strong problem-solving and clinical decision-making abilities.
  


• Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
  


• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and clinical record management systems.
  


• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and information governance requirements.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Surrey
  


• Working Hours: 35 hours per week
  


• Pay Rate: £32.76 per hour (Umbrella)
  


• Reporting To: Clinical Team Leader
  


• Service Area: Speech and Language Therapy, Children, Schools and Families
  


• Travel Requirement: Regular travel may be required across the allocated geographical area within Surrey.
  


• Contract Type: Temporary contract (subject to service requirements).
  


• Professional Registration: HCPC registration and RCSLT membership must be maintained throughout employment.
  


• DBS Requirement: Enhanced DBS clearance required.
  


• Supervision: Regular clinical supervision, peer support, and continuing professional development opportunities provided.
  


• Management Responsibility: May involve supervision and support of Speech and Language Therapy Assistants and junior therapists.
  


• Work Environment: The postholder may work across mainstream schools, specialist centres, and special school settings within Surrey.
  


• Payment Schedule: Bi-weekly
  


• Start Date: Immediate start available
  


• Closing Date: Applications closing soon – early applications are encouraged