Speech and Language Therapist

Speech and Language Therapist

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000

The primary purposes of the role are to:

• Assess, record and report on students' social communication needs.
• Provide direct and indirect therapy to support students in areas which have been identified in co-production with students, parents, staff and other professionals.
• Ensure students' communication needs are supported in the best possible way by following our staff ethos.
• Contribute to EHCP Annual Reviews and assessments of progress and needs, as part of a multi-disciplinary team in co-production with students and families.
• Make a positive difference to students’ social communication skills.
• Mitigate risks associated with masking and previous school-related trauma.
• Support the growth and diversification of the company.

Reporting line: The Speech and Language Therapist will report to the Proprietor and engage in appropriate clinical supervision, which will be provided or funded by the company.

Qualifications and experience

• Evidence of academic achievement at or above degree level, to include a relevant professional qualification such as a Speech and Language Degree.
• Evidence of registration with the HCPC and RCSLT.
• At least 2 years of post-graduate experience working with academically able young people, aged 9+, with autism or anxiety and related needs.
• Experience of supporting students across Key Stages 2to 5 in specialist educational settings.
• Experience of contributing to EHCP annual reviews or similar.
• Any other training or qualification relating to education, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, sensory needs or other special educational needs.
• A sound knowledge and understanding of the typical needs of our students, including a thorough understanding of masking.
• A full driving licence and business use of a vehicle.

Organisation

• Ability to plan and organise in ways that consistently meet the needs of students
• with autism and anxiety. Ability to absorb information quickly and accurately, particularly in relation to a student’s profile and needs.
• Ability to recognise and identify problems.
• Ability to record and pass on information accurately.
• Ability to work in successful and consistent co-production with students and families, advocating for student and parent voice.
• Ability to critically analyse information.
• Ability to manage a varied role and concurrent responsibilities.
• Experience of planning educational visits and other activities.
• A sound knowledge of data protection legislation.
• A sound understanding of the way in which therapeutic records may be used or
• misused in the course of SEND Tribunal proceedings.

Special skills and interests

• Ability to encourage and enable others to develop their full potential.
• Ability to inspire a genuine interest in the topics being taught.
• First aid
• Any hobby or skill which would support activities at the company, for example foreign languages, music, sport, cooking, arts and crafts, gardening, photography, computing etc.
• Any extra interests which may be relevant to young people

Disposition and attitudes

• Ability to recognise and learn from the expertise of all stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt your practice in light of students’ preferences and feedback from stakeholders, without breaching professional boundaries.
• High levels of self-confidence.
• An active personal interest in self-development.
• Experience of varied working methods, strategies, interventions, age groups, specialist interests etc.
• Ability to recognise the complexity of students and the need for personalised and highly adapted approaches.
• A natural affinity with students with autism or anxiety and an intuitive understanding of how to support them.
• A passion for enabling students to access all aspects of education and achieve their full potential.
• Confidence to prioritise the needs and wellbeing of the students and to challenge others as necessary to ensure best practice is maintained.
• Willingness to support interactions withthe school animals and to encourage students in their individual interests.
• Ability to think and respond flexibly, to be open-minded and to accept change at short notice.
• Ability to accept constructive professional challenge and view it as an opportunity to reflect on your own practice and training needs.
• A calm, friendly, helpful, patient and caring approach.
• Ability to make measured decisionsunder pressure.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and a willingness to pro-actively assist colleagues.
• Ability to be diplomatic and to act with discretion.
• Experience of conflict resolution.
• Ability to provide appropriate professional challenge and encouraging critical analysis and professional development, in the context of a supportive environment.
• Willingness to work flexibly across local sites in accordance with operational needs.
• Excellent punctuality.

Physical attributes and other factors

• Physical and mental ability to fulfil the responsibilities of the post, subject to appropriate reasonable adjustments being in place.
• Willingness to work indoors, outdoors and around animals in all weathers.
• Willingness and ability to attend appropriate meetings and training.
• Good personal presentation.
• Fluent written and verbal use of English.
• Evidence of good self-care.
• Personal enjoyment of a wide range of activities, including outdoor pursuits.