Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

PHOENIX CHILD CARE LIMITED; Dawlish; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job description

Job Title: Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job Location: Oakwood College, Dawlish (EX7)

Salary: The full-time equivalent salary is between £35,175 - £39,133pa, however as this role is working 22.5 hours per week, 42 weeks per year, you’ll be paid between £18,111.74 and £20,149.73.

Contract Type: Permanent – Term Time Only

Are you a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist ready to inspire young adults and help them flourish and grow?

In this rewarding role, you’ll play a vital part in empowering young adults aged 16–25 at our beautifully located college in Dawlish. Working with learners who have Learning Disabilities and/or Autism, you’ll support the development of essential communication and language skills, preparing them for independent living, work, and life beyond college.

Your day will begin with a collaborative morning briefing, where you’ll exchange insights with our talented multi-disciplinary therapy team. From there, you might provide 1:1 therapy sessions, lead group activities, or collaborate with teachers in the classroom to integrate communication strategies. Every moment is a chance to make a lasting impact.

You’ll also have opportunities to supervise and mentor less experienced Speech and Language Therapists and contribute to training—enhancing knowledge and skills across the team and organisation.

We’re proud of our therapeutically informed approach, which is woven into every aspect of our learners’ journey. Our exceptional multi-disciplinary team, including Speech and Language Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, and Assistant Psychologists, creates a positive, supportive environment where learners and team members can thrive.

This is your chance to help young adults build confidence, unlock their potential, and create a brighter future.

If you have experience working within the NHS, the best way for us to describe the level of experience needed for this role would be to consider it a “Band 6” position. However, if you are a “Band 5” with experience, we can offer a development pathway to help you progress to a “Band 6” Specialist role.

A day in the life of a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist will involve:

1. Provide dedicated support to a small caseload of learners with diverse needs, including learning, communication, sensory processing, and social interaction challenges. This support will be delivered through one-to-one sessions, classroom-based work, and group activities.
2. You’ll play an active role in the admissions process for new learners, contributing to pen portraits and supporting the transition process.
3. Work closely with our multidisciplinary team, which includes Creative Arts Therapists, Teachers, and Teaching Assistants, to ensure the best outcomes for our learners. This collaboration may involve attending team meetings, participating in supervisions and training, and contributing to relevant projects.
4. Develop and deliver training programs for team members, on speech and language issues, ensuring alignment with best practices and Neurodiversity Affirming approaches.
5. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records for each learner is an essential part of this role. You will also be responsible for other associated administrative tasks, ensuring high standards of documentation and compliance.

To be a successful Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, you’ll need:

1. A recognised Degree in Speech and Language Therapy, along with HCPC Registration and membership with the Royal College of Speech and Language.
2. Great experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist.
3. The desire and confidence to run supervisions and offer training and support to other speech and language therapists.
4. Good IT skills – We’ll train you on how to use our systems, but it would help if you had a working understanding of using Microsoft packages like Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.
5. A full driving licence. Whilst this role is based in a single location, there will be times that you need to attend meetings offsite which would require the use of a vehicle.

In return for your time, you’ll get:

1. Holidays – You’ll work 42 weeks of the year during term time, but you’ll be paid annual leave to cover the remaining 5.6 weeks.
2. Pension scheme – Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
3. Learning & Development Opportunities – We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for team members to develop themselves.
4. Discounts – You’ll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform.
5. Wellbeing Support – Your wellbeing is always our priority. You’ll have access to mental health and wellbeing support. On top of this, our therapies team offers a monthly confidential check in clinic, and group reflective practice sessions.
6. Cycle2Work - The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
7. DBS – As this role required you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost.
8. After 12 months service - You’ll also be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health and wellbeing expenses (Including immediate access to a GP!). You’ll get life assurance paid at x2 your annual salary.