Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist

Who we are:

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.

We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.

What we can offer you:

• Auto-enrolled pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, shopping discounts etc)
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• A portfolio of salary sacrifice and other flexible benefits at reduced costs
• Access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme & a Headspace App

We are passionate about supporting autistic people into work, and particularly welcome applications from autistic people. We help autistic people from all backgrounds and strive to represent the same diversity in our staff and volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from all minority groups, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. Together, we can create a society that works for autistic people.

Who we are looking for:

You are an experienced and qualified SaLT, who has in-depth experience of autism and working in a school environment, coupled with your enthusiastic and positive attitude towards supporting autistic people to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Your experience will include:

1. Assessing the needs of children and young people with complex communication needs including those who do not yet use speech to communicate.
2. Working with individuals who have behaviours that challenge.
3. Supporting pupils using a range of AAC systems.
4. Responsibility for staff and caseload management.
5. The development and delivery of training.

Your knowledge covers:

1. Understanding of interventions relevant to autistic pupils.
2. Service delivery models and clinical governance.
3. UK legislation and strategies relevant to Autism.
4. An awareness of vulnerable young peoples’ safeguarding issues and legislation.
5. The range of appropriate evidence-based interventions relevant to Autism.
6. The roles of other professionals relevant to Autism and education.
7. The range of AAC systems and intervention strategies.

You will need to demonstrate your excellent prioritisation skills with the ability to be flexible and re-prioritise as situations evolve, along with the ability to analyse and interpret assessment findings from both standardised and non-standardised assessments, in order to establish appropriate intervention goals and integrate these appropriately into speech and language therapy assessment, therapy plans and EHCP’s.

You will possess a Diploma/Degree in Speech & Language Therapy along with a Health Professions Council Licence to practise. As well as being a registered member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists. This should be complemented by your training in SCERTS/PECS and AAC such as PODD, LAMP etc.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

How to apply:

• To apply for this role please click the Apply button below.
• When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer.