Speech and 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:

• Pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave
• 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)
• Access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme

Job Title: Speech and Language Therapist

Location: Radlett Lodge School, (Hertfordshire)

Salary: GBP38,114 (Band 6 equivalent) & Inner Fringe GBP686.40

Closing date: 18 th May 2022

Interviews (w/c): 23 rd May 2022

Hours: Mon - Fri (37hours pw)

Contract: Term-Time, (pro rata'd to include the equivalent of 9 weeks holiday)

Permanent

Help make an everyday breakthrough happen by joining our team:

A breakthrough can seem like the smallest thing, but it can make the world of difference to someone on the autism spectrum. By working as a Speech & Language Therapist at Radlett Lodge School, you'll help make every day breakthroughs happen!

Who we are:

Radlett Lodge School is a forward thinking, NAS Independent School, for autistic pupils, many of whom have associated complex communication needs. Therapeutic services are embedded across our school day and curriculum, designed to promote the highest level of educational experiences to ensure the best outcomes for every pupil. If you are committed to planning and delivering high quality small group and individual therapy, are enthusiastic about improving the lives of autistic people, and have excellent communication skills, then this could be the role for you.

We are seeking a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist or Speech and Language Therapist (dependent on experience), to work with our Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, as part of our warm and welcoming therapy team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a trans-disciplinary model, alongside teachers, Occupational Therapist, Positive Behaviour Support Team, Learning Support Assistants and our Residential Care Team. In collaboration with other professionals across the school and residential setting, you will provide specialist assessment and interventions for our children and young people. Assessment and intervention across the school utilises the SCERTS approach. The desired candidate will have knowledge of a range of AAC systems and intervention approaches.

Your role will include providing direct therapy to promote each young person's development and support their access to education. Therapy sessions are most frequently delivered within the classroom environment in order to support collaboration with teachers and promote generalisation of skills. Collaborative planning and delivery of sessions with teachers is encouraged. In addition to this, you will deliver staff and parent training, support environmental modifications across the school, and represent Speech & Language Therapy within annual reviews and team meetings.

The NAS 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.

Satisfactory references will be obtained prior to interview. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit please contact Kate Weeden (Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist) or Pauline Armitage (HR Coordinator) on or email

The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962,

Job Summary:

Where you will be working:

Radlett Lodge School

Main Job Responsibilities:

• To provide speech and language services to children and young people attending the school and residential service.
• To work as part of a transdisciplinary team which aims to provide a communication focused approach to enable children and young adults with autistic spectrum disorders to develop functional communication skills in relation to everyday living and learning.
• To maintain up to date Speech and Language therapy records in line with professional standards.
• To work collaboratively with other professionals to ensure Speech and Language Therapy is integrated into planning and support throughout the school and residential setting.
• To support the Highly Specialist SaLT with service development for Speech and Language Therapy provision within the school.

Person Specification

Education& Certification

• Diploma/Degree in Speech & Language Therapy-Essential
• Professional knowledge acquired through further training and specialist short courses.
• Health Professions Council License to practice. Essential
• Registered member of Royal College of Speech &Language Therapists.

Skills/Abilities

• An enthusiastic and a positive attitude towards supporting people with autism to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Sound written and verbal presentation skills.
• Well-developed organisational skills.
• Sound ICT skills including ability to use Excel.
• Good prioritisation skills.
• 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.
• Excellent reflection skills.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of a range of appropriate evidence-based interventions relevant to ASD.
• An awareness of vulnerable adults and young people's safeguarding issues and legislation.
• Knowledge of UK legislation and strategies relevant to ASD.
• Understanding of the roles of other professionals relevant to ASD and education.

Knowledge of a range of AAC systems and intervention strategies

Experience

• Experience of working with children and young people with ASD.
• Experience of working within a school environment.
• Experience of assessing the needs of children and young people with complex communication needs including those who do not yet use speech to communicate.
• Experience of working with individuals who have behaviors that challenge (desirable).
• Experience of supporting pupils using a range of AAC systems (desirable).
• Experience in the development and delivery of training (desirable)

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.

For more information about this job please contact or click here

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.