About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapist to join our supportive SEND Integrated Service, working within a specialist school setting for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and complex needs.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to children and young people by supporting their communication development and enabling them to access learning and everyday life. You will work as part of a collaborative multi-disciplinary team, delivering high-quality, evidence-based interventions and providing specialist advice to schools, families and professionals.
We offer a welcoming and inclusive working environment, with regular clinical supervision, excellent peer support and opportunities for continued professional development. You will play a key role in shaping outcomes for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), while developing your expertise in a highly specialist area of practice.
If you are passionate about improving communication outcomes and want to be part of a service that values innovation, partnership working and professional growth, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
You will work directly with children and young people with complex speech, language and communication needs, helping them to develop effective ways to communicate and engage with the world around them.
The role involves delivering tailored therapy programmes, supporting pupils in the classroom and advising staff and families on strategies to promote communication throughout the school day. You will play an important part in enabling inclusive learning environments and improving outcomes for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will collaborate with education, health and care professionals to provide coordinated support and share specialist knowledge. You will also contribute to building the confidence and skills of school staff through guidance and informal training.
This is a varied and rewarding role where you will see the direct impact of your work, helping children and young people to achieve greater independence, participation and quality of life.
About us
Merton Councils Children, Lifelong Learning and Families Service is committed to ensuring that all children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve their full potential.
You will be joining a friendly and supportive Speech and Language Therapy team within the SEND Integrated Service, where collaboration and knowledge-sharing are at the heart of what we do. We work closely with colleagues across education, health and social care to deliver joined-up, high-quality support for children and families.
We promote a positive and inclusive working culture, where staff are valued and encouraged to develop their skills and expertise. You will benefit from regular supervision, access to professional development opportunities and a strong peer network.
Working with us offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, while being part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises wellbeing, flexible working and continuous improvement.
Job description Job responsibilities
Role PurposeTo provide a specialist Speech and Language Therapy service to children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and complex needs within a specialist school setting. The post holder will support pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based assessment, intervention and outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical / ProfessionalManage a caseload of children with complex speech, language and communication needsUndertake specialist assessments and develop appropriate therapy plansDeliver evidence-based interventions and monitor progress against outcomesProvide written reports to inform EHCPs, reviews and statutory processesMaintain accurate, up-to-date clinical records in line with professional standardsApply a range of communication approaches, including Total Communication and AAC where appropriateService DeliveryWork directly within a school environment, embedding communication strategies into daily practiceSupport inclusive education by advising on communication-friendly environmentsDeliver targeted and universal support in line with service delivery modelsContribute to SEND panels, annual reviews and multi-agency meetings where requiredPartnership WorkingWork collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, teaching assistants and leadership teamsLiaise with parents and carers to support communication development at homeContribute to multi-disciplinary working across education, health and social careProvide advice and specialist input to support holistic child-centred planningTraining and DevelopmentDeliver training, workshops and informal support to school staffBuild capacity within settings to support speech, language and communication needsParticipate in supervision, appraisal and continuing professional developmentContribute to service development and sharing of best practiceGeneral ResponsibilitiesWork in accordance with HCPC and RCSLT professional standardsComply with safeguarding, equality and diversity and health and safety policiesMaintain confidentiality and work in line with GDPR requirementsSupport the wider aims and objectives of the SEND Integrated ServiceWorking RelationshipsThe post holder will work closely with:
School staff including teachers, SENCOs and support staffParents, carers and familiesHealth professionals including therapists and cliniciansSocial care and local authority colleaguesFlexibilityThe duties outlined above are not exhaustive and may be amended in line with service needs. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly and undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of assessing and supporting children with speech, language and communication needs Experience of working with children or young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Experience of delivering speech and language therapy interventions Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team Experience of writing reports or contributing to assessments (e.g. for EHCPs) Experience of working in educational or clinical settings Ability to manage a caseload and prioritise workload effectively
Desirable
Experience of working with children with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) or complex needs Experience of working within a school or specialist educational setting Experience of using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems Experience of delivering training or support to staff, parents or carers Experience of working with children with autism or complex communication needs Experience of contributing to multi-agency meetings or SEND processes
Qualifications Essential
Degree (or equivalent) in Speech and Language Therapy Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), or eligible for membership
Desirable
Postgraduate qualification or relevant specialist training in Speech and Language Therapy Training in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) Additional qualification or training in supporting children with SEND or PMLD Specialist training in areas such as autism, complex communication needs or dysphagia
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name London Borough Of Merton
Address Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX
Employer's website https://www.merton.gov.uk/jobs (Opens in a new tab)