Speech & Language Therapist

Guildford, United Kingdom | Posted on 30/07/2026

12 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title:
Speech & Language Therapist

Job Purpose

To provide specialist speech and language therapy assessment, advice, intervention, and support to school-aged children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs. The postholder will manage a defined caseload, deliver evidence-based therapy programmes, monitor outcomes, and work collaboratively with families, schools, and multidisciplinary professionals to help children achieve their educational and developmental potential.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Assess,diagnose, and provide specialist speech and language therapy interventions for children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs.
• Managea defined caseload, including children with complex needs requiring multidisciplinary input.
• Develop and implement individual therapy plans and measurable outcomes.
• Monitor,review, and evaluate progress using speech and language therapy and educational outcome measures.
• Provide written and verbal reports, recommendations, and feedback to families,schools, and relevant professionals.

Multi-Agency Working

• Work collaboratively with teachers, educational staff, health professionals,parents, carers, and partner agencies.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary assessments and planning to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people.
• Provide professional advice and guidance to schools and families on communication needs and intervention strategies.

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide support, mentoring, and professional guidance to junior therapists and Speech and Language Therapy Assistants.
• Set objectives and monitor the effectiveness of delegated therapy programmes.
• Support the development of service standards, policies, and best practice.

Service Development

• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and professional developments.
• Assistin the implementation and review of therapy programmes, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in audits, outcome measurement, and quality assurance activities.

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Comply with safeguarding, confidentiality, and information governance requirements.
• Identify and elevate risks, concerns, complaints, and safeguarding issues appropriately.
• Maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with professional and organisational standards.

Experience Required

• Experience managing a caseload of children and young people with speech, language,and communication needs.
• Experience undertaking specialist assessments, diagnosis, and intervention planning.
• Experience working collaboratively with schools, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience preparing reports and maintaining clinical records.
• Experience supporting or supervising less experienced therapists, assistants, orsupport staff.
• Experience working within special schools or specialist educational settings.
• Experience supporting children with complex communication needs.

Qualifications

• BSc(Hons) Degree or equivalent recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
• Postgraduate training or specialist qualifications in one or more of the following areas:
• Dysphagia
• PECS(Picture Exchange Communication System)
• Makaton
• TEACCH
• Speech Disorders

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of speech, language, and communication disorders.
• Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills.
• Abilityto build effective relationships with children, families, schools, and professionals.
• Excellent organisational and caseload management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and clinical decision-making abilities.
• Abilityto work autonomously while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• GoodIT skills, including Microsoft Office and clinical record management systems.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and information governance requirements.

Additional Information

• Location: Surrey
• Working Hours: 35 hours per week
• Reporting To: Clinical Team Leader
• Service Area: Speech and Language Therapy, Children, Schools and Families
• Travel Requirement: Regular travel may be required across the allocated geographical area within Surrey
• Contract Type: Temporary contract (subject to service requirements)
• Professional Registration: HCPC registration and RCSLT membership must be maintained throughout employment
• DBSRequirement: Enhanced DBS clearance required
• Supervision: Regular clinical supervision, peer support, and continuing professional development opportunities provided
• Management Responsibility: May involve supervision and support of Speech and Language Therapy Assistants and junior therapists
• Work Environment: The postholder may work across mainstream schools,specialist centres, and special school settings within Surrey
• Closing Date: Applications closing soon – early applications are encouraged