Speech And Language Specialist

Speech and Language Specialist (Speech and Language Therapy)

Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Setting: Special Educational Needs (SEN) School – Children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Speech and Language Specialist to join our multidisciplinary team in a specialist SEN school in Sheffield. The successful candidate will support children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), helping them develop effective communication, language, social interaction, and functional communication skills to achieve their full potential.

Working closely with teachers, teaching assistants, families, and other professionals, you will assess pupils' communication needs, design and implement tailored intervention programmes, and contribute to creating a communication-friendly learning environment.

• Assess pupils' speech, language, communication, and social interaction needs using formal and informal assessment methods.
• Develop and implement individualised therapy programmes tailored to each child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes.
• Deliver one-to-one and small-group speech and language therapy sessions.
• Support the use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems, including PECS, communication boards, visual supports, and speech-generating devices where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to embed communication strategies across the school day.
• Provide training, coaching, and advice to school staff and parents to promote consistent communication approaches.
• Monitor pupils' progress and maintain accurate clinical records and reports.
• Attend annual reviews, multidisciplinary meetings, and EHCP reviews.
• Promote positive behaviour through communication-based interventions and support emotional regulation strategies.
• Keep up to date with current evidence-based practice in speech and language therapy and autism intervention.

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent qualification.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
• Experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Condition and additional communication needs.
• Knowledge of autism-friendly communication approaches.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Experience with in a specialist SEN school.
• Knowledge of sensory processing differences and their impact on communication.
• Experience using AAC systems, PECS, Makaton, or Intensive Interaction.
• Understanding of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
• Experience supporting children with complex learning difficulties.

• Empathetic and patient approach.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt therapy to meet individual learning styles.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Commitment to inclusive education and child-centred practice.

• A supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Regular clinical supervision.
• Opportunities to innovate and develop communication programmes.
• A rewarding role making a meaningful difference to the lives of autistic children and young people.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated Speech and Language Specialist who is passionate about helping children with autism develop their communication skills, independence, confidence, and participation both within school and in everyday life.