Speech and Language Therapist (Special School)

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist – Autism (Special School)

Location: The Hawthorns School, Chelmsford, Essex

Salary: £45,091–£48,226 (Scale 10, Points 34–37)

Hours: 37 hours per week, Term-time only (39 weeks), Flexible working considered

Closing Date: 15 May 2026

Informal enquiries and expressions of interest (CVs welcomed initially) are encouraged via email to: Laura.Roberts@thehawthornsschool.com

Join a specialist school where communication is central to learning

The Hawthorns School is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our growing therapeutic provision supporting autistic young people with complex communication needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a well-resourced specialist setting as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team, where therapy is embedded across the curriculum and communication is central to pupil outcomes.

This is more than a traditional school-based SLT post, it is an opportunity to contribute to service development, staff training, EHCP leadership and whole-school communication practice, while developing your own specialist expertise.

The Role

You will deliver a high-quality, evidence-based Speech and Language Therapy service to pupils with complex communication needs, working closely with education staff, families and external professionals.

Responsibilities include:

• Specialist assessment and intervention for individual pupils and groups
• Developing and implementing therapy programmes tailored to individual needs
• Supporting staff through training, coaching and practical communication strategies
• Contributing to EHCP assessments, reviews and multidisciplinary planning
• Maintaining clinical records in line with professional standards
• Supporting service development across the wider therapeutic provision
• Line managing and supporting Speech and Language Therapy Assistants

About You

You will:

• Hold a recognised Speech and Language Therapy qualification
• Be HCPC registered and a member of RCSLT (or eligible)
• Have experience supporting children and young people with autism and complex needs
• Demonstrate strong clinical reasoning, organisation and collaborative working skills
• Be committed to safeguarding and achieving the best outcomes for children and young people

Applications from therapists with special school, paediatric, autism or neurodevelopmental experience are welcomed.

What We Offer

• Supportive multidisciplinary team and strong clinical collaboration
• Regular supervision, CPD and professional development opportunities
• A purpose-built specialist school environment
• Flexible working considered
• Term-time only working, offering school holiday periods
• Local government pension scheme and attractive wider benefits package
• Positive culture focused on staff wellbeing and professional growth

For therapists considering a move from NHS or other settings, we offer a supportive environment with strong therapeutic practice, professional autonomy and opportunities to shape service delivery.

Interested?

We welcome informal conversations or expressions of interest before formal application.

To apply, please complete the SEAX Trust application form attached

Or for an informal discussion / to send an initial CV and expression of interest, contact:

Laura Roberts on 01245 207607 or email: laura.roberts@thehawthornsschool.com

The Hawthorns School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.