Speech and Language Therapist - Job Opportunity at Positive Futures Recruitment

Cambridge, GB
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 4, 2025
On-site
GBP 48,110.40 - 54,766.40 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive career development opportunities with structured progression pathways in specialized therapeutic environments
Fully funded professional training and qualifications ensuring continuous skill enhancement and career advancement
Life assurance providing financial security and peace of mind for employees and their families
Competitive pension plan supporting long-term financial planning and retirement security
Perk Box high street discounts offering substantial savings on everyday purchases and lifestyle expenses
Employee assistance programme providing confidential support for personal and professional challenges
Bike to work scheme promoting sustainable transportation with tax benefits and health advantages
Car lease scheme offering convenient vehicle access with potential tax efficiencies

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive caseload management encompassing communication disorders and dysphagia interventions, directly impacting the quality of life for children and young adults with complex needs
Conduct thorough multi-disciplinary assessments that form the foundation for individualized Education Health and Care Plans, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes
Provide strategic consultation on student suitability and therapeutic requirements, influencing admission decisions and resource allocation
Develop and implement evidence-based individual communication and feeding programmes that integrate assistive technology solutions
Deliver targeted speech and language interventions across multiple modalities including individual, group, and classroom-based approaches
Maintain rigorous clinical documentation standards ensuring compliance with professional guidelines and supporting evidence-based practice
Lead dysphagia management protocols and staff training initiatives, ensuring safe eating and drinking practices across the organization
Champion Total Communication methodologies throughout the service, enhancing communication accessibility for all students
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and families to ensure coordinated care delivery and consistent therapeutic approaches
Provide expert clinical reports and participate in formal review processes that determine ongoing support needs and interventions
Manage specialist referral pathways for advanced AAC and dysphagia assessments, ensuring access to appropriate expertise
Supervise and mentor speech and language therapy assistants, contributing to workforce development and service quality

Requirements

Education

Speech and Language Therapy degree at graduate or masters level

Experience

Post-graduate dysphagia training and Competencies at Level C of RCSLT Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework

Required Skills

Certificate to practise Speech and Language Therapy Comprehensive communication assessment and intervention Dysphagia assessment and management Assistive technology and AAC implementation Total Communication practice Clinical documentation and reporting Multidisciplinary team collaboration Staff training and supervision Caseload management and prioritization

Certifications

Registered member of RCSLT and HCPC Post-graduate dysphagia training Competencies at Level C of RCSLT Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented demand for specialized speech and language therapy services, particularly in educational settings, driven by increased recognition of communication disorders and autism spectrum conditions. This trend is accelerated by enhanced diagnostic capabilities and greater awareness of the importance of early intervention in developmental disabilities. Digital transformation in healthcare is revolutionizing speech and language therapy delivery through assistive technology and augmentative communication devices. Therapists are increasingly required to integrate sophisticated AAC solutions and digital therapeutic tools into traditional intervention approaches, creating new opportunities for innovation in patient care. The integration of speech and language therapy services within educational frameworks is becoming more sophisticated, with EHCP requirements driving demand for highly qualified professionals who can work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. This represents a significant shift toward more holistic, person-centered care models.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £48,110-£54,767 is competitive within the UK market for specialist speech and language therapists, particularly considering the term-time working pattern and specialized nature of the role. This compensation reflects the advanced qualifications required, including post-graduate dysphagia training and Level C competencies, positioning it approximately 15-20% above standard NHS Band 6 equivalent roles.

Role Significance

The position involves direct line management of speech and language therapy assistants and collaboration within a broader multidisciplinary therapy team, typically comprising 8-12 professionals including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and educational specialists serving a specialized student population.
This position represents a mid-to-senior level specialist role requiring autonomous clinical decision-making, supervisory responsibilities, and advanced technical competencies. The role holder operates with significant independence while contributing to strategic service delivery and staff development initiatives.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive communication assessment protocols for students with complex needs including autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities Development and delivery of staff training programmes focused on total communication approaches and dysphagia management Integration of assistive technology solutions and AAC devices into individualized therapy programmes Collaboration on EHCP development and review processes ensuring appropriate therapeutic goals and outcomes

Success Factors

Advanced clinical reasoning skills enabling effective assessment and intervention planning for complex communication and swallowing disorders in young people with multiple comorbidities Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities to guide therapy assistants and contribute to multidisciplinary team effectiveness Expertise in assistive technology and AAC implementation, staying current with rapidly evolving digital therapeutic tools Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with families, educational staff, and healthcare professionals Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional development in specialized areas of practice

Market Demand

High demand exists for qualified speech and language therapists with specialized skills in developmental disabilities and dysphagia management. The combination of an aging population requiring swallowing support and increased identification of autism spectrum disorders creates sustained market demand that significantly exceeds current supply of qualified professionals.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Post-graduate dysphagia training and Level C EDSCF competencies are absolutely essential due to the high-risk nature of swallowing disorders in this population. These qualifications ensure safe practice and appropriate clinical decision-making when managing complex feeding and swallowing difficulties that could have life-threatening consequences if managed incorrectly. RCSLT and HCPC registration demonstrates professional competency and adherence to ethical standards required for autonomous practice. These registrations provide the legal framework for clinical practice and ensure maintenance of professional standards through continuing education requirements. Advanced communication assessment and intervention skills are critical for working with young people who have complex communication needs including autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. These skills directly impact the individual's ability to participate in education, social relationships, and daily living activities.

Beneficial Skills

Experience with assistive technology and AAC solutions enhances therapeutic outcomes and provides additional career opportunities in this rapidly expanding field Training and supervision skills support career progression into leadership roles and contribute to overall service quality through effective team development Multidisciplinary collaboration abilities are increasingly valuable as healthcare delivery becomes more integrated and person-centered Research and evidence-based practice skills support professional development and contribute to advancement of the profession through improved therapeutic approaches

Unique Aspects

The role combines clinical practice with residential service delivery, providing comprehensive 24-hour support for young people with complex needs
Term-time working pattern offers exceptional work-life balance while maintaining full-time professional engagement
Direct involvement in EHCP processes provides significant influence on long-term outcomes for students with disabilities
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge assistive technology and AAC solutions in a specialized educational environment
Line management responsibilities provide leadership development opportunities often unavailable in traditional clinical settings

Career Growth

Career progression to senior clinical roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated expertise and leadership capabilities. Transition to management or specialized consultant roles generally requires 5-8 years of progressive experience with additional qualifications and proven track record in service development.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Speech and Language Therapist with expanded clinical leadership responsibilities Clinical Specialist or Advanced Practitioner roles focusing on dysphagia or AAC specialization Service Manager or Clinical Lead positions overseeing therapy departments Independent practice consultant providing specialized services to multiple organizations Academic or research positions contributing to evidence base in developmental communication disorders

Company Overview

Positive Futures Recruitment

Positive Futures Recruitment operates as a specialized healthcare recruitment agency focusing on therapeutic and educational services, with particular expertise in placing qualified professionals in specialist settings serving individuals with complex needs. The company maintains strong relationships with residential and educational providers throughout the UK.

The organization holds a solid position within the healthcare recruitment sector, particularly in the specialized therapy market. Their focus on roles requiring advanced qualifications and specialized skills indicates a commitment to quality placements and long-term career development for healthcare professionals.
This position serves the Cambridge and Hertfordshire border region, an area with significant demand for specialized educational and healthcare services. The location provides access to both rural and urban populations while offering proximity to major healthcare and research institutions in the Cambridge corridor.
The work environment emphasizes collaborative multidisciplinary practice with strong emphasis on professional development and evidence-based care. The educational setting provides opportunities for innovation in therapeutic approaches while maintaining focus on individualized, person-centered care delivery.
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