Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Position Start Date: 01/01/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 30/11/2025 Midnight Date of Interviews: ASAP
Speech & Language Therapist - Colchester
Autism Anglia and Doucecroft School, based in Colchester, are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). The post holder will provide support for pupils' communication ability and participate in the continuing development of these services under the direction of the Therapy Lead for autistic learners and associated Mental Health needs. The successful Speech and Language Therapist will also be supporting a like‑minded multidisciplinary team consisting of Speech and Language therapists, Occupational Therapists, Therapy assistants and other clinical staff.
This great job opportunity could also include working with our adults within their residential services, supported living, outreach programs and opportunity centres. This role will include working under the guidance of the adult service therapy Lead (which will be a flexible option please contact for further information).
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a well‑established charity. Autism Anglia and Doucecroft School provide ongoing specialist training including leadership, autism‑specific, curriculum and therapeutic training opportunities, supervision and continuing professional development and support. A thorough and structured induction is also on offer at the commencement of employment.
The school:
Doucecroft School is a vibrant, dynamic, and highly supportive specialist co‑educational school for autistic individuals, some with additional complex needs, aged 3‑19 years. At Doucecroft we provide a nurturing environment where students can thrive and grow in independence and self‑esteem.
We offer bespoke, individualised education with a proven track record of dramatically raising the outcomes for the learners who have completed their education with us. Our approach ensures that through our curriculum and delivery, we focus on delivering quality‑of‑life outcomes, with specialist therapists and professionals providing expertise in addition to the highly skilled education team.
All staff within the school are committed to striving towards outstanding, led by an enthusiastic and dynamic senior leadership team.
The Role
* Assessing and reviewing the communication needs of new and existing learners within school
* Developing communication targets for your allocated pupils (in collaboration with teaching) and regularly monitoring and reviewing these targets
* Delivering individual and group therapy interventions, where required
* Attending multi‑disciplinary team meetings and annual reviews
* Delivering training to the wider professional team to develop their skills in effective communication with Autistic individuals
* Supervision of less experienced Speech and Language Therapists, Therapy assistants and therapy students
Applications are welcome from Speech & Language Therapists with the following:
* A recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy is essential
* A member of RCSLT and HCPC essential
* Previous experience of working with Autistic individuals is essential
* Supervision experienced highly advantageous
* Competent clinical knowledge of communication problems associated with autism
* Experience with intervention techniques such as AAC, Intensive Interaction, signing, and visual support systems
* Knowledge of special educational needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder
* A confident, caring and proactive attitude
* Experience in writing annual review reports to contribute towards Education Health Care Plans (EHCP) is highly desirable
* Working within a school setting
* Working within a multi‑disciplinary team
Working for us gives you access to a range of perks and benefits:
* Extensive Induction and Learning & Development programmes, with nationally recognised qualifications
* Job‑related qualifications obtained during employment paid for by Autism Anglia (subject to conditions)
* Flexible working hours (where possible) for study and time off given for job‑related exams
* Free onsite parking
* Employee Referral Scheme
* Access to Spectrum Life Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Tools, including counselling services & the Benefits Hub, which will give you access to lots of shopping and entertainment discounts, instant discounted gift cards and cashback
* Support & encouragement to progress and reach full potential within your chosen career
By its nature, Doucecroft School offers an excellent work/life balance reflected by the school's ethos, small class sizes.
To apply:
If you have a genuine passion for providing excellent education to all, your outstanding future at Doucecroft School could be moments away. Apply now by clicking on the link below or contact Jenny Walshe on 01206 577 678 OR email Recruitment@autism-anglia.org.uk to arrange a confidential discussion.
Autism Anglia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Autism Anglia is positive about inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals who can meet the requirements of the job position and may wish to request flexible working or reasonable adjustments to support them.
Information about the School
Doucecroft School is a specialist co‑educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, age 3–19 years. Established in 1973, we are experienced and successful in meeting the needs of students with wide‑ranging strengths and needs, providing a nurturing environment where students are able to thrive and grow in independence and self‑esteem.
Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are provided on‑site by our experienced therapy team.
Doucecroft School is part of Autism Anglia, a regional charity working with children, adults and families affected by Autism.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
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