Job summary
Southend City Councils SEND Therapies Service provides universal and targeted support for children and young people (CYP) with a wide range of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). We work closely with Southend schools and early years settings to promote inclusive learning environments and high-quality learning opportunities for all.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapist to join our team on a full-time, fixed-term basis (2 years). This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a service that is transforming outcomes for CYP in Southend.
About the Role
The successful candidate will:
* Model and deliver targeted interventions in schools and settings
* Upskill and support school staff to build confidence and capacity
* Work collaboratively with Speech and Language Therapy Assistants, Apprentices and Students
* Contribute to the early identification of SLCN and reduce demand on statutory and specialist services
* Support the ongoing evaluation of service impact
This role is ideal for a therapist who is passionate about early intervention, inclusive practice, and innovative service delivery.
Working Pattern While some hybrid working is available, the role will require regular in-person presence in Southend schools and settings for the majority of the working week. Working patterns and locations will be determined by the needs of the settings.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities:
* To deliver high quality support and guidance to Southend mainstream schools and settings to develop their universal and targeted provision for children and young people with speech language and communication needs.
* To model interventions to a team of speech and language therapy assistants delivering targeted services to schools
* To monitor and develop universal and targeted support for schools including data capture and reporting.
* To contribute to service and policy development.
About us
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Details Date posted
08 July 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£37,938 to £43,693 a year
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
2 years
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
F0033-25-0012
Job locations
Southend-on-sea City Council
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-sea
SS1 9SB
Job description Job responsibilities
Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Model and provide guidance and support to teaching staff and teaching assistants in implementing speech and language therapy techniques within the classroom setting
Support the creation of innovative projects aimed at improving outcomes and support for children and young people with SLCN.
Maintain accurate and up to date records of intervention and outcome measures.
Deliver training sessions and workshops to school/setting staff, parents and care givers on strategies to support SLCN development in children.
Work with schools and settings to promote better understanding and improvements to support systems, learning environments, curriculum adjustments and approaches aimed at improving outcomes and the educational experience for children and young people with SLCN. Provide universal and targeted support to schools and settings, children and young people with SLCN, and their families.
Support the integration of communication-friendly practices across school and Early Years settings.
Provide regular supervision of speech and language therapy student placements.
Carry out follow-up visits to settings previously supported to evaluate progress, offer advice, and ensure embedded practice.
Attend team meetings, supervision sessions, and relevant continuing professional development (CPD) activities.
To work closely with Specialist Teaching Service and other learning service areas to monitor and evaluate the impact of outreach provision to ensure it meets individual and local needs.
Maintain current knowledge and expertise in government legislation and guidelines pertaining to schools, children, and young people with SEND, as well as their families, and effectively communicate this information as necessary.
Collaborate closely with schools, children, young people, and their families to address educational challenges, ensuring accurate identification of service requirements, valuing their perspectives, and actively engaging them in enhancing future service design.
Work within Southend City Councils safeguarding policy and framework. Monitor and manage potential risk within area of responsibility. Employees should be aware of and are required to act in such a way that promotes the health and well-being of children and young people with SEND and vulnerable learners.
This Job Description is a guide to the level and range of responsibilities the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is neither exhaustive nor inclusive and may be subject to changes to meet legislative requirements in relation to the SEND Code of Practise, changing circumstances and business demands of the service.
You are expected to operate flexibly to support delivery of services and from time to time will be required to undertake responsibilities outside the normal remit of your role description as required by the line manager, which are broadly commensurate with the job level and scope of competence.
Contribute to the vision of the organisation and city.
Contribute to the Councils Corporate Plan and adhere to the Councils Values and Behaviours.
Contribute to the Councils success by accepting new tasks, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve personal and team results.
Be familiar with Equal Opportunities good practice and with the Councils requirements for Diversity and to implement this in all aspects of working.
Promote and work in line with the principles of the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
This job description does not form part of your contract of employment
These duties will be subject to regular appraisal and any amendments will be made in consultation and agreement with the post holder.
Job description Job responsibilities
Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Model and provide guidance and support to teaching staff and teaching assistants in implementing speech and language therapy techniques within the classroom setting
Support the creation of innovative projects aimed at improving outcomes and support for children and young people with SLCN.
Maintain accurate and up to date records of intervention and outcome measures.
Deliver training sessions and workshops to school/setting staff, parents and care givers on strategies to support SLCN development in children.
Work with schools and settings to promote better understanding and improvements to support systems, learning environments, curriculum adjustments and approaches aimed at improving outcomes and the educational experience for children and young people with SLCN. Provide universal and targeted support to schools and settings, children and young people with SLCN, and their families.
Support the integration of communication-friendly practices across school and Early Years settings.
Provide regular supervision of speech and language therapy student placements.
Carry out follow-up visits to settings previously supported to evaluate progress, offer advice, and ensure embedded practice.
Attend team meetings, supervision sessions, and relevant continuing professional development (CPD) activities.
To work closely with Specialist Teaching Service and other learning service areas to monitor and evaluate the impact of outreach provision to ensure it meets individual and local needs.
Maintain current knowledge and expertise in government legislation and guidelines pertaining to schools, children, and young people with SEND, as well as their families, and effectively communicate this information as necessary.
Collaborate closely with schools, children, young people, and their families to address educational challenges, ensuring accurate identification of service requirements, valuing their perspectives, and actively engaging them in enhancing future service design.
Work within Southend City Councils safeguarding policy and framework. Monitor and manage potential risk within area of responsibility. Employees should be aware of and are required to act in such a way that promotes the health and well-being of children and young people with SEND and vulnerable learners.
This Job Description is a guide to the level and range of responsibilities the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is neither exhaustive nor inclusive and may be subject to changes to meet legislative requirements in relation to the SEND Code of Practise, changing circumstances and business demands of the service.
You are expected to operate flexibly to support delivery of services and from time to time will be required to undertake responsibilities outside the normal remit of your role description as required by the line manager, which are broadly commensurate with the job level and scope of competence.
Contribute to the vision of the organisation and city.
Contribute to the Councils Corporate Plan and adhere to the Councils Values and Behaviours.
Contribute to the Councils success by accepting new tasks, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve personal and team results.
Be familiar with Equal Opportunities good practice and with the Councils requirements for Diversity and to implement this in all aspects of working.
Promote and work in line with the principles of the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
This job description does not form part of your contract of employment
These duties will be subject to regular appraisal and any amendments will be made in consultation and agreement with the post holder.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential
* Registration with Health Professions Council as a speech and language therapist.
* Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent.
* Registered member of RCSLT.
Desirable
* Membership of relevant CEN
Qualifications Essential
* Registration with Health Professions Council as a speech and language therapist.
* Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent.
* Registered member of RCSLT.
Desirable
* Membership of relevant CEN
Experience Essential
* At least 2 years post qualification experience including schools and/or early years settings
* Working with children and young people with speech language and communication needs in educational settings
* Clear, advanced clinical reasoning based on evidenced-based practice within paediatrics.
* Knowledge of SLCN in mainstream schools
* Experience of training school staff and assistants and skills in presentation to deliver both formal and informal training.
* Working collaboratively with parents/carers and other professionals
* Knowledge and experience of assessment (including standardised) and treatment techniques in paediatrics.
* Experience supporting/mentoring students or
* junior staff
* Familiarity with communication-friendly settings or
* inclusive education practices
* Experience of modelling interventions and
* providing indirect therapy through others
* Specialised knowledge of assessment tools, treatment techniques and therapeutic interventions
* Demonstrate clear clinical reasoning based on evidence-based practice.
* Understanding of safeguarding
* Awareness of the principles of clinical governance/audit
* Understanding and application of standards of record keeping and reporting.
* Working knowledge of the roles of other professionals in Health, Education and Social Care involved with CYP.
* Demonstrates well developed ability to analyse and reflect upon complex information.
* Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
* Evidence of excellent organisational skills
* Prioritisation skills
* Able to work independently as an autonomous practitioner.
* Demonstrates ability to be a good team member
* Negotiation, problem solving concentration, analytical and reflection skills.
* Positive, flexible and collaborative approach
* Demonstrate advanced skills in prioritisation, communication, and time management.
* Good interpersonal skills which reflect the Values and Behaviours of Southend City Council.
* Able to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity in all circumstances.
* Evidence of commitment to equality and diversity.
* Ability to travel to meet the needs of the post.
* Advanced computer skills.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential
* Registration with Health Professions Council as a speech and language therapist.
* Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent.
* Registered member of RCSLT.
Desirable
* Membership of relevant CEN
Qualifications Essential
* Registration with Health Professions Council as a speech and language therapist.
* Recognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalent.
* Registered member of RCSLT.
Desirable
* Membership of relevant CEN
Experience Essential
* At least 2 years post qualification experience including schools and/or early years settings
* Working with children and young people with speech language and communication needs in educational settings
* Clear, advanced clinical reasoning based on evidenced-based practice within paediatrics.
* Knowledge of SLCN in mainstream schools
* Experience of training school staff and assistants and skills in presentation to deliver both formal and informal training.
* Working collaboratively with parents/carers and other professionals
* Knowledge and experience of assessment (including standardised) and treatment techniques in paediatrics.
* Experience supporting/mentoring students or
* junior staff
* Familiarity with communication-friendly settings or
* inclusive education practices
* Experience of modelling interventions and
* providing indirect therapy through others
* Specialised knowledge of assessment tools, treatment techniques and therapeutic interventions
* Demonstrate clear clinical reasoning based on evidence-based practice.
* Understanding of safeguarding
* Awareness of the principles of clinical governance/audit
* Understanding and application of standards of record keeping and reporting.
* Working knowledge of the roles of other professionals in Health, Education and Social Care involved with CYP.
* Demonstrates well developed ability to analyse and reflect upon complex information.
* Excellent presentation skills, both written and verbal
* Evidence of excellent organisational skills
* Prioritisation skills
* Able to work independently as an autonomous practitioner.
* Demonstrates ability to be a good team member
* Negotiation, problem solving concentration, analytical and reflection skills.
* Positive, flexible and collaborative approach
* Demonstrate advanced skills in prioritisation, communication, and time management.
* Good interpersonal skills which reflect the Values and Behaviours of Southend City Council.
* Able to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity in all circumstances.
* Evidence of commitment to equality and diversity.
* Ability to travel to meet the needs of the post.
* Advanced computer skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name
Southend On Sea City Council
Address
Southend-on-sea City Council
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-sea
SS1 9SB
Employer's website
https://www.southend.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details Employer name
Southend On Sea City Council
Address
Southend-on-sea City Council
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-sea
SS1 9SB
Employer's website
https://www.southend.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
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