Hours: Part-time - 3 days per week, permanent, Term time only
Speech and Language Therapy Assistant (SALTA)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Speech and Language Therapy Assistant (SALTA) to join our therapy team, supporting students across all school sites. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of our in-house Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) to deliver speech, language, and communication interventions, helping students develop essential skills for learning, communication, and social interaction.
About New Forest School
New Forest School is an independent specialist school on the edge of the New Forest, Hampshire, catering for children aged 8–16 with complex needs, including Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), attachment difficulties, and trauma-related challenges. We provide a therapeutic and trauma-informed approach to learning, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed.
Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A driving licence and access to a car are required, as the role involves travel between school sites.
Key Responsibilities
1. Ability to manage a caseload and deliver SaLT-led interventions for individual students, small groups, or in-class support, following plans provided by the supervising therapist.
2. Support students with speech, language, communication, and social interaction development, including expressive/receptive language, vocabulary, and functional communication skills.
3. Monitor student engagement and progress, providing regular feedback to the SaLT.
4. Assist with informal assessment and contribute to goal setting, adapting interventions to meet changing needs.
5. Prepare therapy materials, communication resources, and assistive technology as required.
6. Work closely with the SaLT, clinical team, teaching staff, and families to embed communication strategies throughout the school day.
7. Maintain accurate records of interventions, observations, and student progress in line with professional standards.
8. Promote a positive, supportive environment, encouraging students to engage with confidence and independence.
Essential Skills & Experience
9. Experience supporting children and young people with autism, SEMH needs, trauma, and communication difficulties.
10. Ability to implement SaLT-designed activities under supervision, adhering to professional boundaries and scope of practice.
11. Strong communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with students, families, and professionals.
12. Organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly in maintaining accurate records.
13. Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt interventions to individual student needs.
14. Ability to work independently while maintaining regular guidance and supervision from the SaLT
Desirable Skills & Experience
15. Familiarity with social communication, narrative-based, speech sound difficulty and language development programmes (e.g., Zones of Regulation, Lego-based therapy).
16. Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and experience supporting children with adverse experiences.
17. Knowledge of assistive technology for communication and symbol-supported communication systems.
18. IT skills to prepare resources and support the use of AAC software.
What We Offer
19. A supportive, collaborative therapy team.
20. Opportunities for training and professional development in speech, language, and communication interventions.
21. Regular supervision and clinical guidance from the SaLT.
22. The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people.
If you are passionate about supporting children’s communication and social development and want to join a dynamic therapy team, we would love to hear from you!
THE COMPANY IS UNABLE TO SPONSOR EMPLOYMENT OF INTERNATIONAL WORKERS IN THIS ROLE. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF YOUR RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
We are steadfast in our mission to protect the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will undergo thorough child protection screening, including employment references and enhanced DBS checks.