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.

Southend City Council is establishing a new SEND Therapies Service for schools and settings across the council. 

The service will deliver universal and targeted support to children and young people (CYP) with a range of speech language and communication needs (SLCN) and provide support to Southend schools and settings in developing exceptional learning opportunities and inclusive learning environments.  

We are seeking an experienced and highly specialist speech and language therapist to join our team. This role is within a friendly team and the contract is offered on a part time (22.5 hours) and fixed term contract (1 year) basis. This role will involve leading and managing a team of speech and language therapy assistants, measuring the impact of the service by reducing pressure on statutory and specialist services and early identification and support for CYP with SLCN.  

This new, innovative service will give a therapist the opportunity to be a part of a project transforming the outcomes for CYP in Southend. 

To discuss the role further please contact bethanmort@southend.gov.uk

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 supervise 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.

This role is offered as a fully remote role.

Qualified speech and language therapist with HCPC and RCSLT registration

Highly specialist clinical skills working with children and young people with SLCN and their key adults.

Extensive experience working in the field of special education, with a strong understanding of SEND principles, practices, and legislation.

Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and supervising staff

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. 

Competitive salary commensurate with experience - Level 9 - £43,421 - £49,498 (pro rata).

Opportunity to bring over NHS pension if applicable.

A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people with physical and sensory needs, are excited by the opportunity to do something innovative and different, and you possess the skills and experience required for this role, we would love to hear from you. Please click 'apply online' to forward your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 sides) outlining your suitability for the position.

For a copy of the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

Join us in shaping the future of inclusive education in Southend!