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’s SEND Therapies Service delivers universal and targeted support to children and young people (CYP) with a range of speech language and communication needs (SLCN) and provides support to Southend schools and settings in developing exceptional learning opportunities and inclusive learning environments.  

We are seeking an experienced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our team on a full time and fixed term contract basis (2 years). This role will involve modelling targeted interventions, upskilling school staff, working with Speech and Language Therapy Assistants, Apprentices and Students on universal and targeted packages and measuring the impact of the service by reducing pressure on statutory and specialist services and early identification and support for CYP with SLCN.  This service will give a therapist the opportunity to be a part of a project transforming the outcomes for CYP in Southend. 

Please note that although this role will involve some hybrid working you will be required to be present in schools and settings in Southend most of the working week.  Working patterns and locations will be predominately led by the needs of the settings.

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.

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.

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 8 - £37,938 - £43,693 

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 interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy 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.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.