Speech and Language Therapist (Special schools and ARP)

Job summary

We are seeking a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist to join our dynamic Local Authority team. Our service works across a wide range of settings, including mainstream and special schools, the Youth Offending Team, and the Virtual School for Children in Care. We deliver high-quality statutory, targeted, and universal speech and language therapy support, tailored to meet the diverse needs of children and young people.

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. You will work closely with educational professionals, occupational therapists, educational psychologists, and SEN teams to provide a joined-up, inclusive service that promotes positive outcomes and ensures every childs voice is heard.

Main duties of the job

Are you an experienced Band 5 ready to take the next step, or a current Band 6 therapist looking for a fresh opportunity to develop specialist skills and contribute to meaningful service development? If so, wed love to hear from you.

The Merton Speech and Language Therapy Team is expanding and we are excited to offer full-time Band 6 opportunities within our vibrant, friendly service. You will support pupils across a range of specialist educational settings, including a primary school additional resource provision (ARP) for pupils with Autism, and an outstanding special school for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Please note that within the PMLD setting there is no requirement to manage dysphagia, as this is provided by the NHS service.

In the special school role, you will join a well-established team of five Speech and Language Therapists, working with children and young people aged 419 as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team. The school is conveniently located close to Morden Town Centre and offers a highly supportive environment with excellent opportunities for collaboration, learning, and professional growth.

About us

Merton Council is a forward-thinking, ambitious local authority committed to improving outcomes for our residents and reducing inequalities across the borough. We are proud to serve a diverse community and place children, young people, and families at the heart of everything we do.

Why work for Merton?

We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and are committed to supporting staff wellbeing, development, and worklife balance. Benefits include:

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career progression

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where service needs allow

• Generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme

• Employee wellbeing support, including occupational health and employee assistance programmes

• Reimbursement of professional fees for HCPC and RCSLT Membership.

Cultural Diversity Network

Our team is proud to have established a Cultural Diversity Network that actively supports, embraces, and celebrates the diverse cultural backgrounds of our therapists. This network provides a safe, inclusive space, where team members can share challenges they encounter in their roles and discuss best practices for managing them. We believe that fostering a culture of respect and understanding enriches our work and helps us provide the best possible support to our children and YP we work with.