Are you passionate about empowering young adults and helping them develop essential communication skills for a brighter future? If you are an experienced Speech and Language Therapist looking for a role where you can make a meaningful difference, we have an incredible opportunity for you. At Oakwood College in Dawlish, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students with learning disabilities and autism can thrive. This role offers the chance to work closely with students aged 16-25, supporting them in their journey toward independent living, employment and self-confidence.
You will play a vital part in shaping their future, equipping them with the skills they need to navigate life successfully.
As a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, you will be at the heart of our multi-disciplinary therapy team, collaborating with teachers, therapists and support staff to create individualized therapy plans tailored to the needs of each learner. Your work will involve one-on-one therapy sessions, group activities and classroom-based interventions, ensuring that communication strategies are seamlessly integrated into their daily learning experience.
Beyond therapy, you will also contribute to staff training, helping to enhance the team’s ability to support students effectively. If you have previous experience working within the NHS, this role aligns with a Band 6 level, but if you are currently at Band 5 with relevant experience, we offer a clear development pathway to support your growth into a specialist position.
We recognize the challenges that young adults with additional learning needs face and our goal is to provide them with the best support possible. Our college is known for its holistic approach, incorporating therapeutic principles into every aspect of education. As part of our team, you will work alongside Creative Arts Therapists, Assistant Psychologists and Teaching Assistants, all dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where students can build confidence and develop their potential.
Your expertise will help bridge the communication gap, allowing students to express themselves, engage in social interactions and prepare for a successful transition into adulthood.
This is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to make a difference every day. Your work will have a direct impact on the lives of students, helping them to overcome communication barriers, develop social skills and achieve independence. Each success story, whether big or small, will be a testament to the positive change you bring to their lives. Whether you are conducting therapy sessions, mentoring junior therapists or collaborating with teachers, every moment in this role is an opportunity to create a lasting impact.
If you are looking for a role that is both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling, this position is perfect for you.
At Phoenix Learning & Care, we are committed to hiring and supporting talented professionals who share our dedication to making education and therapy accessible, effective and life-changing. We welcome applications from both UK-based and international candidates, as long as they meet the necessary requirements including experience providing Speech and Language Therapy in English. If you are ready to take your career to the next level and be part of a team that truly cares, we encourage you to apply today.
This is your chance to join a passionate, dynamic team and help young adults unlock their full potential through the power of communication.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Tiverton
Benefits: Extracted from the full job details:
- Annual leave
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
About The Role
Job Title: Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Job Location: Oakwood College, Dawlish (EX7)
Salary:
- The full-time salary for this role ranges from £35,175 to £39,133 per annum.
- Since this position involves working 22.5 hours per week for 42 weeks annually, the actual salary will be between £18,111.74 and £20,149.73.
Contract Type: Permanent – Term Time Only
Phoenix Learning & Care is open to sponsoring eligible candidates under a Skilled Worker Visa. To qualify for sponsorship, applicants must have hands-on experience providing Speech and Language Therapy to individuals with additional learning needs. This role requires delivering therapy in English and although we welcome applications from international candidates, preference will be given to those with UK-based experience.
Are you a passionate and experienced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist looking to positively impact young adults and help them thrive?
This position offers a fulfilling career where you will play a crucial role in supporting young individuals, aged 16-25, at our well-located college in Dawlish. Your focus will be on helping students with learning disabilities and/or autism improve their communication and language abilities. Your expertise will prepare them for independent living, employment and life beyond education.
A typical day in this role starts with a team briefing, where insights and observations are exchanged within a multi-disciplinary therapy team. Your daily tasks will include:
- One-on-one therapy sessions with students
- Leading group therapy activities
- Collaborating with teachers inside the classroom to embed communication strategies
Beyond individual therapy, you’ll also have opportunities to mentor junior therapists and participate in training programs to enhance the skill set of both colleagues and the organization as a whole.
Phoenix Learning & Care takes pride in its therapeutically informed approach, integrating specialist therapy techniques into every aspect of student learning. Our team consists of Speech and Language Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists and Assistant Psychologists, who work together to create a positive and nurturing environment.
If you have previous experience working within the NHS, this role aligns with a Band 6 level position. However, if you are at Band 5 but have gained substantial experience, we offer a structured career development pathway to help you progress into a Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist role.
A Day in the Life of a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Your responsibilities will revolve around assisting a small group of learners, each with individualized support needs in areas such as:
- Communication barriers
- Sensory processing issues
- Social interaction difficulties
- Learning challenges
You will provide tailored therapy through a variety of approaches including one-to-one support, classroom-based interventions and group therapy sessions.
In addition, you will:
- Participate in admissions processes for new students, helping to develop individualized learner profiles and ensuring smooth transitions into college life.
- Work closely with multi-disciplinary colleagues including Creative Arts Therapists, Teachers and Teaching Assistants, to establish the best possible learning outcomes for students.
- Contribute to team meetings, attend supervision sessions and collaborate on key projects aimed at enhancing therapy services.
- Deliver training sessions to colleagues on best practices related to speech and language support while incorporating Neurodiversity Affirming approaches.
- Keep detailed records of each learner’s progress, ensuring that documentation meets compliance and best practice standards.
What You Need to Succeed in This Role
To be considered for this position, you will need to have:
Educational and Professional Requirements:
- A recognized degree in Speech and Language Therapy
- HCPC registration (Health and Care Professions Council)
- Membership with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Experience and Skills:
- Proven experience working as a Speech and Language Therapist
- Confidence and ability to supervise junior therapists and provide training
- Good IT skills – While training will be provided, familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams is an advantage
- A valid driving license – While this role is primarily based in Dawlish, you may be required to travel for meetings and off-site commitments
The Benefits You’ll Receive
We value our employees and offer an extensive range of benefits, including:
Work-Life Balance & Compensation:
- Term-time working – You will work 42 weeks per year but still receive paid annual leave for the remaining 5.6 weeks.
- Competitive Pension Scheme – Contribute 5% and Phoenix Learning & Care will add 3%.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- We are committed to your career growth and provide comprehensive learning opportunities to help you expand your skills and progress in your career.
Discounts & Employee Perks:
- Exclusive discounts via the Blue Light Card
- Access to our employee benefits platform, offering savings on a variety of products and services
Health & Wellbeing Support:
- Mental health and wellbeing resources to support your overall wellness
- Monthly confidential check-in clinics with our therapy team
- Group reflective practice sessions for professional peer support
Additional Perks:
- Cycle2Work scheme – Save money on a new bicycle and reduce your travel costs.
- DBS Check Paid For – We cover the cost of the Enhanced DBS check, which is a requirement for this role.
- Medical Benefits – After completing 12 months of service, you’ll gain access to our Medicash scheme, which covers:
- General medical expenses
- Immediate GP consultations
- A range of health and wellbeing expenses
- Life Assurance – After one year, you will receive life insurance equivalent to twice your annual salary.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment
Phoenix Learning & Care upholds strict safer recruitment policies, meaning all successful applicants must complete:
- Pre-employment checks
- Enhanced DBS screening
- Online and social media checks
- Reference verification
As an organization, we are dedicated to diversity and inclusivity. Our goal is to create a safe and welcoming workplace where all employees feel valued and supported.
At Phoenix Learning & Care, we celebrate individuality and strive to build an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive without discrimination.
If you’re looking for a meaningful role where you can make a real difference in the lives of young adults with additional learning needs, we would love to hear from you!
How to Apply
If you meet the requirements and are excited about the opportunity to work with young adults in a supportive, therapy-driven environment, click APPLY NOW to submit your application.
We look forward to welcoming passionate and skilled professionals to our team!