Speech & Language Therapy Assistant

Are you inspired by helping children find their voice and reach their potential?

Join Kingston Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service, part of Your Healthcare (YH), an innovative, not-for-profit social enterprise delivering high-quality NHS community services. Working within our friendly and supportive team, you'll help children and young people with speech, language and communication needs develop the skills, confidence and independence to thrive.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our team supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs across Kingston secondary schools including specialist resource provisions. Working alongside experienced Speech and Language Therapists, you will deliver therapy programmes, support communication in secondary educational settings, create resources, and empower families and school staff to help children/young people achieve their goals.

Role Highlights:

Make a real difference to children and young peoples communication, confidence and independence every day.

Work in a supportive, innovative and child-centred team.

Build strong partnerships with families, schools and colleagues.

Develop specialist skills in speech, language and communication needs of older children.

Be part of a service that is ambitious for children and young people and empowers staff to innovate and influence positive change.

Job description

Your application should explain why you are applying for the post, how you believe you would contribute to working in this setting and demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

When completing your application please refer to full Job Description - this can be found under supporting documents.

Interview date is 13/10/2026.

Person specification

Knowledge

Essential

• An understanding of child and adolescent language development.

Desirable

• Knowledge/training in Makaton
• Resolution and negotiation of conflict with support from lead/Manager.
• Ability to use information systems to support data collection and analysis.
• Ability to use IT systems, such as MS Teams, email, internet, iPads, Telehealth, Word and PowerPoint for clinical and administrative tasks.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative.
• Skilled in verbal and non-verbal communication, including the use of alternative communication methods.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Good auditory, listening and observational skills.
• Ability to communicate with CYP with speech, language and communication needs, including Autism Spectrum Conditions.
• Willingness to undertake training in Makaton.
• Ability to travel independently across service locations.
• Competent IT and keyboard skills.
• Uses plans and organises straightforward activities such as timetables and group activities for therapy sessions.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk as required throughout the working day.

Desirable

• Ability to use some signing such as Makaton.
• Dealing with clients with complex mental and physical needs.
• Ability to influence and effect change using skills such as negotiation, generation of potential solutions to resolve conflict when it occurs.
• Ability to analyse information and make judgements within agreed therapy programmes.

Qualifications

Essential

• Knowledge, skills and experience of working with children and young people within an education setting who have speech, language and communication needs.

Desirable

• Formal training, short courses and relevant experience
• Experience of working with pupils in secondary schools

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with children/ young people within an education setting.
• Experience of working with children/young people who have speech, language and communication needs 'SLCN'
• Experience in using intervention approaches such as Colourful Semantics, Social Thinking
• Knowledge of speech and language therapy approaches, including verbal and non-verbal communication methods, gained through formal training, short courses and relevant experience.

Desirable

• Experience in using and modifying intervention approaches such as:

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Good organisational skills.
• Good communication & interpersonal skills.
• Professional manner.
• Reliable timekeeper.
• Committed and motivated Team worker.
• Can do attitude and willingness to problem solve.
• Enthusiasm for supporting the communication needs of children/young people with hearing impairment and /or speech language and communication needs.
• Remains calm and professional when under pressure.
• Self-motivated.
• Flexible.

About the employer

At Your Healthcare CIC, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-led health and social care services for residents in Kingston and providing specialised learning disability services in Richmond. As a Community Interest Company, we prioritise community-driven care and offer an environment that empowers you to make a real impact.

Why Choose Us?

NHS Pay & Benefits: Enjoy the security of NHS pay, Agenda for Change terms, NHS pension scheme, and salary sacrifice schemes

Bureaucracy-Free Environment: Implement good ideas quickly and effectively without delays

Work-Life Balance: Benefit from our Employee Assistance Programme and various staff discounts

Exceptional Staff Experience: Join a supportive workplace with positive feedback from staff and patients

Inclusive Culture: We promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds

Impactful Community Involvement: Have a real voice in shaping care as part of our membership organization. Your ideas and contributions matter

Join Us Today

We are looking for passionate individuals who value high-quality care, inclusivity, and community engagement. Join our forward-thinking, patient-centred team. Explore our career opportunities and become part of a team that values your expertise and dedication.

We recognise that applicants may choose to use AI as part of their application process. This is permitted, however please clearly state within your application where AI has been used.