Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Autism

Children and Young People’s (CYP) Therapies at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) are delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SLT wishing to take on the role of Highly Specialist SLT for Autism. The role will involve supporting CYP with social communication differences and/or Autism and supporting CYP who are Neurodivergent, in need of assessment. It will also involve working as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team (MDT), undertaking specialist diagnostic assessment across a range of settings, including clinic, school and home.

We are looking to recruit to a 0.8 WTE (30 hours) Band 7 SLT to join our dynamic team of therapists and assistants, to work with us to provide highly specialist clinical support. The postholder will be based at Peace Children’s Centre, Watford, supporting CYP/families/education settings within the local community. They will bring strong skills and experiences to the Multidisciplinary Assessment Team and to our community service.

• Are you an enthusiastic, energetic SLT with developing specialist clinical skills and leadership experience, committed to providing the best outcomes for children and families?
• Do you have a strong interest in Autism and differential diagnosis, and would you like the opportunity to further develop your specialist skills?

If so, this opportunity could be just right for you.

• Proposed Interview date: 20th November 2026*
• To provide highly specialist speech and language therapy support for CYP with social communication differences and/or Autism.
• To provide assessment and diagnosis to CYP referred for Autism assessment as part of a multi-disciplinary team, and provide supportive information to parents/carers and professionals.
• To work autonomously and provide highly specialist Speech and Language Therapy leadership and clinical expertise.
• To be a specialist resource to support and develop the skills and expertise of community therapists and the wider children’s workforce through training, joint working and providing professional support for less experienced staff.
• To provide evidence-based intervention plans and management programmes as part of child centred service delivery.
• To demonstrate knowledge of SEND reforms and EHCP planning.
• To demonstrate Neuroaffirmitive practices.

We Offer

• Regular group professional supervision and peer support.
• Regular managerial supervision and a well-established appraisal system.
• Internal and external CPD opportunities such as bitesize tutorials, peer review, CENs.
• A 2 week induction period where you will have the opportunity to observe and shadow colleagues across a range of clinical areas/settings.
• Regular meetings with Clinical Quality Leads and Operational Leads to plan and implement service delivery and service development.

We’re delighted that you're exploring a career with HCT. As an organisation, we’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and rewarding work environment — one where you’ll feel valued and empowered to make a real difference.

At HCT, we put patients, their families, and carers at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is simple yet powerful: Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities. Our staff are proud to be Caring, Pioneering and Inclusive in their work to help achieve the Trust vision

Working with us comes with a host of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance:

• Generous annual leave (27 days rising to 33 with long service)
• Flexible working arrangements to help balance personal and professional life, including up to 5 days of carers leave (pro rata)
• Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 confidential support for personal or work-related issues
• Cycle to Work and Car Lease Schemes
• Blue Light Card and NHS Discounts
• Health and wellbeing support, including free flu jabs, Physiotherapy referrals
• Occupational Pension Scheme with competitive benefits
• Enhanced sick pay above statutory entitlements

We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds, ages, and communities to apply.

You’ve taken a fantastic first step by considering HCT. We’re excited about the possibility of welcoming you to our team and taking the next step in your journey with us.

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Julie Morris Job title: Clinical Quality Lead SLT Email address: julie.morris3@nhs.net Telephone number: 07881941840

Lyn Humphrey

Operational Manager

07827 883686