Speech and Language Therapist - Alternative Pathways Department

Speech and Language Therapist - Alternative Pathways Department

The Kings' Schools group is currently seeking a Speech and Language Therapist to to work efficiently alongside the Alternative Pathways Leader and team in Kings’ Al Barsha and Kings’ Nad Al Sheba to enhance targeted and specialist service provision with speech and language therapy. 

The successful candidate will provide effective support and knowledge, regarding Speech and Language Therapy, for Alternative Pathway Teachers/specialists, Learning Support Assistants Classroom Teachers and families across the specialist classrooms in Foundation Stage, Primary and Secondary departments. It will be their responsibility to liaise with and train parents / carers regarding speech and language therapy/treatment which can be provided at home.

Job Responsibilities:

• Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Assessment of students with speech, Autism and communication disorders 3 - 18 years
• Demonstration of clinical effectiveness by the use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures
• Contribution to the development of Individual Educational Plans
• Formulation of specific intervention plans for children in the alternative pathways, ensuring communication targets are incorporated within the student’s educational context
• Provision of written programmes and lesson plans to support therapy including demonstration of identified targets
• Liaison and provision of support for parents of children with SLCN in order to encourage speech and language development at home
• Advising teaching and learning support staff regarding strategies and modifications which can be implemented in the classroom
• Provision of training and programmes for teaching and support staff to carry out with students
• Supporting the school to ensure outstanding support for students with Level 2-3 (substantial support) Autism, working alongside specialist staff
• Supporting students’ needs within the context of their day-to-day learning
• Demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development and acquisition of up to date skills and knowledge
• To negotiate with others around case management in complex cases.

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Attributes:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Speech & Language Therapy
• A minimum of five years post-qualification experience
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license or ability to meet the criteria to apply for a DHA License
• Experience of working as part of an educational team, within a special needs school setting in the UK
• Experience of working with children with Special Education Needs & Disabilities (SEND) particularly Autism and communication disorders
• Experience in training staff
• Well-established knowledge of assessment tools relevant to a pediatric population
• Experience in using PECS, Makaton, Colourful Semantics, Attention
• Autism, DIR Floortime, Intensive Interaction and the SCERTS system
• Experience delivering group and individual therapy
• Specialist knowledge of AAC.

Ability to:

• Work effectively both autonomously and in a team setting
• Build good working relationships with children, teachers, parents, carers and leaders
• Manage time and caseload effectively
•  Be able to plan group sessions in advance to share with teachers and LSA’s
• Demonstrate initiative and be flexible
• Work with families from different nationalities and languages whilst having an understanding and empathy for cultural differences
• Travel between sites to meet the needs of the service
• Recognise own professional boundaries and seek advice and support as appropriate.

Possess:

• Self-confidence and flexibility
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Knowledge and experience of using both hi and low tech AAC devices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable: 

• Qualified in SCERTS (3 day course - Must)
• Qualified Makaton (min level 2 - Must)
• Qualified PECS (min Level 2 - Must)
• Qualified Attention Autism
• Qualified Colourful Semantics
• Current Safeguarding certification.

How to apply: Candidates are to apply directly through the TES portal.

Closing date for applications is 22nd April 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and we reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the final submission date.

Successful applicants will take up their position in mid-August 2021 and will be invited to participate in a thorough induction programme.