Speech and Language Therapist, Durham

£32.00 per hour | Half a day per week | Term time | ASAP start

Archer Resourcing is recruiting an experienced Speech and Language Therapist, Band 6 or above, for a specialist Post-16 education provision in Durham. This is a regular weekly half day of face-to-face work, running to the end of the 2026/27 academic year. Therapists who would prefer a full day per week are also welcome to apply.

The role

You will support two non-speaking young people with complex communication needs, educated in adjacent classrooms within the same pathway. One uses some expressive Makaton and is beginning to recognise symbols, communicating mainly by leading adults and through eye gaze. The other has similar functional communication needs but does not currently use Makaton and is less responsive to symbols. Sessions are short and focused, so a functional, individualised approach is key.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial communication assessments, identifying each learner's strengths and needs
• Develop functional, individualised communication programmes
• Deliver around one hour of direct therapy per learner each week, adapted to engagement and tolerance
• Model communication strategies and coach each learner's 1:1 support staff
• Explore and develop total communication approaches, including AAC, Makaton and symbols
• Monitor progress and adapt programmes as required
• Provide advice and training to the wider staff team
• Contribute to written reports, progress reviews and EHCP annual reviews within the allocated time

Requirements

• HCPC registered Speech and Language Therapist, Band 6 or above
• Experience working with non-speaking young people with complex communication needs
• Specialist education experience, ideally Post-16 or complex needs settings
• AAC and total communication approaches
• Functional communication assessment and intervention
• Confident coaching education staff to embed strategies into everyday routines

Working arrangements

• Setting hours 9:00am to 3:10pm, with lunch from 11:45am to 1:00pm
• Flexibility on how the half day is arranged
• Regular weekly, face-to-face commitment

Apply now

Apply with your CV, letting us know your earliest start date and availability for a regular weekly half day. For a confidential chat about the role, contact Jaryd Challis at Archer Resourcing.