Speech and Language Therapist Jobs in UK – Newly Qualified

Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) jobs in the UK offer rewarding career opportunities for professionals passionate about helping children and adults improve their communication skills. As a Speech and Language Therapist, you will assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders across a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, and community clinics.

The UK continues to experience strong demand for qualified SALTs, with roles available in both the public and private sectors, often supported by competitive salaries, professional development programs, and flexible working arrangements. Whether you are a newly qualified therapist or an experienced practitioner, the UK provides an excellent environment to build a fulfilling career in speech and language therapy.

Job Details:

• Location: Guildford (office base in Woking, serving Guildford and Waverley schools)
• Salary: £33,103 – £35,748 per annum (pro-rata for 36 hours/week, 42 weeks/year; equivalent to £35,730 for 52 weeks)

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About the Role:

Surrey County Council is seeking motivated Newly Qualified Speech and Language Therapists eager to join our supportive South West Speech and Language Therapy team. Our team works across mainstream and special schools, delivering services to children and young people (CYP) with additional needs and disabilities.

You will work in a hybrid model, combining visits to schools and office-based work, collaborating closely with school staff and other professionals like Educational Psychologists and Specialist Teachers.

As an NQT, you will receive extensive clinical supervision and professional development support aimed at helping you become an Autonomous Practitioner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments, plan, and deliver evidence-based interventions for CYP with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN).
• Collaborate with Speech and Language Therapy Assistants, setting targets and monitoring outcomes.
• Manage a diverse caseload, prioritizing children’s needs to ensure timely, effective support.
• Work closely with schools and families to provide tailored advice and guidance.
• Maintain accurate records and adhere to safeguarding and professional standards.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
  • Starting salaries from around £33,000, with opportunities to earn more as you gain experience or take on senior roles.
• Visa Sponsorship
  • Many NHS Trusts and local councils offer visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants.
• Paid Professional Fees
  • Reimbursement for HCPC and Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) registration fees.
• Flexible and Hybrid Working
  • Options for hybrid working, including office, home-based, and on-site work in schools or clinics.
• Comprehensive Supervision and Support
  • Structured support for newly qualified practitioners (NQPs) including mentorship, supervision, and clinical training.
• Generous Annual Leave
  • 27 to 33 days of paid holiday per year, plus public holidays (pro-rata for part-time roles).
• Career Development Opportunities
  • Access to CPD (Continuing Professional Development), specialist training, and funded study days.
• Pension Scheme
  • Enrolment in a defined-benefit local government or NHS pension scheme.
• Work-Life Balance
  • Term-time contracts or reduced working weeks available in some roles.
• Health & Wellbeing Support
  • Employee Assistance Programmes offering free counseling, mental health support, and wellbeing resources.
• Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave
  • Enhanced parental leave packages are often provided.
• Sick Pay and Carer’s Leave
  • Paid leave for sickness or caring responsibilities, including dependents.
• Staff Discounts
  • Discounts on travel, gyms, shopping, and more through NHS or council employee schemes.
• Volunteering Leave
  • Up to 2 days of paid volunteering leave per year.

Candidate Requirements:

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or near completion).
• Registered or eligible for registration with HCPC and RCSLT.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Experience with formal and informal assessments for school-aged children.
• Knowledge of evidence-based intervention techniques for SLCN.
• Valid UK driving license, access to a vehicle, and willingness to travel across the area.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Reasonable adjustments will be made for applicants with disabilities or long-term health conditions to support them in meeting role requirements.

Team and Environment Details:

Our large, friendly team works collaboratively across settings, supporting universal to specialist needs. We offer a varied caseload across different age groups and educational contexts. The role is dynamic and offers excellent opportunities to develop clinical skills and career progression within a supportive framework.

Application Process:

• Apply online.
• Early applications encouraged; shortlisting may begin before the closing date.
• Interviews will be held the following week.
• An enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and barred list checks are required.

Local Government Reorganisation:

From April, Surrey County Council will transition into a new unitary council structure, with this role transferring accordingly. All terms and conditions will remain intact following the reorganisation.

Conclusion:

This role is an excellent opportunity for newly qualified Speech and Language Therapists to begin or develop their careers in a supportive, professional, and flexible environment within Surrey County Council.

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