Band 7 AAC Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist or Occupational Therapist

Start Date: 21 August 2026

About Words First

Words First is a multidisciplinary team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Counsellors and Play Therapists working across mainstream and specialist educational settings.

We are passionate about interdisciplinary practice and supporting children and young people to access learning, participate fully in school life, and achieve their potential.

We are seeking an experienced Speech and Language Therapist or Occupational Therapist with a specialist interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to join our team as a Band 7 AAC Highly Specialist Therapist.

About the Role

This is a dual-role position combining a school-based clinical caseload with specialist AAC leadership responsibilities.

The majority of your role will involve working directly with children and young people across a range of educational settings, including mainstream schools, specialist provisions and resource bases. Alongside your clinical work, you will contribute to the development and leadership of our AAC pathway, helping to ensure high-quality, evidence-informed AAC support across the organisation.

This role is ideal for a clinician who enjoys direct work with children while also wanting to influence practice, develop resources, support colleagues and shape service delivery.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Deliver assessment, intervention, consultation and training across a range of school settings.
• Manage a diverse caseload of children and young people with additional needs.
• Work collaboratively with school staff, families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to EHCP advice, annual reviews and outcome setting.
• Deliver neurodivergent-affirming, child-centred and evidence-informed practice.
• Support schools to develop inclusive learning environments.
• Measure and demonstrate impact through meaningful outcomes.

AAC Specialist Responsibilities

• Lead the vision and ongoing development of the AAC pathway within Words First.
• Develop and share AAC resources, guidance and practical tools for therapists and schools.
• Support therapists to build confidence and competence in AAC implementation.
• Provide specialist consultation for complex AAC cases.
• Develop and deliver training to therapists, educators and families.
• Work closely with Pathway Leads and Senior Supervisors to ensure consistent and impactful AAC provision.
• Contribute to service innovation, quality improvement and pathway development.
• Champion interdisciplinary practice and collaborative problem-solving.

Essential Criteria

• Qualified Speech and Language Therapist or Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration.
• Minimum of 8 years' post-qualification paediatric experience.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working within AAC.
• Experience working across a range of educational settings and client groups.
• Demonstrated experience working across the majority of Senior Practitioner Standards.
• Working at the expected level across all Core Standards, including professional responsibilities and company deadlines.
• Strong understanding of neurodivergent-affirming practice and inclusive education.
• Excellent communication, leadership and relationship-building skills.

Desirable

• Experience supporting therapists through mentoring, supervision or training.
• Experience leading projects, pathways or service developments.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of current AAC research, technology and best practice.

Why Join Words First?

• Maintain a varied and rewarding school-based caseload.
• Shape the future of AAC provision across a growing multidisciplinary organisation.
• Access leadership development and specialist career progression opportunities.
• Work alongside a highly collaborative team committed to interdisciplinary practice.
• Be part of an organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people.

At Words First, we value curiosity, collaboration, innovation and a commitment to making a difference. If you are passionate about AAC and ready to combine specialist leadership with hands-on clinical practice, we would love to hear from you.