Principal Therapist

Principal Therapist

Are you ready to lead inspire and make a lasting impact in an outstanding school for autistic children and young people Weareseekinga dynamic Principal Therapist to lead and drive our therapy provision and shape the future of autism practiceandto jointlyensure thatthe pupilsandstudents inour school receive high quality sector leading education which incorporates a truly transdisciplinary pupils andstudents havea complex profile of need and this role places you at the heart of embedding therapy into daily classroom life to ensure every child and young person receives the tailored support they deserve.

As part of our Senior Leadership Teamyoullguide a school based dedicated group of therapists implement the latest evidence-based strategies and work together with families to strengthen parental engagement and create lifelong change across the family unit. With opportunities to contribute to curriculum development collaborate with professionals and connect with the wider NAS network this is your chance to influence both local practice and national research all while making a real difference in the day to day lives of autistic pupils and youngpeople.

Who we are:

The National Autistic Society is the UKs leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962wevebeen transforming lives changingattitudesand helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and transform lives by providing supportguidanceand practical advice for the 700000 autistic adults and children in the UK as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives be it getting a diagnosis going toschoolor finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces deliver betterservicesand improve have come a longwaybut it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help we can make it happen.

Sybil Elgar School is an outstanding specialist school for autistic children and young people aged 4 ½ to 22 years old. We have over60 yearsexperience in providing a holistic and personalised education within a caring and safe environment. Our creative approach and focus on independent life skills help every autistic child to learn and develop.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for an experienced OT SLT or Practitioner Psychologist who has a passion to work in an organisation that specialises in autism supporting autistic children and young people to live the life they choose. This role is based in our school; the main part of your role will be to drive therapeutic excellence within the SybilElgar School.

Your qualities:

• Patient inspiringcaringand sensitive towards the needs of vulnerable people
• Good listeners able to report and record information accurately
• Team players able to work independently with little support asrequired
• Resilient able to work proactively with challenging behaviour
• Innovative self-motivated independent self-starterconfident in engaging with all our stakeholders.
• Individuals who value diversity health and safety and are committed to safe working practice.
• Adaptable to the dynamic working environment with capability to flexibly plan and change the workloads for the teams andself andable to embrace the wider activities as occurs

To view the job description please click here.

What we can offer you:

• Auto-enrolled pension scheme
• Excellent induction training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme season ticket loan shopping discounts etc)
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life Assurance
• A portfolio of salary sacrifice and other flexible benefits at reduced costs
• Access to a 24-hour employeeassistanceprogramme & a Headspace App
• Opportunities to network with other NAS Principal Therapists
• Clinical supervision as appropriate

This is a term-time permanent contract with 12 weeks paid holiday a year which must be taken within the existing school holidays for your school. This is to ensure our pupils receive the continuous support theyrequirewhile at school.

We are passionate about supporting autistic people into work and particularly welcome applications from autistic people. We help autistic people from all backgrounds and strive torepresentthe same diversity in our staff and volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from all minority groups who are currently under-represented in our workforce. Together we can create a society that works for autistic people.

Where you will beworking:

Sybil Elgar School

About our application process:

When providing a supporting statement please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role.

For more information about this job please contact Paula Walker Head of Therapy

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews will be held onsiteon Tuesday16 th December 2025

For some roles successful applicants willbe requiredto complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will includeadditionalreferences and criminal background checks.

Applications for this job aresoughtfrom anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants willbe requiredto complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Please click to view the safeguarding policy and please click to view the policy and procedure for employment of ex-offenders.

Required Experience:

Staff IC