Principal Therapist

Radlett, Hertfordshire

Permanent

Full Time — 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

£48,000 – £58,500 per annum

The Opportunity

We are proud to be recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded specialist educational organisation dedicated to the support and development of autistic children and young people. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced therapist to step into a senior clinical leadership role within a dedicated, transdisciplinary team in Hertfordshire.

This is a rare chance to join a specialist school setting at a pivotal time, as the organisation continues to grow and develop its therapy provision. The school works with young people aged up to 22 years and has a strong track record of staff development and exceptional staff retention. If you are motivated by meaningful work and want to make a lasting impact on the lives of autistic young people, this role is well worth exploring.

About the Role

As Principal Therapist, you will hold senior accountability for therapy outcomes within the school, working closely with the Head of Therapy and the school senior leadership team to drive quality, innovation and continuous improvement. The role combines direct clinical delivery (up to 50% of directed time) with strategic leadership, governance and team management responsibilities.

You will supervise and line manage a small team of therapists, lead on EHCP-aligned intervention planning, and contribute meaningfully to the school's wider transdisciplinary educational provision.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from experienced therapists qualified in one of the following disciplines:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Practitioner Psychology

Whichever your background, you will bring strong clinical expertise, a passion for autism education and the leadership credentials to inspire and develop a therapy team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead clinical governance, quality assurance and compliance with professional standards across the therapy team
• Oversee assessment, diagnosis and therapeutic planning aligned to individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• Deliver group and individual therapy sessions (up to 50% of directed time)
• Provide clinical supervision and professional development support for therapy staff
• Support and advise on safeguarding matters, leading investigations and producing detailed reports
• Contribute to school improvement planning, self-evaluation and KPI reporting
• Build and manage relationships with external stakeholders including families, education professionals and university or research partners
• Lead on local recruitment, retention and career pathway development within the therapy team
• Maintain own HCPC registration and ensure colleagues maintain registration with relevant professional bodies

What We Are Looking For

• HCPC-registered therapist with significant post-qualification experience (minimum 6 years)
• Senior leadership or management experience within a school-based or specialist therapy setting — autism-specific experience highly desirable
• Proven experience delivering clinical supervision
• Strong understanding of EHCP frameworks and transdisciplinary approaches to autism education
• Track record of stakeholder engagement and partnership development
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and innovation in autism therapy
• Excellent communication, project management and strategic planning skills
• Understanding of therapeutic curriculum development and quality assurance in independent special schools

Why This Role Stands Out

• Term-time contract with full pay during school holidays — approximately 12 weeks paid leave per year
• A stable, high-retention team environment with colleagues who have been there for 25 years or more
• Growing therapy team with a genuine opportunity to lead and shape something meaningful
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension, Simply Health cash plan, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts and more
• Access to specialist CPD, an online learning academy, and funding towards further qualifications
• Relocation support considered for the right candidate
• Meaningful, values-driven work with a nationally recognised organisation