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Pulse Healthcare
United States

Paediatric Early Years Complex Needs Speech and Language Therapist

CounselorFull-time

Listed compensation

$24-$30/hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 5mo ago

Job Description

  • Job Title: Locum Paediatric Early Years Complex Needs Speech and Language Therapist
  • Banding: Band 6/7
  • Location: Hackney
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Salary: £24.00–£30.00 per hour
  • Working Hours: Full-time / Part-time

Job Overview

We are currently seeking a skilled and compassionate Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) to join a specialist Early Years Complex Needs service in Hackney on a locum basis. This role involves supporting infants and young children (predominantly under 5 years) with a range of complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), neurodevelopmental disorders, and eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).

The service is part of an integrated and collaborative model across health and education, delivering high-quality, family-centred care within clinic, home, and early years settings. The role is primarily based at the Hackney Ark Child Development Centre, with opportunities for community-based working.

This role is ideal for an experienced therapist who is confident working independently within a multi-disciplinary team and is passionate about early intervention and supporting children with complex communication needs.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

  • Assess, diagnose, and support infants and young children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and complex developmental conditions
  • Deliver individualised therapy programmes, including support for children requiring augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
  • Assess and manage children with dysphagia, ensuring safe and effective eating and drinking strategies
  • Work collaboratively with families and a range of professionals as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Contribute to holistic, multi-professional assessments for children with complex needs
  • Provide training, advice, and support to parents, carers, and professionals across diverse communities
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records in line with professional and organisational standards

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this role, you must have:

  • A recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent)
  • HCPC registration and eligibility for membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
  • Experience working with paediatric caseloads, ideally within early years and/or complex needs
  • Knowledge or experience of AAC and dysphagia
  • Strong communication, organisational, and team-working skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage a caseload in a locum capacity

Why Choose Pulse?

From the moment you register with Pulse, our focus is entirely on you. Our specialist consultants understand your profession and are committed to finding the right opportunities to match your skills and preferences. With access to a wide range of locum roles across the UK, we offer a flexible and supportive recruitment experience tailored to your needs.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in registering with Pulse, learning more about this role, or exploring other locum opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply using the link below.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within the workplace, please let us know as early as possible. We are committed to supporting you throughout your journey.

International Recruitment Notice

Please note that we are unable to accept applications from individuals residing in countries listed on the Red or Amber list of the Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel in England, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Workforce Support and Safeguard List.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy and possess current HCPC registration. Experience with paediatric caseloads and knowledge of AAC and dysphagia management are essential.

Qualifications

Experience
5+ years of experience

Key Skills

Paediatric assessmentComplex needs supportMulti-disciplinary team collaborationClinical documentationDiagnostic skillsTherapy programme deliveryTraining and support

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Paediatric Early Years Complex Needs Speech and Language Therapist at Pulse Healthcare a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 25% in Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) — ranked against 7,995 active Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings on WeekdayDoc.

Counselor Career Context

Of the 40 active Mental Health Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 10% are remote, 43% have no call, 65% require no weekends.

Top Counselor Jobs

27 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution27 jobs · 16 employers

11
<$100k
2
$100k-120k
1
$138k
12
$140k-160k
1
$166k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks25 jobs · 16 employers

401k / retirement match
88%
CME allowance
44%
Loan repayment
20%
Relocation assistance
20%
PSLF eligible
16%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

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$65-$80/hr
#2

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Thera Peds · Pawtucket, Rhode Island

$61.5-$75.75/hr
#3

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Work-life snapshot

median 6.0this job 7.2
Better work-life than 80% of Mental Health Therapy (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 7,995 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.