Job summary
This post is only open to current employees of TEWV. Any applications received from non-TEWV employees will not be considered.
Fancy a new challenge and making a difference?
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Health and Justice Services for a Speech and Language therapist to work within HMP Deerbolt Mental Health Team, a Category C men's prison, located in the town of Barnard Castle.
The service provides assessment and treatment for people who are within the prison setting.
The post holder will be part of a dynamic SLT service in TEWV, with well defined peer support, supervision systems and CPD opportunities and be part of the growing and supportive Health and Justice SLT team
The post holder will have a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and have significant experience in Speech and Language Therapy including experience working with service users in mental health or learning disabilities with complex needs.
The post will be subject to Prison vetting.
Main duties of the job
The SLT will be responsible for providing assessment and intervention with individuals with speech, language and communication needs/ swallowing.
To work as integral part of the Prison Mental Health team
You will be part of a friendly and supportive wider Health and Justice SLT team who work into a range of prisons.
To work with individuals and their supporters by providing communication advice and strategies in relevant format
To raise awareness and improve the workforce's knowledge and skills in SLC needs.
To provide relevant and meaningful therapy input where appropriate.
Objectives:
To provide an exemplary and comprehensive assessment of SLCN forall eligible referred individuals.
To work as an integrated multi-disciplinary team.
To operate within a robust clinical operating framework.
To provide high quality advice to key agencies and Prison teams including mental health, staff, Prisoner Officers, Alcohol and Drug Recovery agencies, Education and Employment services and Probation.
About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Details
Date posted
09 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Compressed hours
Reference number
346-FMH-095-25-A
Job locations
HMP Deerbolt
Bowes Road
Barnard Castle
DL12 2AG
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
A £3,000 Trust welcome bonus will be applied to this post and is paid, as follows;
1. £1,500 upon joining the Trust
2. £750 after year 1
3. £750 after year 2
Applications are welcome from those registered with the Trusts Temporary Staffing Service (Bank) or that undertake work for the Trust via an external agency. However, please be aware that this incentive is only applicable to individuals on one occasion only. Therefore, you will not be eligible if you have received it previously.
Additional contact details :- Joanne Mitchell, Team Manager, Mental Health Team, HMP Deerbolt
01833633253
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Appropriate professional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy role
2. Current relevant registration with specific regulatory body
3. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 7 (SLT =8) for International recruits
Desirable
4. Post graduate training in relevant specialist area
5. Post graduate training in specialist area if applicable to post (. dysphagia, autism diagnostics)
Experience
Essential
6. Minimum 12 months post qualifying experience of Speech and Language Therapy delivery
Desirable
7. Experience of supporting people with mental health issues, learning disability or autism
8. Experience of working in Multidisciplinary Team (SW essential criteria)
9. Clinical risk assessment and application in practice
10. Experience of managing complex Speech and Language Therapy cases
Knowledge
Essential
11. Understanding of the needs of service users with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
Desirable
12. Awareness of professional standards and its application to practice
13. Knowledge of evidence based practice in designated specialist area