Advanced Speech and Language Therapist
Closing date: 26 May 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced speech and language therapist to work within our All Age Forensic Community Service. The postholder will work across the Forensic Outreach and Liaison Service (LD/A) and our Forensic Child and Adolescent Service. This newly established role will be pivotal in establishing a high‑quality speech and language therapy pathway offer, providing specialist assessments and interventions to patients currently receiving care in our Forensic Community Service across the West Yorkshire region. The role will also involve providing day‑to‑day support and clinical leadership to SALT staff working within the service.
You will have experience of working with individuals with a range of mental health conditions and either experience of, or transferable skills to work with individuals with learning disabilities. You will have the ability and motivation to develop and shape the direction of the speech and language provision, ensuring it is evidence‑based and meets the individual’s needs. You would work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside partner agencies to keep people well and safe, promoting the communication and independence of our service users.
Main duties of the job
* Provide highly specialist speech and language therapy service, using expert skills to assess, advise and provide appropriate intervention to ensure individuals’ holistic health needs are met, informing risk assessment and management and promoting quality of life.
* Liaise effectively with all relevant professionals, carers and family members to ensure the needs of the individual are met.
* Supervise and provide training to speech and language staff.
* Inform service development and delivery of the speech and language pathway.
Job responsibilities
* Work with service users within community settings as part of Forensic Outreach and Liaison Service for learning disabilities.
* Provide senior support to Speech and Language therapists in other localities.
* Identify clinical priorities at operational and strategic level for this service user group.
* Deliver highly specialist assessment, therapy, advice and support to adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
* Provide clinical supervision, advice, peer review and second opinions to support clinical skill development.
* Liaise with significant others involved in the management of the service user, within and outside the NHS.
* Contribute to multidisciplinary discussions ensuring quality of life and best‑interest decisions.
* Manage own caseload and clinical administration efficiently to meet access criteria.
* Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records, ensuring compliance with professional and legal requirements.
* Work independently with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviour and conduct risk assessments as required.
* Utilise culturally appropriate assessment and therapeutic approaches, including the use of interpreters.
Qualifications
* Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or relevant equivalent overseas qualification.
* Postgraduate qualification to Masters Level or equivalent in a field related to Speech and Language Therapy, Autism and/or learning disabilities.
* Current, valid HCPC registration.
* Membership of RCSLT.
* Leadership training.
Special Knowledge & Skills
* Evidence of high standard performance in a range of clinical skills, promoting clinical excellence.
* Previous involvement/leadership in service developments.
* Commitment to improving the experience of service users and their carers.
* Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own performance.
* Ability to work under pressure and set priorities.
* Specialist knowledge and application of current best practice in speech and language therapy for adults with autism and/or learning disabilities.
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of NHS modernisation issues, transformation agenda and implications for speech and language therapy and wider services.
* Attendance at clinical excellence networks.
* In‑depth knowledge of multi‑professional, multi‑agency working.
* In‑depth knowledge of legislation and guidance relevant to clinical practice.
* Able to work independently.
* Able to carry out audits, research and developments.
* Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
Experience
* Management and leadership experience.
* Significant experience as a Band 6/7 therapist in a relevant clinical field.
* Significant experience of multidisciplinary working including development of effective networks and partnerships.
* Active participation in audit, service evaluation and research in relevant clinical field.
* Experience of practice in a variety of health, social care and residential settings.
* Experience of supervision, appraisal and development of therapy staff and students.
* Evidence of training others, e.g. other health and social care staff.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure and Barring Service check to verify no relevant convictions.
We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups. We value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.
All employees are strongly encouraged to have their up‑to‑date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.
Contact: Stacey Hayton, General Manager, Stacey.Hayton@swyt.nhs.uk or phone 07789 753526.
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