Job summary
Fancy a new challenge and making a difference?
An rare opportunity has arisen within Health and Justice Services for a Speech and Language Therapist to work with the women's prison estate at HMP Low Newton.
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 experience in Speech and Language Therapy including experience working with service users in mental health or learning disabilities with complex needs.
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit
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 that includes a range of disciplines including Psychology, Mental health nurses and practitioners
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
15 May 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Compressed hours
Reference number
346-FMH-046-26-A
Job locations
HMP Low Newton
Brasside
Durham
DH1 5YA
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role is subject to Prison Vetting and the successful candidate must pass this before commencing employment. This includes a thorough review of personal information, including a criminal record check (both spent and unspent), a review of financial standing, and social media checks. Please note that vetting checks may also extend to family members and associates. You must also have resided in the UK for 3 years at the point of application. This will be considered as part of the shortlisting criteria and your application may be rejected if you do not meet this criteria.
Please refer to the attached job descriptions and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Additional contact details:
Tracey Forster,Speech and Language Therapy Associate Consultant- Health & Justice
< Person Specification
Experience
Essential
1. Minimum 12 months post qualifying experience of Speech and Language Therapy delivery
Desirable
2. Experience of supporting people with mental health issues, learning disability or autism
3. Experience of working in Multidisciplinary Team (SW essential criteria)
4. Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
5. Experience of managing complex Speech and Language Therapy cases
Qualifications
Essential
6. Appropriate professional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy role
7. Current relevant registration with specific regulatory body
Desirable
8. Post graduate training in relevant specialist area talking mats, trauma and communication
9. Post graduate training in specialist area if applicable to post (. dysphagia, autism diagnostics)
Knowledge
Essential
10. Understanding of the needs of service users with mental health conditions or neurodivergence
Desirable
11. Clinical risk assessment and application in practice
12. Knowledge of evidence- based practice in designated specialist area
13. Awareness of professional standards and its application to practice