Senior Speech and Language Therapist
Closing date: 31 May 2026.
We are seeking a Speech and Language Therapist to work with the women's prison estate at HMP Low Newton, as part of the Health and Justice Services team of Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.
The role involves assessment and treatment of individuals within the prison setting, working as part of a dynamic SLT service, providing specialist communication support, and contributing to multidisciplinary team work across a range of prisons.
Responsibilities
* Provide assessment and intervention for individuals with speech, language, communication needs and swallowing disorders.
* Work as an integral part of the Prison Mental Health team and contribute to a multidisciplinary team that includes psychologists, nurses, and other practitioners.
* Provide communication advice and strategies to individuals and their supporters in appropriate formats.
* Raise awareness and improve the workforce's knowledge and skills in speech, language and communication needs.
* Provide relevant and meaningful therapy input where appropriate.
* Operate within a robust clinical operating framework.
* Provide high‑quality advice to key agencies, including mental health staff, prison officers, alcohol and drug recovery agencies, education and employment services, and probation services.
Person Specification
Experience
* Minimum 12 months post‑qualifying experience in Speech and Language Therapy delivery.
* Experience supporting people with mental health issues, learning disability or autism.
* Experience working in a multidisciplinary team (medical or social care settings).
* Experience managing complex Speech and Language Therapy cases.
Qualifications
* Appropriate professional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
* Current registration with the relevant regulatory body.
* Post‑graduate training in a relevant specialist area (e.g., talking mats, trauma and communication).
* Post‑graduate training in any applicable specialist area (e.g., dysphagia, autism diagnostics).
Knowledge
* Understanding of the needs of service users with mental health conditions or neurodivergence.
* Clinical risk assessment and application in practice.
* Knowledge of evidence‑based practice in designated specialist areas.
* Awareness of professional standards and their application to practice.
Vetings & Checks
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must pass Police Vetting 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. Vetting may also extend to family members and associates. The applicant must have resided in the UK for 3 years at the point of application.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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