Job Summary
An experienced speech and language therapist will work within All Age Forensic Community Service, supporting the Forensic Outreach and Liaison Service (FOLS LD) and Forensic Child & Adolescent Service across West Yorkshire. The role involves establishing a high‑quality therapy pathway, delivering specialist assessments and interventions, and providing day‑to‑day clinical leadership to SALT staff.
Responsibilities
* Deliver highly specialised speech and language therapy, using expert assessment and intervention to meet holistic health needs.
* Identify clinical priorities at operational and strategic levels for this user group and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.
* Provide direct and indirect support, consultation, and advice to adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
* Conduct risk assessments, manage challenging behaviour, and ensure safety in community settings.
* Supervise and develop the speech and language team, including training, mentorship, and second‑opinion advice.
* Manage own caseload, maintain accurate records and clinical administration within 24 hours.
* Engage with carers, family, and partner agencies to ensure service users’ needs are met.
* Advise operational managers on clinical issues and contribute to multi‑disciplinary forums.
Key Result Areas
* Independent assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex communication difficulties.
* Effective liaison with NHS and external partners to coordinate care and support.
* Clinical supervision and peer review of other SLT staff.
* Quality‑aware documentation and adherence to legal, professional, and departmental standards.
* Use of multi‑lingual assessments and culturally sensitive approaches.
Person Specification – Essential
* Postgraduate qualification to Masters level or equivalent in Speech and Language Therapy, Autism and/or learning disabilities.
* Current, valid HCPC registration.
* Significant experience as a Band 6/7 therapist, with multidisciplinary and service development experience.
* Leadership skills and experience in managing and supervising staff.
* Good time‑keeping, high professionalism, ability to work under pressure, set priorities.
* Evidence of high standard clinical performance and commitment to improvement.
* Ability to work independently, carry out audits, research and developments.
* Knowledge of legislation/guidance relevant to clinical practice and multi‑professional working.
* Willingness to undertake postgraduate training to further skills.
Person Specification – Desirable
* Leadership training and membership of RCSLT.
* PBS training and awareness.
* Knowledge of cultural and diversity issues.
* Experience of practice in various health, social care and residential settings.
* Experience of supervising, appraising and developing therapy staff and students.
* Experience of training other health and social care staff.
* Ability to travel within the Trust as appropriate.
* Creative approaches to working with people with learning disabilities.
* Evidence of demonstrating evidence‑based practice and staff development.
Additional Information
* Position requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
* Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
* The role is based at Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital, Ouchthorpe Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 3SP.
Equality and Diversity
We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups and value diversity within our workforce.
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