South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust
Speech and Language Therapist – Development role
Closing date: 28 April 2026
Overview
Do you want to help shape and develop our Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service, offering both communication and dysphagia input to our inpatient mental health and forensic wards?
Due to internal progression within the service an exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated SLT to join us as we continue to expand our offer across inpatient settings.
We are committed to providing the highest standard of assessment, treatment and client‑centred holistic care in a safe therapeutic environment.
We pride ourselves on being a transparent Trust that supports staff health, wellbeing and CPD, encouraging continuous learning and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Band 5
The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing speech and language therapy assessment and treatment for service users in inpatient care. Responsibilities include:
* Providing speech and language therapy for communication and swallowing assessments, accountable for own caseload.
* Planning and implementing speech and language therapy programmes for individuals or groups.
* Monitoring, evaluating and modifying treatment to ensure effectiveness.
* Adopting a client‑centred and sensitive approach, collaborating with clients and carers.
* Conducting assessments, providing training and advice on communication and swallowing, and making referrals where appropriate.
* Collaborating with the MDT and clients to achieve therapeutic goals and promote social inclusion and well‑being.
* Assisting with discharge planning, identifying resources and support for effective discharge.
* Providing progress reports to consultants, GPs and agencies, and maintaining correspondence.
* Participating in multidisciplinary team meetings, ward rounds, clinics and case conferences.
* Complying with professional ethics and standards set by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, HCPC and local/national guidance.
* Maintaining up‑to‑date records and activity data.
* Promoting a positive image of the SLT service and the Trust.
* Managing own caseload and daily activities.
* Supporting and coordinating activities of unqualified staff.
* Working effectively as a team member and collaborating with other members.
* Providing training to carers, volunteers and other health‑care staff as required.
* Keeping the team manager and clinical managers informed of all work aspects.
Band 6
The post holder will lead specialist assessment, treatment and management for in‑patient service users, ensuring an integrated approach. Responsibilities include:
* Managing a complex caseload of SLT assessments around communication and swallowing.
* Working with service users to identify SLT goals and use evidence‑based tools.
* Planning and implementing client‑centred SLT treatment programmes.
* Monitoring and adjusting treatment to achieve therapeutic goals.
* Providing training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations.
* Providing SLT advice in multidisciplinary team assessment of users and carers.
* Collaborating with ward staff, community agencies and voluntary agencies to deliver a seamless service.
* Maintaining effective communication networks within the team and with other agencies.
* Maintaining up‑to‑date records and activity data.
* Providing an SLT perspective in team meetings, ward rounds, clinics and case conferences.
* Providing SLT reports to service users, consultants, GPs and agencies.
* Empowering families and carers to support individuals’ communication and swallowing needs.
* Providing second opinions within the Trust when requested.
* Involving service users in assessment, treatment and evaluation.
* Promoting independence, positive health and well‑being of service users.
* Using effective interpersonal skills to encourage participation.
* Communicating complex information with empathy and persuasion.
* Maintaining goodwill and confidence of staff and the public.
* Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with team members.
* Demonstrating ongoing personal development through training.
Person Specification
Personal Attributes
* Ability to engage and work collaboratively with service users, showing compassion for vulnerable people.
* Ability to work effectively in distressing and challenging circumstances, seeking support when needed.
* Effective written and oral communication skills.
* Independence and initiative.
* Values contributions of others.
* Willingness to work flexibly and to travel around the Trust as appropriate.
* Enthusiastic, motivated, professional, resourceful, flexible and adaptable (Band 6).
* Compassionate care for vulnerable people and families/carers (Band 6).
* Self‑direction, time‑management, tact, diplomacy and common sense (Band 6).
* Committed to teamwork and best patient care (Band 6).
* Positive role model and leadership skills (Band 6).
Physical Attributes
* Ability to undertake duties and responsibilities of the post.
* Good sickness record over the previous 2 years.
Experience
* Band 5: documented evidence of continuing professional development and experience of working in varied SLT practice areas during student placement or personal life.
* Band 6: substantial post‑registration SLT experience and transferable skills to mental health, experience in multidisciplinary teams, supervision of junior staff and development of training.
Training
* Band 5: willingness to undertake practice placement education, Trust training, completion of RCSLT NQP competencies, dysphagia training or willingness to complete post‑basic dysphagia course.
* Band 6: clinical supervisors training, postgraduate training in mental health/learning disabilities, dysphagia training.
Special Knowledge & Skills
* Band 5: professional conduct, SLT working practices in mental health, knowledge of best practice, planning, record keeping, workload management, ethical issues, reflective practice, client‑centred non‑discriminatory practice, safeguarding, health legislation, risk management.
* Band 6: specialist knowledge of SLT assessments and interventions in mental health/learning disabilities, extensive clinical skills, outcome measures, national guidance, mental health act, capacity act, risk assessment, safeguarding, MDT work, supervisory skills, organization, communication networks, clinical governance.
Qualifications
* Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
* HCPC registration.
* Band 5: Membership of the RCSLT.
* Band 6: Membership of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, leadership/first‑line management certificate.
EEO Statement
We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups. We value diversity and aim for a workforce reflective of our communities.
Health and Safety
All employees are strongly encouraged to have an up‑to‑date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.
Applicant Considerations
We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over‑reliance on AI‑generated content is strongly discouraged and will be screened for. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.
Contract & Salary
£32,073 to £48,117 a year (Band 5–6 depending on experience).
Working Pattern
Permanent, flexible.
Location
Inpatient Speech and Language Therapy, Modular Building (1st Floor).
Reference Number
C9378-W1460
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