Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Lead Speech and Language Therapist
The closing date is 03 June 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a B7 Lead SLT to join our inpatient Mental Health Services in DTVF. This will be leading a small team working across the AMH inpatient provision and linking in with clinical networks, pathway development and service development.
The post holder will be part of a dynamic SLT Mental Health and Learning Disability service, with well-defined peer support, supervision systems and extensive CPD alongside opportunities to shape the SLT service as part of the clinical leadership team.
You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.
Main duties of the job
The role of the Lead Speech & Language Therapist will be to assess and treat communication difficulties and problems with eating, drinking and swallowing (dysphagia) for our adult inpatients. As a Senior SLT the post holder will carry their own autonomous caseload, supervise and mentor SLT colleagues and support the practice and learning of professionals within the wider MDT. The post holder will also be part of the leadership team and be responsible for service development in their specialty.
The successful applicant will have significant experience of working with adults with autism, mental health difficulties, challenging behaviour and/or complex needs. Knowledge of relevant national policy and local directives is essential. Competence in the assessment and treatment of eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties is highly desirable. Most important is an enthusiasm for working with this client group and a passion to improve the lives of the people we support.
About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
Job responsibilities
Applicants for the post will hold a suitable qualification in Speech and Language Therapy, have relevant experience in this clinical field and have a particular interest and enthusiasm for leadership, service delivery, collaborative working and championing SLT.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
For informal discussion please contact: Sam Bradley, Professional Head of Speech and Language Therapy sam.bradley@nhs.net
Person Specification
Qualifications/Experience
* Pre-registration qualification in speech and language therapy as recognised by HCPC
* Registration with HCPC
* Evidence of post-registration Masters level learning
* Or, in the absence of masters level learning - equivalent experience in relevant area. E.g. relevant level 7 courses, researcher role, quality improvement activity, leading service development, project management, strategic leadership, NICE involvement, service evaluation
* Substantial clinical experience of complex speech and language therapy delivery in relevant specialist area in collaboration with service users, families and relevant others
* Experience of working in Multidisciplinary Team (SW essential criteria)
* Complex clinical risk assessment and application in practice
Knowledge
* Significant experience of supporting people with mental health issues, learning disability or autism
* Significant understanding of the needs of service users with mental health conditions or learning disabilities or autism
* Substantial knowledge of evidence-based practice in speech and language therapy
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
£49,387 to £56,515 a year pro rata, per annum
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