Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team at the Chichester Centre and contribute to the delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑based communication and dysphagia services.

Research suggests that 60-80% of those in the criminal justice system may have speech, language or communication needs. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing and highly valued service that supports individuals with complex communication needs within a low secure environment.

This post offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills within forensic mental health, working alongside experienced clinicians in a supportive multi-disciplinary environment.

Main duties of the job

Main Duties

Within the context of a multi professional environment, to screen new referrals for communication and dysphagia needs, manage a caseload of adults with forensic mental health needs who also have complex communication and dysphagia / eating / drinking / swallowing needs.

To undertake assessments that are comprehensive, dynamic and person-centred according to need; to use evidence based practice and evaluate effectiveness of interventions using agreed outcome measures.

To ensure that service users voices are heard and included in the care planning process.

To support service users in the co-creation of communication and/or dysphagia resources that meet their needs.

To ensure that communication and/or dysphagia resources are understood and/or have a practical application to the whole care team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Responsibilities

This is a Speech & Language Therapy post in the Forensic Healthcare Service, suited to a therapist with prior experience and /or interest in mental health or complex needs.  The Speech & Language Therapist will be primarily based at the Chichester Centre which is a low secure hospital. The post-holder will be responsible for managing a delegated caseload with supervision from a more experienced colleague.  The clinical role will be to provide Speech & Language Therapy assessment, diagnosis and intervention to clients referred to the service using established models of Speech & Language Therapy ensuring practice is evidence based.  The post holder will work as a core member of the Allied Health Professionals team.

The Post holder will be expected to have, or be willing to work towards, a postgraduate qualification in dysphagia and provide a dysphagia service in addition to a communication caseload.

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised Speech & Language Therapy Degree or Masters qualification or equivalent
• Health Professions Council - licence to practice
• Registered member of Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

• Post graduate experience as a Speech & Language Therapist working in mental health, learning disabilities or other relevant area.
• Experience of training other professionals
• Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group
• Knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions (relevant to client group).
• Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance/audit.
• Knowledge of record keeping standards
• Ability to adapt written and verbal communication to suit the needs of people with communication needs. This may include Makaton signing, symbols and pictures etc