Speech and Language Therapist

Job overview

We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants who have experience of working with Deaf adults and an understanding of Deaf culture and community. Proficiency in British Sign Language (BSL), ideally at Level 3 or above, would be highly advantageous.

Adult Deaf Services is a national tertiary service providing specialist assessment, treatment, and support for Deaf adults across the south of England. We are committed to delivering high-quality, integrated health and social care in partnership with local community mental health teams and other services involved in an individual's care.

Our specialist inpatient unit provides 14 beds for Deaf adults requiring intensive assessment and treatment within a fully accessible communication environment.

The multidisciplinary team provides access to a wide range of specialist interventions, including psychiatric, psychological, occupational therapy, social work, nursing, neuropsychological, and speech and language therapy assessment and treatment.

Our team includes Consultant Psychiatrists, Specialist Community Psychiatric Nurses, Inpatient Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Psychological Therapists, Clinical Neuropsychologists, and experienced British Sign Language Interpreters who have extensive expertise within mental health settings..

Main duties of the job

This Band 8a Speech and Language Therapy post is offered on a part-time basis of 22.5 hours per week (three days) and involves working across both the specialist Bluebell Inpatient Unit and the Deaf Adult Community Team.

The successful applicant will bring a minimum of three years' post-qualification experience, ideally gained within acute healthcare or comparable specialist settings. We are looking for a clinician who can demonstrate strong Speech and Language Therapy skills alongside experience, interest, or a commitment to working with Deaf people and complex mental health presentations.

Experience of BSL and direct communication with Deaf service users would be beneficial and would support the delivery of assessments and interventions in the client's preferred language. An understanding of the impact of language deprivation and reduced access to early language development would also be valuable. However, experienced interpreters are available to support communication where required, and the team actively supports further professional development in these specialist areas.

The post holder will take a lead role in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of communication, language, and language deprivation difficulties within this highly specialist client group. The role will also include assessment and management of eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To provide a tertiary level speech and language therapy service to deaf adults with a mental health diagnosis whose first language is primarily British Sign Language (BSL).

To use specialist knowledge to independently assess and offer a differential diagnosis on the client's speech, language, and communication in relation to their deafness, mental health problems and any other co-existing diagnoses (i.e., LD, ASD, LDS etc).

To use a holistic, client centred approach, gathering and synthesising information from other professionals and relatives/carers to ensure a full understanding of the person’s communication needs is obtained.

To plan, develop and provide specialist SLT advice, recommendations, and intervention programmes for this highly specialist caseload using expertise to create innovative ways of working to promote and maximise individual potential as well as plan for and advise others regarding communication needs within the context of an MDT and in consultation with the client and relatives/carers.

To utilise different ways of offering intervention (individual, group, and multidisciplinary) including collaborative working with Deaf and hearing colleagues.

To demonstrate specialist expertise in the management of adult deaf clients including support with relevant audiological equipment including hearing aids and cochlear implants and help arrange clinical referrals for this purpose when necessary.

To provide consultation and second opinions to other specialist SLTs and other professionals and agencies associated with the service or working with deafness or mental health issues beyond the Trust.

To maintain up to date and accurate clinical records and write complex reports reflecting highly specialist knowledge, ensuring that they meet departmental standards and are in line with Trust Policy, and HCPC and RCSLT professional standards.

To provide specialist clinical/technical skills for interpretative assessment techniques and interventions (phonetic transcription; alternative and augmentative communication systems language sampling; neurolinguistic and psychological profiling etc).

To work closely with families, carers and other professionals involved with individual clients.

To demonstrate highly specialist knowledge in this clinical area, underpinned by current evidence-based practice and outcome measures and ongoing research.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications

If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.

Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.

Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.