Acute Mental Health Speech and Language Therapist

Pulse Healthcare; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable healthcare organization seeks an experienced Acute Mental Health Speech and Language Therapist in London. The role involves improving physical health outcomes on inpatient wards by assessing and treating communication disorders and dysphagia. Ideal candidates must possess a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and HCPC registration. Strong communication skills and previous experience in mental health settings are essential. Flexible hours with competitive pay are offered, contributing to meaningful patient care across secure environments.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Flexible working hours

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Strong communication assessment skills, both adult and paediatric, are essential.
• Confident in managing dysphagia and swallowing difficulties.
• Experience working in inpatient mental health settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform communication and language assessments on mental health wards.
• Manage dysphagia and deliver appropriate interventions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care.

Skills

Communication assessment skills (adult and/or paediatric)

Dysphagia / swallowing skills (Level B or C)

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to adapt to different inpatient environments

Education

Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent)

Registration with the HCPC

Job description

Acute Mental Health Speech and Language Therapist

London

Job Title: Acute Mental Health Speech and Language Therapist

Banding: Band6

Location: Armstrong Way, Southall

Start Date: ASAP

Job Overview

We are seeking an adaptable and experienced Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to work on inpatient mental health wards, supporting our Physical Health team. The successful candidate will be responsible for improving physical health outcomes across our inpatient units by treating dysphagia and communication disorders. The wards include separate medium secure units for older adults, men, and women, each with differing levels of acuity.

The ideal candidate has strong communication assessment skills (adult and/or paediatric), plus experience or training in dysphagia / swallowing (Level B or C). Experience with learning disabilities is also advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

In this role you will:

Perform communication and language assessments for inpatients on mental health wards—adults or children.

Manage dysphagia / swallowing difficulties (depending on ward caseload) and deliver appropriate interventions.

Collaborate with the Physical Health team and other multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care.

Maintain accurate clinical records in line with professional, legal, and Trust standards.

Assess risk, plan treatment, monitor progress, and make recommendations to maximise safety (e.g. feeding, consistency modifications, etc.).

Work with varying acuity levels, adapting to the needs of separate wards (older adults, men, women).

Qualifications & Experience

Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent)

Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council)

Confident communication assessment skills (adult, paediatric or both)

Dysphagia / swallowing skills / training at Level B or C

Experience working with communication disorders and/or learning disabilities

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to adapt to different inpatient environments and acuity levels

Prior experience in inpatient mental health settings

Experience working with secure wards or medium secure units

Evidence of working with older adults, or in mixed-gender wards

Ability to work autonomously and manage caseloads effectively

Why Choose Pulse? (Or “Why Choose This Role” if organisation differs)

Join a role where your clinical skills in both communication and swallowing make a real difference to patient physical health and wellbeing.

Work across secure mental health wards with a variety of patient groups and levels of acuity—offering variety and challenge.

Opportunity to further develop dysphagia skills and work in multidisciplinary teams.

Competitive hourly rate, flexible full‑or part‑time hours.

How to Apply

If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply using the link below, or contact us to register with Pulse and discuss this role or similar opportunities.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within the workplace, please let us know as early as possible. We're committed to ensuring you have the support you need.