Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An NHS Trust in the UK is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to work within forensic mental health services. This role focuses on providing clinical care and developing treatment programs for service users with communication needs. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and relevant post-qualification experience. Join a supportive team dedicated to improving patient care and communication for complex needs.

Benefits

Ongoing training and support for career development

Supportive team environment

Opportunity to make a difference in community health

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent required.
• Post qualification courses in relevant areas are beneficial.
• Experience managing communication difficulties in clinical settings required.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient-centered clinical care in forensic mental health.
• Establish effective working relationships within MPFT.
• Assess service user referrals and formulate treatment programs.

Skills

Knowledge of communication and swallowing difficulties

Excellent interpersonal skills

Clinical reasoning skills

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Registration with HCPC

Post qualification courses in relevant area

Job description

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

The closing date is 14 January 2026

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

This is an opportunity for a Speech and Language Therapist with clinical skills and an interest in meeting the communication needs of a forensic population.

Forensic mental health services at MPFT have secured funding for a 12-month project to explore the potential impact speech and language therapy input can have on the length of stay of our service users.

This post is one of four new speech and language therapy roles to be advertised and recruited as part of this innovative project, joining a small existing team of speech and language therapists as part of the AHP team.

Main duties of the job

You will be practising as a SLT within the speciality area of forensic mental health to provide patient‑centred clinical care encompassing the skills of clinical assessment, examination, diagnosis and treatment within the professional scope of practice.

You will demonstrate safe, competent clinical decision‑making and specialist care, demonstrating clinical critical thinking to meet the needs of service users.

You will work collaboratively with the wider speech and language team to maintain the delivery of highest quality, integrated speech and language therapy, supporting the delivery of policy and procedure to sustain the delivery of quality, evidence‑based care.

You will have passion, enthusiasm and specialist knowledge of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) for the forensic population.

About us

Come and work with us at our award‑winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke‑on‑Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non‑clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are "United in our Uniqueness" and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Main duties and responsibilities

Clinical – To adhere to and apply the Health and Care Professions Councils (HCPC) standards of proficiency and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) code of ethics and professional conduct and all other guidance from MPUFT. To be professionally accountable and responsible for all aspects of own work.

To establish and maintain effective working relationships both within MPFT and with external organisations in order to meet service requirements and support and demonstrate the Trusts equality values.

To assess new service user referrals and care/support needs. Assesses service users and formulates, develops, implements and evaluates programmes of treatment/care/support for individuals, families and carers.

To use professional knowledge and judgement to take into account the range of care/support packages and treatment options and adaptations available. To consider each service user’s personal circumstances and preferences in order to implement and adjust programmes of care and intervention.

To maintain and develop skills and knowledge to assess and diagnose complex/specialist communication disorders. To use highly developed auditory and perception skills in transcribing and analysing service users speech. To provide evidence based outcomes following assessment and intervention.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• E Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent. Registration with HCPC
• Up to date field work/pre‑registration student training.
• Post qualification courses in relevant area e.g. Social Stories, Talking Mats, Talkbabout Social Skills, Attendance at relevant Clinical Excellence Networks.
• Modules at Masters level Evidence of further clinical study

Experience

• Relevant experience to the role including assessment ability to manage time and caseload effectively. Supporting service users, families and carers in dealing with the impact of communication difficulties. Working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience of negotiation and conflict management in clinical situations.
• Knowledge and experience of criminal justice services.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Demonstrates knowledge and skills that are necessary to work with people with learning disability regarding communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Well‑developed clinical reasoning skills.

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.

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust