Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An NHS Trust is seeking a full-time Speech and Language Therapist in Shrewsbury for a 12-month project. The role focuses on providing clinical care to a forensic population, assessing communication needs, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. A relevant degree and HCPC registration are essential, with strong communication and clinical reasoning skills required. This position offers a salary range of £38,682 to £46,580 per year, pro rata and is a fixed-term contract.

Benefits

Ongoing training and support

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Registered with HCPC as a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Relevant experience in assessing communication disorders.
• Post qualification courses in relevant areas are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient-centred clinical care within forensic mental health.
• Assess new service user referrals and develop treatment plans.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to maintain service quality.

Skills

Communication skills

Clinical reasoning skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

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 If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn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 4 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 practicing as a SLT within speciality area of forensic mental health to provide patient‑centred clinical care which will encompass 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 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.

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 MPFT. 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 users 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

• 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, Talkabout Social Skills, Attendance at relevant Clinical Excellence Networks

Desirable

• 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.

Desirable

• 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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

St George’s Hospital or the Redwoods, Shrewsbury, SY3 8DS

Employer's website: https://www.mpft.nhs.uk

Job details

Date posted: 22 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year pro rata

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 301-LBG-25-7690360

Job locations: St George’s Hospital or the Redwoods, Shrewsbury SY3 8DS