Speech and Language Therapist

nhs trust; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

MPFT is recruiting a Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for adult inpatient mental health wards in Shrewsbury. 30 hours per week, fixed term to end of March 2028.

You will lead dysphagia and communication assessments, deliver treatments, and work within a supportive AHP network with ongoing CPD opportunities. Experience in mental health, independent caseload management, and supervision of junior staff are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy and HCPC registration.
• Post-graduate dysphagia qualification and CPD evidence.
• Experience with autonomous assessment of adults with communication difficulties.
• Experience with complex mental health needs and MDT work.
• Experience across multiple areas of SLT practice.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health inpatients with communication and dysphagia needs.
• Manage a complex caseload autonomously with peer SLT support available.
• Collaborate within a specialist mental health MDT to support holistic patient care.
• Provide supervision and training to junior staff and contribute to service development.
• Use evidence-based approaches and specialist tools such as AAC.

Skills

Dysphagia expertise

HCPC Registered SLT

Autonomous assessment

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Supervision & training

AAC tools

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Post-graduate dysphagia qualification

CPD evidence of ongoing learning

Tools

FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)

Videofluoroscopy

Cervical auscultation

Job description

Are you a dysphagia competent, highly skilled HCPC Registered Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) ready to take the next step in your career? We are excited to offer a Band 6 Specialist SLT opportunity on the adult inpatient mental health wards at Redwoods Centre, Shrewsbury. Previous formal mental health experience is not essential but seeking clinicians who demonstrate a strong interest in mental health to undertake this unique opportunity to specialise and deepen knowledge, skills, and experience in this area. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide specialist Speech & Language Therapy assessment, diagnosis and treatment to adults and older adults with communication and dysphagia needs on adult inpatient mental health wards. This role is new with our mental health services and offers a significant opportunity for you to contribute to service development and pathway design within this service. We value compassionate care, innovation, and professional growth and offer excellent opportunities for Continuing Professional Development. You'll become part of an extremely friendly and supportive SLT team with strong Allied Health Professional (AHP) links connecting you to our valued AHP network of colleagues across the Trust and you will be well supported by our leadership teams through regular supervision. This is a 30 hour a week role and is fixed term until end of March 2028.

Resilience is key, as it is a challenging yet highly rewarding role.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver expert assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health inpatient adults/older adults with communication and dysphagia needs.
• Manage a complex caseload autonomously, often working without direct supervision (but with regular access to B7 & B6 peer SLT support).
• Work collaboratively within a specialist mental health multidisciplinary team to support holistic patient centred care and recovery.
• Provide supervision and training to junior staff and contribute to SLT service development where appropriate.
• Use evidence-based approaches and specialist tools (e.g. AAC).

This role isnot eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn.

For full details of this role, please see attached the attached job description and person specification.

Please note the job description is currently going through the Agenda for Change process and may be subject to change.

Check out the videos below showcasing why you should grow your career here with us at MPFT: Why Work for Mental Health Services at MPFT - YouTube or copy and paste into browser to watch https://bit.ly/4buATxw Development and Progression Within Mental Health Services at MPFT - YouTube or copy and paste into browser to watch https://bit.ly/44KxWXs MPFT - Adult Mental Health Services South Staffs - YouTube or copy and paste into browser to watch https://bit.ly/3K3B7ju

We are also open to Band 5 to 6 development options if essential criteria are met.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Post-graduate dysphagia qualification.
• Unrestricted Health & Care Professions Council Registration.
• CPD Folder evidence of ongoing learning/development.

Additional qualifications (Desirable)

• Member of RCSLT regional Clinical Excellence Network (CEN) appropriate to specialist area of post.
• Trained in objective dysphagia assessment (e.g. cervical auscultation, videofluoroscopy/ FEES).

Experience (Essential)

• Experience with autonomous assessment and management of adults with communication difficulties (e.g. LD, dementia, neurodivergence).
• Experience working with patients with complex mental health needs.
• Experience with autonomous assessment and management of a wide range of dysphagia presentations.
• Experience as qualified practitioner in more than one area of the profession in which they practise.
• Working in a multidisciplinary team.

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience of working in mental health and/or learning disability inpatient services.
• Experience of and ability to carry out clinical audit.
• Experience of supervising SLT assistants.

About the Trust

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.