Senior Speech and Language Therapist with Sponsorship Available

Employer: Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust
Location: Barnard Castle, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £37,338 – £44,962 per year
Visa Sponsorship: Available

Job Summary

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust is seeking a Senior Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to join the Mental Health Team at HMP Deerbolt, a Category C men’s prison in Barnard Castle.

This role provides specialist assessment and treatment to individuals within the prison setting. The post holder will be part of a dynamic SLT service with peer support, supervision systems, and CPD opportunities. They will also be integrated into the growing and supportive Health and Justice SLT team.

The successful candidate will have a Speech and Language Therapy degree with significant experience in SLT, particularly in mental health or learning disabilities with complex needs.

Note: This role is subject to Prison Vetting Clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide assessment and intervention for individuals with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) and swallowing difficulties.
• Work as an integral member of the Prison Mental Health Team.
• Offer communication advice and strategies to individuals and their support network.
• Enhance awareness and skills of prison staff regarding speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN).
• Deliver meaningful and evidence-based therapy to service users.
• Provide high-quality advice to key prison agencies, including Mental Health Services, Prison Officers, Drug and Alcohol Recovery Agencies, Education & Employment Services, and Probation Teams.

Objectives

• Deliver comprehensive SLCN assessments for all eligible individuals referred to the service.
• Work within an integrated multi-disciplinary team (MDT).
• Ensure adherence to robust clinical frameworks.
• Contribute to service development and training within the prison setting.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Current HCPC registration as a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Minimum of 12 months post-qualification experience in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Understanding of mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and autism.
• International recruits must have IELTS Level 7 (SLT = 8).

Desirable Experience

• Postgraduate training in a relevant specialist area (e.g., dysphagia, autism diagnostics).
• Experience supporting people with mental health issues, learning disabilities, or autism.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Clinical risk assessment skills and ability to apply them in practice.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Experience managing complex SLT cases.
• Awareness of professional standards and their application.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as it falls under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome. Candidates must provide a criminal record certificate from any country where they have lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years.

For more details, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Closing Date: 27 March 2025