Specialist Speech & Language Therapist
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £49,387 to £56,515 a year |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Wakefield, WF1 3SP |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 23 Sept 2026 |
| Closing date: | 7 Oct 2026 |
Summary
JOB SUMMARY The post holder will be working with service users within community settings as part of the Forensic Outreach and Liaison Service for learning disabilities (FOLS LD). They will also provide senior support to Speech and Language therapists in other localities providing support and advice where required. The post holder will work effectively as part of the community team, supporting individuals who are or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system or hospital settings. The post holder will identify the clinical priorities at both an operational and strategic level for Speech and Language Therapy for this service user group. The postholder will work effectively as part of the MDT to provide highly specialist assessment, therapy, advice and support to adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, who have specific needs in relation to their communication. KEY RESULT AREAS: Clinical The post-holder independently assesses, diagnoses and manages the communication, in particular those with the most complex difficulties, including those with challenging behaviour, to maximise appropriate health and social benefits. It may also include the management of service users for whom English is not the first spoken language. As a member of the community forensic MDT, the post holder provides an effective and responsive service working alongside other team members to meet the needs of individuals. The post-holder provides both direct and indirect intervention, consultation, advice and support; working within a multi-disciplinary model in order to ensure that the inter-agency needs of service users are met. The post-holder undertakes advisory work, second opinions and provides peer review and advice within his/her area of expertise to support and develop the clinical skills of other staff. The post- holder will provide clinical supervision/advice for other SLT working within the Trust around Autism and learning disabilities. The post-holder liaises both orally and in writing with any significant others involved in the management of the service user, within and outside the NHS, to ensure the service users needs are met effectively and efficiently. The post-holder contributes to discussion in a multi-disciplinary forum where speech and language therapy recommendations may conflict with medical/other opinion. This is in order to facilitate quality of life and best interest decisions. To advise the operational manager on clinical issues relating to SLT services within the forensic Community team. The post-holder is responsible for managing his/her own caseload, including clinical administration and appointments, in order to meet access criteria and ensure a cost-effective, quality service. The post-holder has autonomous responsibility for maintaining accurate and contemporaneous (within 24 hours) service users records, in order to ensure compliance with departmental, professional and legal requirements. The post-holder is expected to work with service users with challenging behaviour independently and work alone in the community conducting the appropriate risk assessments as required The post-holder will be expected to use appropriate multi-lingual assessments and culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches. This would include the use of interpreters and culturally appropriate resources. Service Development The post-holder is aware of current local and national priorities, which may impact upon service delivery and contributes to the development of strategies for meeting needs. The post-holder takes part in clinical research opportunities and/or leads or collaborates on the writing of articles and publications relevant to their specialist field. For full job description, please see attached supporting documents. We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form. All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients. At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward to receiving your application.