Specialist Speech And Language Therapist

Job summary

This job is as a Specialist Speech Therapist working within the therapies team for low secure services. The post holder will work across 2 wards covering 26 beds and will provide SLT assessment and intervention strategies for a range of patients with complex mental health needs and neurodivergence. Close link with the MDT will be vital along with positive and meaningful engagement with patients.

Main duties of the job

• Use structured and unstructured assessment methods to gain an understanding of service users' language and communication skills.
• Develop communication plans for all service users and support staff to implement these effectively.
• Support the implementation of the autism strategy within the service.

About us

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care, as well as the provision of three GP surgeries in Cheshire.

We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and have services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Stockport.

Our aim is to help improve the lives of everyone in our communities, adopting a compassionate, person-centred approach to everything we do. We are rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with a Good rating overall.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Rainbow Badge Scheme member, Veteran Aware organisation and proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, CWP is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences, and welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services.

All new starters will commence in post on one fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme date. P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to support you to meet the induction / initial training requirements of the role.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your existing skills and experience in a new role, you'll find something to suit you at CWP.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in SLT
• HCPC registration
• Evidence of attendance at relevant short courses

Desirable

• DISCO or ADOS/ADI-R trained
• Post basic dysphagia qualification
• Leadership qualification

Knowledge & Expertise

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of person centred care
• Up to date knowledge of relevant legislation and quality framework associated with the clinical speciality (e.g. MHA, Clinical & Social Governance).
• Good working knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and SLT role within it
• Understanding and application of safeguarding procedures, and input into complex intervention plans
• Ability to produce reports and guidelines
• Interest in undertaking CPD

Desirable

• Knowledge of medical and mental health conditions, diagnosis, treatment and care

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with people with mental health issues/learning disabilities/autism services
• Experience of providing supervision to others
• Direct experience of working with service users with complex needs alongside, or with supervision, from a more specialist SLT
• Awareness of current mental health agenda at both a national and local level
• Awareness of relevant legislation , national policy and best practice guidance

Desirable

• Bed based experience
• Experience of working with people with neurodevelopmental disorders
• Experience of delivering training
• Experience in service development

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

Employer name

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Alderley Unit. Soss Moss Site. Nether Alderley. Cheshire SK10 4UJ

Alderley Edge

SK10 4UJ

United Kingdom

Details

Date posted

28 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,959 to £48,117 a year

per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

373-SMH2630-C RR

Job locations

Alderley Unit. Soss Moss Site. Nether Alderley. Cheshire SK10 4UJ

Alderley Edge

SK10 4UJ

United Kingdom

Supporting documents

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