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Cheswold Park Hospital
Advanced Speech and Language Therapist
Wakefield On-site 5-10 yrs exp Hospitals and Health Care 123 employees£49k – £57k / year
Sponsorship verifiedSpeech And Language TherapyCommunication StrategiesClinical LeadershipMultidisciplinary TeamworkAssessment
Requirements
Candidates must have a postgraduate qualification in Speech and Language Therapy and experience working with individuals with mental health conditions and learning disabilities. Leadership skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team are essential.
Job Description
Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced speech and language therapist to work within our All Age Forensic Community Service. The post holder will work across the Forensic Outreach and Laison Service (LD/A) and our Forensic Child and Adolescent Service. This newly established role will be pivotal in establishing a high-quality speech and language therapy pathway offer, providing specialist assessments and interventions to patients currently receiving care in our Forensic Community Service across the West Yorkshire region. The role will also involve providing day to day support and clinical leadership to SALT staff working within service.
You will have experience of working with individuals with a range of mental health conditions and either experience of, or transferrable skills to work with individuals with learning disabilities. You will have the ability and motivation to develop and shape the direction of the speech and language provision, ensuring it is evidence based and meets the individuals needs. You would work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside partner agencies to keep people well and safe, promoting the communication and independence of our service users. You will inform risk assessment and management in the community alongside partner organisations. You will also be confident in upskilling staff in the understanding and delivery of communication strategies to ensure that the service is inclusive and accessible to all individuals.
Main duties of the job
The post holder would provide a highly specialist speech and language therapy service, using expert skills to assess, advise and provide appropriate intervention to ensure individuals holistic health needs are met, informing risk assessment and management and promoting quality of life.
The post holder will be required to liaise effectively with all relevant professionals, carers and family members to ensure the needs of the individual are met.
We are looking for a flexible, confident, enthusiastic and proactive speech and language therapist with established or developing leadership skills.
Effective Communication, Organisational And IT Skills Are Essential.
The successful candidate will be passionate for improving the lives of vulnerable children and adults and have a strong understanding of local and national drivers and legal frameworks relating to forensic mental health services, learning disability and Forensic Community provision.
You will provide supervision to the speech and language staff.
You will provide training and development in line with the speech and language pathway and inform service development.
If you would like to discuss this posts or organise an informal visit, please contact: Stacey Hayton, General Manager on Stacey.Hayton@swyt.nhs.uk or 07789 753526.
All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.
About Us
We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.
Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.
We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.
Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.
Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.
We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.
Details
Date posted
12 May 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515 a year Pro Rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
C9378-F0706
Job locations
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF1 3SP
Job Description
Job responsibilities
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.
JOB SUMMARY
The post holder will be working with service users within community settings as part of the Forensic Outreach and Liasion 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.
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.
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.
Person Specification
Training
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Training
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
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).
Additional information
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
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust
Address
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF1 3SP
Employer's website
https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust
Address
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF1 3SP
Employer's website
https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced speech and language therapist to work within our All Age Forensic Community Service. The post holder will work across the Forensic Outreach and Laison Service (LD/A) and our Forensic Child and Adolescent Service. This newly established role will be pivotal in establishing a high-quality speech and language therapy pathway offer, providing specialist assessments and interventions to patients currently receiving care in our Forensic Community Service across the West Yorkshire region. The role will also involve providing day to day support and clinical leadership to SALT staff working within service.
You will have experience of working with individuals with a range of mental health conditions and either experience of, or transferrable skills to work with individuals with learning disabilities. You will have the ability and motivation to develop and shape the direction of the speech and language provision, ensuring it is evidence based and meets the individuals needs. You would work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside partner agencies to keep people well and safe, promoting the communication and independence of our service users. You will inform risk assessment and management in the community alongside partner organisations. You will also be confident in upskilling staff in the understanding and delivery of communication strategies to ensure that the service is inclusive and accessible to all individuals.
Main duties of the job
The post holder would provide a highly specialist speech and language therapy service, using expert skills to assess, advise and provide appropriate intervention to ensure individuals holistic health needs are met, informing risk assessment and management and promoting quality of life.
The post holder will be required to liaise effectively with all relevant professionals, carers and family members to ensure the needs of the individual are met.
We are looking for a flexible, confident, enthusiastic and proactive speech and language therapist with established or developing leadership skills.
Effective Communication, Organisational And IT Skills Are Essential.
The successful candidate will be passionate for improving the lives of vulnerable children and adults and have a strong understanding of local and national drivers and legal frameworks relating to forensic mental health services, learning disability and Forensic Community provision.
You will provide supervision to the speech and language staff.
You will provide training and development in line with the speech and language pathway and inform service development.
If you would like to discuss this posts or organise an informal visit, please contact: Stacey Hayton, General Manager on Stacey.Hayton@swyt.nhs.uk or 07789 753526.
All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.
About Us
We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.
Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.
We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.
Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.
Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.
We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.
Details
Date posted
12 May 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515 a year Pro Rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
C9378-F0706
Job locations
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF1 3SP
Job Description
Job responsibilities
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.
JOB SUMMARY
The post holder will be working with service users within community settings as part of the Forensic Outreach and Liasion 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.
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.
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.
Person Specification
Training
Essential
- Postgraduate qualification to Masters Level or equivalent in a field related to Speech and Language Therapy, Autism and/or learning disabilities.
- To be willing to undertake post graduate training to further skills, knowledge and expertise.
- Documented evidence of continuing practice and professional development.
- Evidence of self-directed learning.
- Leadership training.
- PBS training and awareness.
Essential
- Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.
- A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
Essential
- Leadership skills.
- Good timekeeper.
- Maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times.
- Show creativity in working to meet the needs of people with a learning disability.
- Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.
Essential
- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or relevant equivalent overseas qualification.
- Current, valid HCPC registration.
- Leadership training.
- Membership of RCSLT.
Essential
- Evidence of a high standard of performance in a range of clinical skills, promoting clinical excellence.
- Evidence of previous involvement/leading in service developments.
- Good presentation skills.
- Commitment to improving the experience of service users and their cares.
- Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own performance.
- Ability to work under pressure and set priorities.
- Specialist knowledge and application of current best practice in speech and language therapy and adults with Autism and/or learning disabilities.
- Up to date knowledge of NHS modernisation issues, transformation agenda and implications for speech and language therapy and wider services.
- Attendance at clinical excellence networks.
- In depth knowledge and evidence of multi-professional, multi-agency working.
- In depth knowledge of legislation/guidance relevant to clinical practice.
- Able to work independently.
- Able to carry out audits, research and developments.
- Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
- Able to demonstrate evidence based practice.
Essential
- Management and leadership experience.
- Significant experience as a Band 6/7 therapist in a relevant clinical field.
- Significant experience of multidisciplinary working including development of effective networks/partnerships.
- Active participation in audit, service evaluation and research in relevant clinical field.
- Experience of practice in a variety of health, social care and residential settings.
- Experience of supervision, appraisal and development of therapy staff and students.
- Evidence of training others e.g. other health and social care staff.
Training
Essential
- Postgraduate qualification to Masters Level or equivalent in a field related to Speech and Language Therapy, Autism and/or learning disabilities.
- To be willing to undertake post graduate training to further skills, knowledge and expertise.
- Documented evidence of continuing practice and professional development.
- Evidence of self-directed learning.
- Leadership training.
- PBS training and awareness.
Essential
- Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.
- A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
Essential
- Leadership skills.
- Good timekeeper.
- Maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times.
- Show creativity in working to meet the needs of people with a learning disability.
- Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.
- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or relevant equivalent overseas qualification.
- Current, valid HCPC registration.
- Leadership training.
- Membership of RCSLT.
Essential
- Evidence of a high standard of performance in a range of clinical skills, promoting clinical excellence.
- Evidence of previous involvement/leading in service developments.
- Good presentation skills.
- Commitment to improving the experience of service users and their cares.
- Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own performance.
- Ability to work under pressure and set priorities.
- Specialist knowledge and application of current best practice in speech and language therapy and adults with Autism and/or learning disabilities.
- Up to date knowledge of NHS modernisation issues, transformation agenda and implications for speech and language therapy and wider services.
- Attendance at clinical excellence networks.
- In depth knowledge and evidence of multi-professional, multi-agency working.
- In depth knowledge of legislation/guidance relevant to clinical practice.
- Able to work independently.
- Able to carry out audits, research and developments.
- Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
- Able to demonstrate evidence based practice.
- Management and leadership experience.
- Significant experience as a Band 6/7 therapist in a relevant clinical field.
- Significant experience of multidisciplinary working including development of effective networks/partnerships.
- Active participation in audit, service evaluation and research in relevant clinical field.
- Experience of practice in a variety of health, social care and residential settings.
- Experience of supervision, appraisal and development of therapy staff and students.
- Evidence of training others e.g. other health and social care staff.
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).
Additional information
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
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust
Address
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF1 3SP
Employer's website
https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust
Address
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF1 3SP
Employer's website
https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Education
["postgraduate degree"]
Skills
Speech And Language TherapyCommunication StrategiesClinical LeadershipMultidisciplinary TeamworkAssessmentInterventionRisk AssessmentTrainingSupervisionOrganizational SkillsIT SkillsEvidence-Based PracticeService DevelopmentCultural SensitivityAutismLearning Disabilities
About Cheswold Park Hospital
Riverside Healthcare Ltd is a limited company which has been formed to develop and run Cheswold Park Hospital. Our strategic goal is to work in partnership with the NHS, to develop and run (jointly or independently) a range of other facilities – hospitals, hostels or other step down facilities that provide a clear and achievable pathways for patients to gain greater control of their lives. As a truly independent company we are committed to developing facilities to provide treatments that are proven to be efficacious, with progress that is demonstrable to the patient, their carers, commissioners and locality teams. If you are interested in working in partnership with us or would like further information about our company, please email businessdevelopment@cheswoldparkhospital.co.uk
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