Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Bristol & Ashfield

An exciting new challenge has arisen for a highly specialist speech and language therapist (SALT) to join Oxleas NHS Trust in our South West prisons. This is a brand-new service, and we are looking for experienced Speech and Language Therapists to join our highly specialist multidisciplinary teams in the South West.

Our Speech Therapy team is divided by region and consists of 5 Specialist Speech Therapists, each responsible for 2 prisons. You will report directly to our Operational Lead SALT for the South West and support the implementation of our vision and integration into established healthcare services.

As SALTs, you will work alongside a multidisciplinary team and help bridge the gap between learning disability (LD) provision and offender healthcare services. Your role will include assessments, consultations, and co-working with complex clients with LD and autism who may pose a risk of harm to others. The service will also support individuals with complex neurodevelopmental, speech, language, communication, mental health, and intellectual disability needs who are high-risk, high-harm, and high-vulnerability individuals.

This role is based across HMPs Bristol and Ashfield. You will work 1 day at HMP Bristol, 1 day at HMP Ashfield, and 1 day from home/flexibly. All travel expenses can be claimed through our mileage/expense system (Ts&Cs apply).

Main duties of the job

You will provide specialist assessments and interventions for the neurodiverse population with complex communication needs, including Autism, ADHD, Learning Disability, Acquired Brain Injury, and Dementia.

You will independently manage your caseload, access clinical and managerial supervision regularly, and act as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will also represent the Speech and Language Therapy Service within your region.

As a specialist, you will advise prison officers, other speech and language therapists, professionals, and stakeholders both within and outside the Prison/Trust. You will ensure involvement of carers and family where appropriate, providing compassionate, empathetic, respectful, and dignified care.

A prison tour is highly recommended prior to interview. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to arrange this.

Important Sponsorship Information: Due to service budget restrictions, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.

About us

Oxleas - About Us

Oxleas offers a wide range of NHS healthcare services across South East London, Kent, and prison healthcare. Our services include community health, mental health, learning disability care, and more. Our multidisciplinary teams serve people of all ages in various settings including hospitals, clinics, prisons, and community centers.

We have over 125 sites and operate within several London boroughs and beyond, managing hospital sites and secure units. We are the largest NHS provider of prison health services in several regions and are committed to providing excellent care.

Our purpose is to improve lives through the best possible care, guided by our values:

• We're Kind
• We Listen
• We Care

Job responsibilities

• Provide assessments and interventions for neurodiverse individuals with complex communication needs.
• Manage your own caseload with supervision.
• Champion the SLT profession.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and represent the service.
• Offer specialist advice to staff and stakeholders, involving families as appropriate.
• Deliver compassionate, respectful care.

Management responsibilities

• Induct, train, review, and supervise colleagues.
• Contribute to policy development and service improvement initiatives.
• Participate in meetings and working groups.
• Plan and deliver training for prison, education, and healthcare staff.
• Maintain high standards of clinical record keeping.

Additional responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based practice, monitor clinical outcomes, and contribute to multi-disciplinary assessments.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal frameworks such as the Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act.
• Follow health and safety guidelines, including procedures related to exposure to bodily fluids and other hazards.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

All applicants must be willing to undertake National Security Vetting as part of pre-employment checks in a prison setting.

Required documentation includes proof of right to work, ID, address, and, if applicable, police certificates or overseas police checks.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree or equivalent.
• HCPC registration and license to practice.
• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
• Additional training or CPD in areas such as Autism or Positive Behaviour Support.

Experience

• Postgraduate experience demonstrating competency for the role.
• Experience working with individuals with learning disabilities, autism, or challenging behaviors.
• Experience in secure settings and mentoring less experienced staff.

Skills

• Proficiency in assessment and therapeutic interventions for adults with complex needs.
• Active listening and motivational interviewing skills.

Other

• Willingness to undergo DBS checks and provide necessary documentation.