Job Description
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is offering an exciting opportunity for a qualified Speech and Language Therapist to join its specialist Health & Justice Services team at HMP Low Newton. This Band 6 permanent role focuses on supporting women within the prison environment who experience speech, language, communication, and swallowing difficulties.
This position is ideal for an experienced Speech and Language Therapist who is passionate about working within mental health and justice services while making a meaningful difference to vulnerable individuals with complex communication needs.
About the Role
The successful applicant will become part of a supportive multidisciplinary prison mental health team and a wider Health & Justice Speech and Language Therapy network across the Trust. The service provides specialist assessments, therapeutic interventions, communication support, and workforce training within the women’s prison estate.
You will work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, prison staff, probation services, education teams, and recovery agencies to improve communication accessibility and rehabilitation outcomes for service users.
Main Responsibilities
Conduct specialist assessments for speech, language, communication, and swallowing needs
Deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions for individuals within the prison setting
Support service users experiencing mental health conditions, neurodivergence, or complex communication challenges
Develop communication strategies and provide practical advice to staff, carers, and partner agencies
Work closely with multidisciplinary professionals including psychologists, nurses, and mental health practitioners
Promote awareness of speech and language communication needs across prison healthcare teams
Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to risk assessments and care planning
Support rehabilitation, wellbeing, and recovery-focused outcomes within secure services
Essential Requirements
Qualifications
Degree or recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy
Current professional registration with the appropriate UK regulatory body
Experience
- Minimum 12 months of post-qualification Speech and Language Therapy experience
Experience working with individuals with complex communication needs
Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams
Knowledge & Skills
- Understanding of mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and communication difficulties
Strong assessment, communication, and clinical decision-making skills
Awareness of professional standards and evidence-based practice
Ability to work independently and manage complex caseloads
Desirable Experience
Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs
Specialist training in trauma-informed practice, dysphagia, autism diagnostics, or communication approaches such as Talking Mats
Security & Vetting Requirements
Due to the secure nature of the role, successful candidates must pass enhanced police vetting before employment begins. This process may include:
- Criminal record checks
Financial background checks
Social media screening
Residency verification
Applicants must have lived in the UK continuously for at least three years before applying.
Professional Development & Support
The Trust provides:
- Structured clinical supervision
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities
Peer support from experienced SLT professionals
Access to specialist training within Health & Justice Services
Opportunities to work within an expanding specialist clinical network
Sponsorship Information
This role may qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship depending on UKVI eligibility criteria. International applicants are encouraged to review the latest UK immigration guidance before applying.
About the Organisation
NHS services provided by the Trust cover County Durham, Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York, and Selby. The organisation is committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred mental health and learning disability care while supporting recovery, inclusion, and innovation across healthcare services.
Helpful UK Government & NHS Resources
- UK Skilled Worker Visa Guidance
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Information
Criminal Record Checks for Overseas Applicants
NHS Careers Official Website
Health and Care Professions Council Information