Principal Speech and Language Therapist

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join our Forensic Healthcare Service (FHS). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing and highly valued service that supports individuals with complex communication needs within low and medium secure inpatient units and community forensic teams.

Forensic mental healthcare provides both challenge and opportunity in abundance. In Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, our FHS services include two secure inpatient units in Hellingly and Chichester. The Hellingly Centre and the Chichester Centre are low and medium secure mental health hospitals where we specialise in the assessment and treatment of people with complex and enduring mental health needs, who may have had contact with the criminal justice system.

The Forensic Outreach and Liaison Service is community based and operates across Sussex.

The Principal speech and language therapist works across all of our services. This role is a job share opportunity to work alongside the existing postholder.

You will play a pivotal role in:

• Delivering direct clinical care to a small caseload of service users.
• Leading the strategic development of SLT provision across forensic settings.
• Embedding inclusive communication practices and supporting multidisciplinary teams.
• Enhancing service user engagement, recovery, and wellbeing through tailored communication strategies.
• Developing support for patients with Eating, Drinking and Swallowing needs.

About the Trust:

We provide mental health and learning disability care for children, young people, and adults across Sussex. SPFT is rated 'good' overall and 'outstanding' for caring by CQC.

About Sussex:

• Travel easily between coast and countryside, with a blend of picturesque villages and seaside towns there's always new experiences to be enjoyed
• Embrace the city life with great access to visit Brighton and London
• With easy access to Gatwick and Heathrow and excellent railway links across the UK there is plenty of opportunity for adventure

As a practitioner in our team we can offer you:

Access to numerous wellbeing and support programmesExcellent supervision programmes, with ongoing opportunities for training and developmentReimbursed parkingAccess to a host of NHS discount schemes (including gyms, shopping, restaurants and cars)A position within a trust rated as 'Outstanding' for caring and 'Good' overall by the CQCGenerous holiday entitlement (dependent on length of NHS service) starting at 27 days + 8 bank holidaysNHS Pension contributions

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We welcome applications from suitably qualified SLTs with experience in mental health, learning disabilities, and/or neurodiversity. Youll need:

• HCPC registration.
• Strong clinical skills and leadership experience
• Patience, resilience, and the ability to build trusting relationships with individuals who have experienced adversity in their lives prior to contact with the criminal justice system.

This role offers a chance to shape the future of SLT in forensic healthcare. Youll be part of a supportive team committed to inclusive communication and recovery-focused care. Flexible working patterns may be considered

Previous experience of working with people with mental health difficulties is essential. Previous experience of working in Forensic Healthcare Service is desirable. There will be access to regular supervision, reflective practice and training and development opportunities, including attendance to communities of practice.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role and requirements.

• Licence to practice as a Speech & Language Therapist
• HCPC registration

• Broad experience of working with clients with a range of abilities and disabilities
• Experience of both group and individual work
• Experience of multidisciplinary working
• Experience of supervising staff and students
• Experience in a clinical area related to the post
• Experience of multi agency work
• Experience of service development

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.

Professional Lead AHP, Forensic Healthcare

£57,528 to £64,750 a year pro rata per annum