Speech and Language Therapist Band 5-6 Developmental Post

The closing date is 15 July 2026

The Secure Outreach Transitions Team is a community forensic team who supports adults living in the Durham Tees Valley area with a diagnosis of a Learning Disability and/or Autism. We support those who are living in the community, and those who are in secure inpatient services and work intensively with patients who are ready to transition out of hospital.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person to join our growing services in Health and Justice in a band 5 - 6 development post within the Secure Outreach Transitions Team.

This vacancy is open to either a newly qualified SLT (B5) or an experienced SLT (B6) wanting to further develop their skills working within mental health and justice. You will be supported in your development by a Clinical Lead SLT and work towards a developmental framework within an agreed time scale.

The role will involve assessment and management of dysphagia and communication difficulties with adults with mental health and complex needs, including Learning Disabilities and Autism providing relevant training and service development.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit

The successful postholder will be part of a dynamic SLT service in Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, with well-defined peer support, supervision systems and CPD opportunities.

You will be supported from a Clinical Lead, to manage a specialist caseload from assessment to discharge. Service users may have multiple needs with a combination of physical and mental health or learning disabilities, along with a history of involvement with the justice system and secure inpatient services.

You will undertake complex service user assessments including interpretative assessment techniques and interventions, along with, develop and implement specialist interventions for service users.

You will be responsible for ensuring the highest professional standards and attitudes towards the care of service users are maintained at all times and that care is delivered in accordance with evidence based practice by all members of the team.

Speech and Language Therapy is a new and developing area within health and justice service. You will be part of a wider Health and Justice SLT team who work into a range of settings and meet regularly to provide peer support and develop resources.

• Appropriate professional qualification in speech and language therapy role or pending
• Current relevant registration with HCPC or ability to meet the criteria for registration within next 3 months
• Post graduate training in relevant specialist area

• 18 months of experience of working in a variety of practice areas whilst on student placements or postgraduate
• Experience of supporting people with mental health issues, learning disability or autism
• Experience of working in Multidisciplinary Team
• Clinical risk assessment and application in practice

• Awareness of professional standards and their application to practice
• Understanding of the needs of service users with mental health conditions and/or learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of evidence based practice in designated specialist area

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.