Intensive Support Speech & Language TherapistThe closing date is 30 July 2026Job summaryBand 5-6 development postAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and innovative Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) to join the Specialist Learning Disability Service based in West Hertfordshire.
The successful candidate will work as an influential and integral member of a diverse multi-disciplinary specialist learning disability health team. The post will be based with the Intensive Support Team supporting service users with mental health needs in the community.
You will be forward thinking and able to demonstrate clinical knowledge in the area of adult learning disabilities and mental health based on current evidence. You will autonomously undertake specialist assessments and interventions with individuals with communication difficulties, behavioural needs and mental health needs. The person successful in their application will be an essential member of the MDT, working alongside Psychiatry, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Arts Therapies, Physiotherapy and Social Care colleagues to support our service users achieve their goals.
The post holder will be able to progress from Band 5 to band 6 once they demonstrate that they meet the competencies specified for Band 6 level.Main duties of the job- To provide high quality, comprehensive Speech and language Therapy assessment and intervention for specified service user group
- To manage a caseload using evidence-based, person-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions in community settings
- To provide this service-to-service users, who present with communicationdifficulties and mental health needs
- To undertake supervision of junior staff and students as required
- To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team
About usHertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) is an outstanding organisation with ambitions to match. We are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission, and our aim is to be the leading provider of mental health and specialist learning disability services in the country.
Our family of over 4000 members of staff provide health and social care for over 400,000 people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. We also deliver a range of nationally commissioned specialist services including Tier 4 services for children and young people, perinatal services, plus medium and low secure learning disabilities services.
The care we provide makes a fantastic difference to the lives of our service users, their families and carers - everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Our Trust values are:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.These values are at the core of who we are, everything we do, and how we do it!
Would you like to be part of the HPFT family? Would you like work with us to ensure our service users live the fullest lives possible they can? Would you like to be supported in your career to be the best that you can be?
Job responsibilitiesPlease refer to attached job description and person specification for more information on the role requirements required for this position.
Person SpecificationKNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE - CRITERIA BAND 5Essential- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
- State registration with HCPC
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Accredited dysphagia training or willingness to undertake
Desirable- Post graduate training in learning disabilities, mental health/challenging behaviour and physical/sensory disabilities
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE - CRITERIA BAND 5Essential- Specialist knowledge and application of speech and language therapy assessments and interventions
- Range of clinical experience and ability to demonstrate application of clinical skills
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITYEssential- Clear and effective communication through written, verbal and non-verbal modes
- Broad knowledge of current best practice in SLT, learning disabilities and mental health
- Understanding of team dynamics
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE - ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR B6 PROGRESSIONEssential- Completion of newly qualified practitioner competencies
- Evidence of having met the full KSF Gateway for Band 5
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE - ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR B6 PROGRESSIONEssential- Broad base of clinical experience and ability to demonstrate application of clinical skills
Desirable- Experience of supervising junior staff and students
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:
Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist
Nancy Essery
n.essery@nhs.net
07795882027
