Closing date: 14 July 2026

Job summary
Are you an enthusiastic, motivated, forward-thinking Speech and Language Therapist, wanting to support service users in the Criminal Justice System. If so, this is your opportunity to use your skills and experience to join Liaison, Diversion & Reconnect (LDR).

You will play an important role in supporting our current Speech & Language Therapist to complete assessments and interventions for service users with complex vulnerabilities and neurodiverse needs.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference, committed to recovery-focussed practice and ready to contribute to innovative developments we'd love to welcome your expertise and help you grow your specialist career with our team.

The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

Main duties of the job
This role supports people within the criminal justice system by identifying and addressing communication needs, learning disability and neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities.

You will work closely with police, courts, probation and health teams to ensure individuals can access and engage with services safely and fairly.

You will also contribute to service development and improving outcomes by embedding Speech and Language Therapy within Liaison Diversion and Reconnect Pathways.

About us
We are Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway and are rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Our teams support children, young people and adults with a wide range of mental health needs. We also provide specialist services, including all-age eating disorder services and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people, such as autism and ADHD.

Because we work across the whole county and across hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the people we serve.

Our vision is simple: we are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It's why we're passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. Everything we do is guided by our values: caring, inclusive, curious and confident.

Join us if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that's working well together.

Date posted: 30 June 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 380-FR0696
Job locations: The Red House, Oakapple Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9NW, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Responsibilities include:

• Manage a caseload across custody, courts, prisons and community pathways
• Undertake specialist assessment of communication needs, including speech, language, social communication and cognitive communication.
• Identify vulnerabilities impacting engagement and justice processes
• Provide targeted interventions and communication strategies
• Support capacity assessments and risk management
• Work collaboratively with MDT and justice partners
• Produce reports to support decision-making
• Deliver training to staff
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to audit and service improvement

For further information please see detailed job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications
Essential

• A recognised Speech and Language Therapist professional qualification
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Desirable

• Approved Practice Educator
• Evidence of post graduate development through formal postgraduate courses or experience or equivalent clinical work

Experience
Essential

• A range of experience in different clinical settings including mental health or neurodiversity
• Experience of prioritising and manging a caseload

Desirable

• Experience delivering training
• Experience of working in forensics or criminal justice services

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Ability to adapt communication for individuals with complex needs
• Understanding of safeguarding and risk management

Desirable

• Experience supporting neurodiverse individuals

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust
Address: The Red House, Oakapple Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9NW, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Team Manager
David Barker
david.barker13@nhs.net
08001975542