Job summary
Please note - this post is fixed term until 31st March 2028

Are you a dysphagia competent, highly skilled HCPC Registered Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) ready to take the next step in your career? We are excited to offer a Band 6 Specialist SLT opportunity on the adult inpatient mental health wards at Redwoods Centre, Shrewsbury.

Previous formal mental health experience is not essential but seeking clinicians who demonstrate a strong interest in mental health to undertake this unique opportunity to specialise and deepen knowledge, skills, and experience in this area.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide specialist Speech & Language Therapy assessment, diagnosis and treatment to adults and older adults with communication and dysphagia needs on adult inpatient mental health wards.

This role is new with our mental health services and offers a significant opportunity for you to contribute to service development and pathway design within this service.

We value compassionate care, innovation, and professional growth and offer excellent opportunities for Continuing Professional Development. You'll become part of an extremely friendly and supportive SLT team with strong Allied Health Professional (AHP) links connecting you to our valued AHP network of colleagues across the Trust and you will be well supported by our leadership teams through regular supervision.

This is a 30 hour a week role and is fixed term until end of March 2028.

Main duties of the job
Resilience is key, as it is a challenging yet highly rewarding role. As a specialist Band 6 SLT on our inpatient mental health wards, you will be expected to:

• Deliver expert assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health inpatient adults/older adults with communication and dysphagia needs.
• Manage a complex caseload autonomously, often working without direct supervision (but with regular access to B7 & B6 peer SLT support).
• Work collaboratively within a specialist mental health multidisciplinary team to support holistic patient centred care and recovery.
• Provide supervision and training to junior staff and contribute to SLT service development where appropriate.
• Use evidence-based approaches and specialist tools (e.g. AAC).

About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Details
Date posted: 18 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 16 months
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 301-LBG-26-8218128
Job locations: Redwoods Centre, Shrewsbury, SY3 8DS, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
This role isnot eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

For full details of this role, please see attached the attached job description and person specification. Please note the job description is currently going through the Agenda for Change process and may be subject to change.

Check out the videos below showcasing why you should grow your career here with us at MPFT:

Why Work for Mental Health Services at MPFT - YouTubeorcopy and paste into browser to watchhttps://bit.ly/4buATxw

Development and Progression Within Mental Health Services at MPFT - YouTubeorcopy and paste into browser to watchhttps://bit.ly/44KxWXs

MPFT - Adult Mental Health Services South Staffs - YouTubeorcopy and paste into browser to watchhttps://bit.ly/3K3B7ju

If youre ready to make a meaningful impact in mental health care through specialist SLT practice, wed love to hear from you. We welcome informal visits/enquiries. We are also open to Band 5 to 6 development options if essential criteria are met. If you would like to find out more or chat further about this opportunity, please do contact us.

Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Post-graduate dysphagia qualification.
• Unrestricted Health & Care Professions Council Registration.
• CPD Folder evidence of ongoing learning/development.

Desirable

• Member of RCSLT regional Clinical Excellence Network (CEN) appropriate to specialist area of post.
• Trained in objective dysphagia assessment (e.g. cervical auscultation, videofluoroscopy/ FEES).

Experience
Essential

• Experience with autonomous assessment and management of adults with communication difficulties (e.g. LD, dementia, neurodivergence).
• Experience working with patients with complex mental health needs.
• Experience with autonomous assessment and management of a wide range of dysphagia presentations.
• Experience as qualified practitioner in more than one area of the profession in which they practise.
• Working in a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

• Experience of working in mental health and/or learning disability inpatient services.
• Experience of and ability to carry out clinical audit.
• Experience of supervising SLT assistants.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

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

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Redwoods Centre, Shrewsbury, SY3 8DS, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.mpft.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: AHP Professional Lead / OT Clinical Lead, Charlotte Wise, charlotte.wise2@mpft.nhs.uk, 01743210018

Supporting documents
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Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)