Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
The closing date is 14 July 2026

Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team at the Chichester Centre and contribute to the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based communication and dysphagia services.

Research suggests that 60-80% of those in the criminal justice system may have speech, language or communication needs. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing and highly valued service that supports individuals with complex communication needs within a low secure environment.

This post offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills within forensic mental health, working alongside experienced clinicians in a supportive multi-disciplinary environment.

Main duties of the job
Main Duties

• To screen new referrals for communication and dysphagia needs, manage a caseload of adults with forensic mental health needs who also have complex communication and dysphagia / eating / drinking / swallowing needs.
• To undertake assessments that are comprehensive, dynamic and person-centred according to need; to use evidence based practice and evaluate effectiveness of interventions using agreed outcome measures.
• To ensure that service users voices are heard and included in the care planning process.
• To support service users in the co-creation of communication and/or dysphagia resources that meet their needs.
• To ensure that communicationand/or dysphagia resourcesare understoodand/or have a practical application to the whole care team.

About us
The Chichester Centre supports people who need rehabilitation and treatment within a secure environment. Our three low secure wards are for male patients who have either committed a criminal offence or have significant challenging behaviour.

You will work alongside a collaborative multi-disciplinary team, offering expert assessment, diagnosis, and care for adults with complex psychiatric needs following a trauma informed care approach.

We are committed to delivering care with compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence, ensuring that our patients and service users are at the heart of everything we do.

Working for our organisation
As part of our commitment to quality and professionalism we ensure that all our new staff undertakes a thorough induction programme with us when they commence their new roles.

What you can expect:

• As a mental health trust, we place a huge focus on the wellbeing of our staff and ensure our reward packages reflect the important work you do.
• You can expect to receive:
• Access to numerous wellbeing and support programmes
• Excellent supervision programmes, with ongoing opportunities for training and development
• Access to a host of discount schemes (inc. gyms, shopping, restaurants and cars)
• Superb NHS Pension
• Generous holiday entitlement (starts at 27 days + 8 bank holidays)
• And much more!...

Informal discussions are most welcome.

Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a Speech & Language Therapy post in the Forensic Healthcare Service, suited to a therapist with prior experience and /or interest in mental health or complex needs. The Speech & Language Therapist will be primarily based at the Chichester Centre which is a low secure hospital. The post-holder will be responsible for managing a delegated caseload with supervision from a more experienced colleague. The clinical role will be to provide Speech & Language Therapy assessment, diagnosis and intervention to clients referred to the service using established models of Speech & Language Therapy ensuring practice is evidence based. The post holder will work as a core member of the Allied Health Professionals team.

The Post holder will be expected to have, or be willing to work towards, a postgraduate qualification in dysphagia and provide a dysphagia service in addition to a communication caseload.

Person Specification
Qualifications Essential

• Recognised Speech & Language Therapy Degree or Masters qualification or equivalent
• Health Professions Council - licence to practice
• Registered member of Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists

Experience Essential

• post graduate experience as a Speech & Language Therapist working in multidisciplinary team
• Significant post graduate experience as a Speech & Language Therapist, including managing a caseload including people with complex communication difficulties and dysphagia
• Managing complex caseload independently
• To have worked under the supervision of a clinical specialist.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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