An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion (CJLD) Team for a band 7 Advanced Speech & Language Therapist. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to work with vulnerable adults and young people (10 years+), entering the Criminal Justice System. CJLD's aim is to improve the health and justice outcomes for all individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice systems where a range of complex needs are identified as factors in their offending behaviour. Vulnerabilities are likely to include Developmental Language Disorder, Autism Spectrum Condition, Learning Disability, Mental Health Conditions and Acquired Communication Disorders.

The SALT service offers screening and assessment for identified offenders, providing advice and support to enable them to access appropriate services. Appropriate information is shared with relevant agencies in the criminal justice setting so informed decisions can be made on issues of risk management, diversion, charging, case management and sentencing.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

• Work collaboratively with the other advanced SALT in the team, to provide a comprehensive service across the geographical area covered by Northumbria Police.
• Work collaboratively to support the development of processes and a pathway for an enhanced model of SLT delivery, for those with communication needs within the Criminal Justice System.
• Be a key part of the wider CJLD team/MDT provide advice/consultation for partner agencies on how best to support communication and improve access to different offender treatment programmes.
• Provide timely, specialist assessment of a person's communication needs in a diverse clinical population and age range (10 years+).
• Provide reasonable adjustment recommendations to police/court that describe strategies that promote fair access, understanding of/engagement with justice proceedings.
• Write court reports and attend the court where required.
• Support the development and delivery of training for police and other agencies.

Work in a variety of settings, including police stations and courts as well as community-based working.

About us

The Speech and Language Therapy Service in Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is continuing to develop and grow to meet the needs of our patients and local communities. We are looking for dedicated and passionate individuals with different levels of qualifications and clinical knowledge and experience to join our team.

We will provide you with a comprehensive induction period and you will have access to ongoing clinical supervision and appraisal with development reviews that will provide you with support and the specialist skills required to meet the holistic needs of the patients in your care. The successful candidate will be expected to actively engage in the Trusts' supervision and continuing professional development process.

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return, we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the separate job description and person specification for more information.

A post-qualification in dysphagia assessment and management is desirable, but not essential for this post.

You will be required to travel as part of the role.

Advertising date : 16th November 2023

Closing date : 30th November 2023

We welcome your application.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

• Recognised SALT degree or equivalent and HCPC registered
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses
• CPD to Masters level equivalence

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Specialist communication skills, considering a variety of strategies to support adults with complex communication/cognitive needs
• Excellent interpersonal skills including negotiation and conflict management
• Evidence of effective organisational skills and ability to maintain accurate and contemporaneous records
• Expert supervision skills and experience to support others

Desirable

• Knowledge of RiO data systems and IT skills
• Experience of conduction and evaluating clinical audit

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience of working at post graduate level as a speech and language therapist with a similar patient group
• Commitment to and experience of partnership working both multi-agency and multi-disciplinary
• Coordinating and supporting staff in the day to day provision of clinical services
• Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload in a flexible manner as required
• Experience of working within a locked, secure environment as part of a clinical team where risk management is paramount
• Experience of delivering appropriate specialist assessments and evidence based interventions to service users with communication and/or swallowing disorders
• A qualification in dysphagia or commitment to attain this qualification and practice in this clinical area
• Knowledge and an understanding of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act

Desirable

• Understanding and skills to provide assessment and treatment in dysphagia
• Experience of delivering training relevant to SALT

Employer details

Employer name

CNTW NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Northgate Hospital

Morpeth, Nortumberland

NE61 3BP

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

263-SS23-151-LB