Specialist Speech and language Therapist

Job summary
This job is as a Specialist Speech Therapist working within the therapies team for low secure services. The post holder will work across 2 wards covering 26 beds and will provide SLT assessment and intervention strategies for a range of patients with complex mental health needs and neurodivergence. Close link with the MDT will be vital along with positive and meaningful engagement with patients.

Main duties of the job
Use structured and unstructured assessment methods to gain an understanding of service users' language and communication skills.

Develop communication plans for all service users and support staff to implement these effectively.

Support the implementation of the autism strategy within the service.

About us
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care, as well as the provision of three GP surgeries in Cheshire.

We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and have services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Stockport.

Our aim is to help improve the lives of everyone in our communities, adopting a compassionate, person-centred approach to everything we do. We are rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with a Good rating overall.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Rainbow Badge Scheme member, Veteran Aware organisation and proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, CWP is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences, and welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services.

All new starters will commence in post on one fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme date. P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to support you to meet the induction / initial training requirements of the role.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your existing skills and experience in a new role, you'll find something to suit you at CWP.

Details
Date posted: 24 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year, per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 373-SMH2630-B RR
Job locations: Alderley Unit. Soss Moss Site. Nether Alderley. Cheshire SK10 4UJ, Alderley Edge, SK10 4UJ, United Kingdom

Job description
Please download a copy of the job description (see documents to download section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role.

At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values.

CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trusts Values in their everyday life and we use a values-based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.

Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trusts Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours.

An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at: cwp.recruitment@nhs.net or by calling 01244 393100.

If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer YES to the question: Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?

Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes.

The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.

New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.

Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.

Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team CWP very soon!

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Degree in SLT
• HCPC registration
• Evidence of attendance at relevant short courses

Desirable

• DISCO or ADOS/ADI-R trained
• Post basic dysphagia qualification
• Leadership qualification

Knowledge & Expertise
Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of person centred care
• Up to date knowledge of relevant legislation and quality framework associated with the clinical speciality (e.g. MHA, Clinical & Social Governance).
• Good working knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and SLT role within it
• Understanding and application of safeguarding procedures, and input into complex intervention plans
• Ability to produce reports and guidelines
• Interest in undertaking CPD

Desirable

• Knowledge of medical and mental health conditions, diagnosis, treatment and care

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working with people with mental health issues/learning disabilities/autism services
• Experience of providing supervision to others
• Direct experience of working with service users with complex needs alongside, or with supervision, from a more specialist SLT
• Awareness of current mental health agenda at both a national and local level
• Awareness of relevant legislation , national policy and best practice guidance

Desirable

• Bed based experience
• Experience of working with people with neurodevelopmental disorders
• Experience of delivering training
• Experience in service development

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.