Full job descriptionSpecialist Speech and language TherapistNHS AfC: Band 6Main area

Specialist Speech and language Therapist
Grade

NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract

Permanent
Hours

Part time - 22.5 hours per week (3 days per week)
Job ref

373-SMH2630-D RR
Site

Alderley Unit. Soss Moss Site. Nether Alderley. Cheshire SK10 4UJ
Town

Alderley Edge
Salary

£39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata
Salary period

Yearly
Closing

10/11/2026 23:59
Job overviewThis 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 jobUse 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.
Working for our organisationCheshire 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilitiesPlease 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 Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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 Trust’s 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: or by calling .
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 £15 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 specificationQualificationsEssential criteria*Degree in SLT
*HCPC registration
*Evidence of attendance at relevant short courses
Desirable criteria*DISCO or ADOS/ADI-R trained
*Post basic dysphagia qualification
*Leadership qualification
Knowledge & ExpertiseEssential criteria*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 criteria*Knowledge of medical and mental health conditions, diagnosis, treatment and care
ExperienceEssential criteria*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...