Speech Language Pathologist in Milton Keynes

DrPA Secure has been operating in secure environments since 2014, providing high-quality healthcare services across the UK. We deliver our services based on our ethos of CARE: Compassionate care that is trauma informed and supportive, Assurance that care is evidence-based and demonstrates high-quality outcomes for our patients, Respectful of people’s cultural and religious beliefs, Empowerment – we centre each resident by co‑creating holistic care plans that treat individual needs and support long‑term wellbeing.

Oakhill Secure Training Centre is operated by G4S Care and Justice Services. The centre provides accommodation across three blocks for up to 80 children (male and female) aged 12 to 17 years who are serving a custodial sentence or who are remanded to custody by the courts. Children are not permitted to leave the centre and they have all their healthcare, educational and religious needs met within the centre.

Salary – £38,682
Work Pattern – Full time (40 hours a week)

Job Summary:
The Speech and Language Therapist will provide specialist assessment, therapy and communication support to young people in custody. Healthcare delivered should be evidence based, person‑centred, and non‑judgemental. In accordance with HCPC and RCSLT standards, you will exchange knowledge, abilities, and experience to foster an open, learning atmosphere and motivate team members to pursue further professional growth. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other MDT members in line with DRPA and G4S policies and procedures. Daily duties remain consistent, with additional responsibilities depending on the needs of the department and priorities agreed with the Head of Healthcare and Primary Care Lead.

Main Duties of the Job:

• Assessment and Therapy: Carry out detailed assessments to understand each young person’s communication strengths and difficulties. Identify how communication difficulties may contribute to frustration, aggression, withdrawal or lack of engagement. Provide regular one‑to‑one, paired or small group sessions to support understanding of spoken language, expression and vocabulary, emotional language and self‑expression, and functional life skills. Create individual communication plans for young people, especially those with high behavioural needs or neurodevelopmental conditions. Provide written advice for education plans, behaviour support plans and safety plans.
• Working With Other Professionals: Input into plans that support staff in recognising and understanding communication difficulties, adapting language and instructions, communicating during high‑stress or conflict situations, and supporting young people with autism, attention difficulties and learning needs. Provide coaching for staff during everyday situations or challenging incidents. Create communication‑friendly resources such as visual supports, simple‑language guides, and personal communication passports. Promote a centre‑wide approach to clear, respectful and supportive communication.
• Record Keeping and Professional Standards: Take part in service development, audits and regular professional supervision. Maintain registration as a Speech and Language Therapist and follow professional standards for safe and effective practice. Prioritise and manage own workload.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy, registered with HCPC and a member of RCSLT.
• Registered and professionally recognised Speech and Language Therapist.
• Experience working with children or young people who have communication difficulties.
• Experience working with young people with autism, attention difficulties or emotional and behavioural needs.
• Ability to work calmly, safely and confidently with young people who show challenging behaviour.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain information clearly to young people and adults.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working in a secure setting, youth justice service, residential children’s home, or specialist education setting.
• Experience contributing to behaviour plans or safety plans.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed communication and approaches.

Impact of the Role:

• Communicate in safer and more respectful ways.
• Understand rules, expectations and routines.
• Develop emotional vocabulary and regulate their feelings.
• Reduce behaviour linked to communication frustration.
• Improve engagement in education and rehabilitation.
• Develop communication skills for their future lives.

General Information:
The post holder may be required to perform other relevant and appropriate duties as reasonably needed. This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification. Pension salary scheme available. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential 24/7 support. Access to perks at work.

Please note 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. In order to apply, all applicants need to have been living in the United Kingdom (with residency in the UK, such as UK/Irish/EU Passport, or an Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa) for the last 5 years with no more than a 28 day break being outside of the UK and no gaps in employment during this time.