At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert Speech & Language Therapy to adults in mental health inpatient wards.
- Company: Join the award-winning Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health care while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Speech and Language Therapy and HCPC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Speech and Language Therapist - Inpatient Mental Health Services
The closing date is 27 October 2025
Are you a dysphagia competent, highly skilled HCPC Registered Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) ready to take the next step in your career? We are excited to offer a Band 6 Specialist SLT opportunity on the adult inpatient mental health wards at St George\'s Hospital, Stafford.
Previous formal mental health experience is not essential but seeking clinicians who demonstrate a strong interest in mental health to undertake this unique opportunity to specialise and deepen knowledge, skills, and experience in this area.
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide specialist Speech & Language Therapy assessment, diagnosis and treatment to adults and older adults with communication and dysphagia needs on adult inpatient mental health wards.
This role is new with our mental health services and offers a significant opportunity for you to contribute to service development and pathway design within this service.
We value compassionate care, innovation, and professional growth and offer excellent opportunities for Continuing Professional Development. You\'ll become part of an extremely friendly and supportive SLT team with strong Allied Health Professional (AHP) links connecting you to our valued AHP network of colleagues across the Trust and you will be well supported by our leadership teams through regular supervision.
This is a full-time role, but part-time hours can be considered. We are also open to Band 5 to 6 development options should you meet key competencies.
Main duties of the job
Resilience is key, as it is a challenging yet highly rewarding role. As a specialist Band 6 SLT on our inpatient mental health wards, you will be expected to:
- Deliver expert assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health inpatient adults/older adults with communication and dysphagia needs
- Manage a complex caseload autonomously, often working without direct supervision (but with regular access to B7 & B6 peer SLT support)
- Work collaboratively within a specialist mental health multidisciplinary team to support holistic patient centred care and recovery
- Provide supervision and training to junior staff and contribute to SLT service development where appropriate
- Use evidence-based approaches and specialist tools (e.g. AAC)
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are \'United in our Uniqueness\' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Job responsibilities
For full details of this role, please see attached the attached job description and person specification. Please note the job description is currently going through the Agenda for Change process and may be subject to change.
Check out the videos below showcasing why you should grow your career here with us at MPFT:
If youre ready to make a meaningful impact in mental health care through specialist SLT practice, wed love to hear from you. We welcome informal visits/enquiries. We are also open to Band 5 to 6 development options if essential criteria are met. If you would like to find out more or chat further about this opportunity, please do contact us.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
- Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
- Unrestricted Health & Care Professions Council Registration.
- CPD Folder evidence of ongoing learning/development.
- Member of RCSLT regional Clinical Excellence Network (CEN) appropriate to specialist area of post.
- Trained in objective dysphagia assessment (e.g. cervical auscultation, videofluoroscopy/ FEES).
Experience
- Experience with autonomous assessment and management of adults with communication difficulties (e.g. LD, dementia, neurodivergence).
- Experience working with patients with complex mental health needs.
- Experience with autonomous assessment and management of a wide range of dysphagia presentations.
- Experience as qualified practitioner in more than one area of the profession in which they practise.
- Working in a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of working in mental health and/or learning disability inpatient services.
- Experience of and ability to carry out clinical audit.
- Experience of supervising SLT assistants.
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.
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Speech and Language Therapist - Inpatient Mental Health Services in Stafford employer: Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Join the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, where we prioritise compassionate care and professional growth in a supportive environment. As a Speech and Language Therapist in our inpatient mental health services at St George's Hospital, you'll have access to excellent Continuing Professional Development opportunities, a collaborative multidisciplinary team, and the chance to contribute to innovative service development. Our commitment to diversity ensures that every staff member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our patients.
Contact Details:
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Speech and Language Therapist - Inpatient Mental Health Services in Stafford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on LinkedIn or through professional groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to mental health and SLT. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for mental health during interviews. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to compassionate care and innovation in speech and language therapy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at the Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Speech and Language Therapist - Inpatient Mental Health Services in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Mental Health:Make sure to highlight your interest in mental health in your application. We want to see how you can bring your unique perspective and skills to our team, so don’t hold back on sharing your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Take the time to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. We’re looking for specific experiences and skills, so make it easy for us to see how you fit the bill by aligning your application with the job description.
Be Clear About Your Experience:When detailing your experience, be specific about your roles and responsibilities. We want to know how you've managed complex cases and worked within multidisciplinary teams, so give us the details that showcase your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of dysphagia and communication disorders, especially in the context of mental health. Familiarise yourself with the latest evidence-based practices and tools like AAC. This will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working in a multidisciplinary team, highlight your collaborative skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've worked with other professionals in the past to provide holistic care. This will demonstrate that you can contribute positively to the team dynamic.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Think of specific instances where you've managed complex cases or dealt with challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the team. Inquire about opportunities for professional development and how the SLT team contributes to service development. This shows your enthusiasm for growth and commitment to the role.
