Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join Cornwall's well established Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion service.

Liaison Diversion (L&D) service sits as a top priority within the government's health and justice agenda. The Peninsula L&D service is part of the national L&D NHS England commissioned services. The L&D service operates by assessing and referring persons (of all ages) going through the criminal justice pathway who are suspected of having mental health, learning disabilities, substance misuse or other vulnerabilities to an appropriate treatment or support service.

This is a community-based role that requires frequent travel to various locations throughout the county including areas that may not be accessible by public transportation.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as a senior member of the multi-disciplinary team comprising of a range of mental health professionals. They will play a key role in leading the assessment process and offer interventions for people identified as having speech, language and communication needs as well as the production of accessible information. The successful applicant will work within the two custody centres and within the two magistrates courts in Cornwall. They will work alongside the police, court staff and Liaison and Diversion colleagues. They will also liaise with a wide range of both statutory and non-statutory agencies. They will also be expected to deliver communication training to non-speech and language therapy colleagues.

The post-holder needs to be a highly skilled practitioner in the assessment and treatment of communication difficulties with people with a wide range of different mental health difficulties and other vulnerabilities. Previous experience of working within adult mental health services and within a criminal justice setting is essential together with a willingness to embrace the challenges of working within an environment with a diverse client group. Strong engagement skills are important, as is the ability to work well as part of the wider multi-agency team. They will receive regular high-level supervision and will have the regular opportunity to link in with Speech and Language Therapists within the Directorate.

About us

We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Over 4,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 13 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increase the numbers of people who use out services.