Job summaryA rare opportunity has arisen to work as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist within Forensic Learning Disability Services. Forensic Services are a multi-professional team that work with people who have come into contact with the criminal Justice system. The base for the role is Ashford Unit, Tatchbury Mount. Forensic Learning Disability Service consists of a Community team, that support clients Hampshire wide, and Ashford Ward, a ten bedded low secure male ward for adult men with a learning disability who have been detained under the Mental Health Act. We are also a part of the wider secure services that includes mental health hospitals.You will assess the communication needs of clients and support the delivery of specialist interventions offered by the wider team. You will work within the Good Lives Model of Care offering specialist advice regarding the nature, severity and impact of any Speech, Language and Communication needs experienced by the client.We understand that in order to maximize the quality of care we provide we must invest in the development of our staff. To support this development we provide a robust and supportive induction program for all staff. We will provide you with access to peer support, regular 1:1 meetings, appraisals and clinical supervision. You will receive a number of training opportunities, including attendance at relevant CENs, to ensure continuing professional development.Main duties of the jobThe post holder will work as a recognised specialist Speech and Language Therapist in the Forensic Learning Disability Service for Adults with a Learning Disability. They will take a lead role in the assessment and treatment of patients presenting with complex communication disorders and challenging needs and/or forensic history. They will work closely with other professionals and Speech and Language Therapists, providing advice, training and education as necessary. They will supervise less experienced Speech and Language Therapists, assistants and students as appropriate.About usSouthern Health is one of the largest NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK, specialising in mental health and learning disabilities, as well as offering physical health community-based services.With a workforce of more than 7000 and a footprint that spans more than 200 sites across Hampshire, we're wholeheartedly committed to providing the best possible healthcare, reaching a range of diverse communities, whilst placing patients and staff at the forefront of all our endeavours.We are currently working closely with other NHS Trusts to integrate all our collective community, mental health, and learning disability services. Our new organisation, to be known as Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust, is set to launch in July 2024.The transformation will happen in staggered stages; Hampshire CAMHS, part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust joined Southern Health in February 2024, with Isle of Wight NHS Trust mental health and community services transitioning in early May 2024. The final combination of Southern Health and Solent Trusts is anticipated to occur in July 2024, when the new organisation will be formed.Our new Trust will continue to cater to the unique needs of different communities, making healthcare across the county more accessible, as well as offering staff more opportunities for career development, training and partnership working.Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to shape the future of healthcare in Hampshire.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesFurther information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached.We are happy to talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssentialRecognised Speech and Language Therapy degree qualification or equivalentHealth Professional Council -- Licence to PracticeRegistered member of Royal College of Speech and Language TherapistsDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameSouthern Health NHS Foundation TrustAddressAshford UnitTatchbury Mount, CalmoreSouthamptonHampshireSO40 2RZEmployer's websitehttps://www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)