Head of Speech and Language Therapy

Job Overview

Lead a Specialist Service, Shape Clinical Practice, and Improve Lives. ELFT is seeking an experienced and motivated Speech and Language Therapist to serve as Head of Speech and Language Therapy within our forensic learning disability and mental health services.

Main Duties

• Provide professional and operational leadership for a Speech and Language Therapy department of six staff.
• Hold a specialist clinical caseload within a medium secure forensic learning disability inpatient service.
• Support and develop staff through supervision, mentoring and professional leadership.
• Lead service development, quality improvement and innovation in communication assessment and intervention.
• Work closely with psychology, psychiatry, nursing, occupational therapy, social work and medical colleagues to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred care.
• Champion accessible communication and trauma‑informed approaches across forensic services.
• Contribute to strategic developments within learning disability and forensic pathways.

Essential Criteria

• Registration with the HCPC.
• Significant post‑qualification experience working with adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, forensic populations, or other complex client groups.
• Experience of supervising and supporting Speech and Language Therapy staff.
• A strong commitment to multidisciplinary team working and collaborative practice.
• Excellent communication, leadership and relationship‑building skills.
• A creative and flexible approach to supporting people with complex communication needs.
• A passion for service improvement, innovation and developing evidence‑based practice.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in Forensic Mental Health and LD settings.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements, including job share, part time or other flexible patterns.
• Relocation scheme may provide up to £8,000 for removal and associated expenses.

EEO Statement

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities and others who are currently underrepresented within senior clinical leadership roles.