Acute Mental Health Speech and Language Therapist

Job Title: Acute Mental Health Speech and Language Therapist

Banding: Band 6

Location: Armstrong Way, Southall

Start Date: ASAP

Working Hours: Full‑time / Part‑time

Rate: £24.00–£27.50 per hour

Job Overview

We are seeking an adaptable and experienced Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) to work on inpatient mental health wards , supporting our Physical Health team. The successful candidate will be responsible for improving physical health outcomes across our inpatient units by treating dysphagia and communication disorders. The wards include separate medium secure units for older adults, men, and women, each with differing levels of acuity.

The ideal candidate has strong communication assessment skills (adult and/or paediatric), plus experience or training in dysphagia / swallowing (Level B or C). Experience with learning disabilities is also advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Perform communication and language assessments for inpatients on mental health wards—adults or children.

• Manage dysphagia / swallowing difficulties (depending on ward caseload) and deliver appropriate interventions.

• Collaborate with the Physical Health team and other multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care.

• Maintain accurate clinical records in line with professional, legal, and Trust standards.

• Assess risk, plan treatment, monitor progress, and make recommendations to maximise safety (e.g. feeding, consistency modifications, etc.).

• Work with varying acuity levels, adapting to the needs of separate wards (older adults, men, women).

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Recognised degree in Speech and Language Therapy (or equivalent)

• Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council)

• Confident communication assessment skills (adult, paediatric or both)

• Dysphagia / swallowing skills / training at Level B or C

• Experience working with communication disorders and/or learning disabilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to adapt to different inpatient environments and acuity levels

Desirable:

• Prior experience in inpatient mental health settings

• Experience working with secure wards or medium secure units

• Evidence of working with older adults, or in mixed-gender wards

• Ability to work autonomously and manage caseloads effectively

Why Choose Pulse? (Or “Why Choose This Role” if organisation differs)

• Join a role where your clinical skills in both communication and swallowing make a real difference to patient physical health and wellbeing

• Work across secure mental health wards with a variety of patient groups and levels of acuity—offering variety and challenge

• Opportunity to further develop dysphagia skills and work in multidisciplinary teams

• Competitive hourly rate, flexible full‑ or part‑time hours

How to Apply

If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply using the link below, or contact us to register with Pulse and discuss this role or similar opportunities.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within the workplace, please let us know as early as possible. We’re committed to ensuring you have the support you need.

If you like, I can also prepare a version of this advert ready for use on specific job boards (e.g. NHS, LinkedIn) or adjust the language (more formal or more accessible) depending on your audience.