Speech & Language Therapist for Acute Services

Are you passionate about making a real impact in healthcare through compassionate, patient-centred care? We're seeking an experienced Senior Speech and Language Therapist (SSLT) to lead transformative change in reducing restrictive practices within our healthcare setting. This role offers the chance to shape patient care, influence policy, and lead a dedicated team focused on dignity and autonomy.

The SSLT will be at the forefront of transforming in-patient services into models of least restrictive, person-centered care. This dynamic leader will drive evidence-based practices and set professional standards, especially for complex cases involving challenging behaviours and enhanced observations. As an autonomous practitioner, the SSLT will deliver advanced clinical expertise, offering vital coaching, feedback, and support to empower clinical teams.

The SSLT will be part of a team spearheading the Trust's Safe and Supportive Observations strategy, promote therapeutic, recovery-focused interventions, and lead crucial 14+ day independent reviews. Their impact will extend to shaping educational programs and clinical guidelines, ensuring our staff possess up-to-date skills and knowledge.

Providing expertise across the Trust, the SSLT will contribute to the Safety, Experience and Effectiveness committees. This role is ideal for individuals eager to learn, share knowledge, and drive continuous improvement, playing a vital role in advancing patient care standards., As our new Senior Speech and Language Therapist, you'll step into a vibrant, supportive team where we empower each other to be the best version of ourselves, all for the benefit of those we care for. This role offers the exciting opportunity to make a real difference across our Mental Health and Learning Disability inpatient wards, spanning the diverse regions of Hertfordshire, Essex, and Norfolk.

In this pivotal position, you'll be instrumental in shaping the future of our Trust's approach to enhanced observations. We recognise that while keeping service users safe is paramount, traditional observation practices can sometimes feel counter intuitive and infringe upon human rights. That's where your expertise comes in. You'll lead the charge in reviewing current practices, guiding our wards towards reducing unnecessary observation levels, and driving the Trust's progressive new approach.

This role isn't just about staying in one place--your influence will be felt across all our inpatient wards, requiring you to travel regularly. A car will be essential as you bring your vision and leadership to every corner of the Trust.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission.

Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout