About this role
Job summary
Do you think everyone who is arrested is guilty? Or that all offenders should be locked up for as long as possible? If so, this is not the role for you.
Do you believe people in police custody should be interviewed in a way they can understand and engage with? Do you think people should clearly understand their bail conditions, rather than risk re-arrest for unknowingly breaching them?
By identifying speech, language and communication needs, vulnerable people can be better supported to navigate the Criminal Justice System, understand legal processes, and access appropriate support. This can improve their experience and help reduce the risk of reoffending.
We are seeking a qualified Speech and Language Therapist to join our Liaison and Diversion team. We are looking for an enthusiastic, HCPC-registered professional with an interest in health and justice and a passion for supporting people in police custody and court. Previous experience in criminal justice or offender health is desirable but not essential.
Our award-winning service is committed to improving outcomes by identifying health needs, connecting people with support, and reducing reoffending. The team has received recognition from the Howard League for Penal Reform, Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Constabulary, and Berkshire Healthcare.
If you are passionate about using your skills to make a real difference to people navigating the criminal justice system, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
To support the delivery of the Speech & Language pathway in line with the L& D agenda.
To be responsible for a specialist speech & language portfolio which will include provision of expert advice to speech & language therapists, senior clinicians, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) across Thames Valley & to provide the police & court with written information pertaining to the individual in a timely fashion.
To attend police stations,custody suites,community settings & magistrates courts & provide specialist speech & language assessments, advice & identify robust care pathways.
To work closely & build links with all referring agencies within the custody suite, court & probation, acting as a single point of contact.
To deliver specialist training within Criminal Justice pathways to custody sergeants, magistrate & crown court & other key stakeholders.
To work autonomously, with the ability to organise & manage own time according to delegated workload.
We work across Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire, you may be required to attend police custody suites across these areas, usually Loddon Valley, Maidenhead & Abingdon & any of our sites in Thames Valley to meet service needs.
This role is Monday - Friday only. Requests for specific working pattens can be considered in line with our policy. Our service operates in police custody from 7am - 8pm, 7 days a week using a combination of early shifts, late shifts & does not operate at night.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
Caring for and about you is our top priority Committed to providing good quality, safe services Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
Flexible working options to support work-life balance 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell Generous NHS pension scheme Excellent learning and career development opportunities 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave Free parking across Trust sites
Job description Job responsibilities
The must have's for this role:
Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree Health Professions Council licence to practise Registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Significant experience at Band 5 or equivalent in a community setting. Licence holder with access to your own vehicle who is prepared to multiple sites across Berkshire as required. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, its important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process.AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.
In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.
Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Sophia Hirst on 07929767444 or email: [email protected] who'll be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Education, qualifications or training Essential
A professional qualification at diploma/degree level or equivalent in Speech & Language Therapy Specialist knowledge acquired through post graduate short courses, training or equivalent experience, in a relevant field Hold current registration with pertinent body HCPC. Evidence of post registration training and development Evidence of post registration training and development
Continuous Professional Development Essential
A passion and desire to work with people in criminal justice to support reducing reoffending Further evidence of professional development and training
Desirable
Knowledge and experience of modern mental health services; social inclusion, recovery, service user involvement, carer support
Previous Experience Essential
Significant experience at Band 5 and newly qualified competencies completed. Understanding of Criminal Justice & Health and reconciling both systems when planning onward support for vulnerable individuals Ability to work autonomously, with the ability to organise and manage own time according to delegated workload. Understanding of the Mental Capacity Act Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Have knowledge and skills to work with specialist groups of people, including young people, people with learning disabilities and other vulnerabilities
Desirable
Experience of analysing and collating complex information from a range of sources and communicating and using this within SLT assessments.
Additional Requirements Essential
Full valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle and ability to travel efficiently to multiple sites Ability to secure police vetting. For the purposes of police vetting, the candidate will require at least three-years residency in the UK. Ability to use multiple IT systems to an advanced level including, excel, databases and Microsoft applications
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This 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 Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address Liaison and Diversion - Thames Valley, 57-59 Bath Road, Reading RG30 2BA
Reading
RG30 2BA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)