Who is DRPA Secure?

DRPA Secure is a healthcare provider that delivers specialised medical services like GP care, psychiatry, complex case management and other health consultancy to secure environments like prisons, secure training centre and immigration removal centre since 2014. The care we provide is based on our ethos CARE.

Compassionate care that is trauma informed and supportive

• Compassionate care that is trauma informed and supportive

• Assurance that care is evidence-based & demonstrates high quality outcomes for our patients

• Respectful of people’s cultural and religious beliefs

• Empowerment We centre each resident by co-creating holistic care plans that treat their needs and equip them to self-manage their wellbeing.

Oakhill Secure Training Centre

Oakhill Secure Training Centre is operated by G4S Care and Justice Services. The centre provides accommodation across three blocks for up to 80 children (male and female) aged 12 to 17 years who are serving a custodial sentence or who are remanded to custody by the courts. Children are not permitted to leave the centre and they have all their healthcare; educational and religious needs met within the centre.

Summary and Description

The Speech and Language Therapist will provide specialist assessment, therapy and communication support to young people in custody. Healthcare delivered should be evidence-based, person-centred, and non-judgemental. In accordance with HCPC and RCSLT standards, you will exchange knowledge, abilities, and experience to foster an open, learning atmosphere and motivate team members to pursue further professional growth.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with other MDT members in line with DRPA and G4S policies and procedures. Daily duties remain consistent, with additional responsibilities depending on the needs of the department and priorities agreed with the Head of Healthcare and Primary Care Lead.

Main Duties of the Job

• Assessment and Therapy
  • Carry out detailed assessments to understand each young person’s communication strengths and difficulties.
  • Identify how communication difficulties may contribute to frustration, aggression, withdrawal or lack of engagement.

• Provide regular one-to-one, paired or small group sessions to support:

• Understanding of spoken language
• Expression and vocabulary
• Social communication
• Conversation skills
• Emotional language and self-expression
• Communication during conflict or distress
• Functional life skills

• Create individual communication plans for young people, especially those with high behavioural needs or neurodevelopmental conditions:
• Provide written advice for education plans, behaviour support plans and safety plans.
• Report writing

• Working With Other Professionals

• Input into plans that support staff in:
• Recognising and understanding communication difficulties
• Adapting language and instructions
• Communicating during high-stress or conflict situations
• Supporting young people with autism, attention difficulties and learning needs
• Provide coaching for staff during everyday situations or challenging incidents.
• Create communication-friendly resources such as visual supports, simple-language guides, and personal communication passports.
• Promote a centre-wide approach to clear, respectful and supportive communication.

• Record Keeping and Professional Standards
  • Take part in service development, audits and regular professional supervision.
  • Maintain registration as a Speech and Language Therapist and follow professional standards for safe and effective practice.
  • Prioritise and manage own workload.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy, registered with HCPC and a member of RCSLT.
• Registered and professionally recognised Speech and Language Therapist.
• Experience working with children or young people who have communication difficulties.
• Experience working with young people with autism, attention difficulties or emotional and behavioural needs.
• Ability to work calmly, safely and confidently with young people who show challenging behaviour.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain information clearly to young people and adults.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience working in a secure setting, youth justice service, residential children’s home, or specialist education setting.
• Experience contributing to behaviour plans or safety plans.
• Experience delivering staff training.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed communication and approaches.

Impact of the Role

The role helps young people at Oakhill to:

• Communicate in safer and more respectful ways
• Understand rules, expectations and routines
• Develop emotional vocabulary and regulate their feelings
• Reduce behaviour linked to communication frustration:
• Improve engagement in education and rehabilitation
• Develop communication skills for their future lives

General Information 

The post holder may be required to perform other relevant and appropriate duties as reasonably needed. This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.

Benefits

• Pension salary scheme available
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential 24/7 support
• Access to perks at work

Disclosure and Barring Service Check & CTC Clearance

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.

This post will require the holder to undertake and successfully complete the Counter Terrorism Clearance (CTC) process.

Please note, in order to apply, all applicants need to have been living in the United Kingdom (with residency in the UK, such as UK/Irish/EU Passport, or an Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa) for the last 5 years with no more than a 28 day break being outside of the UK and no gaps in employment during this time.

EMAIL CV TO: RECRUITMENT@DRPASECURE.CO.UK

Shortlisted candidates will be asked for RTW, DBS/CTC consent and references.