Clinical Lead -Speech & Language Therapist – Adult Learning Disability

Midlands Partnership University Nhs Foundation Trust; Shrewsbury; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Laptop and work mobile

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 7 Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist for the Shropshire Community Learning Disability Team. You will provide senior SLT clinical leadership, oversee dysphagia and communication pathways, and contribute to service development within a supportive MDT.

The role offers blended/hybrid working with base and home, with access to supervision, CPD and professional development opportunities to grow within a trusted regional

Qualifications

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy with HCPC registration.
• Extensive post‑registration SLT experience in relevant settings.
• Experience leading clinical teams is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and specialist SLT services to adults with complex learning disabilities.
• Perform high-quality assessments and interventions for communication and swallowing.
• Autonomously manage a mixed caseload within an MDT setting.
• Lead training and supervision of SLT staff and students within the CLDT.
• Support the Allied Health Professional Lead in SLT issues.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Speech and Language Therapy

Dysphagia

Learning Disability

Autonomous practitioner

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

HCPC registration

Extensive post-registration experience

Job description

Job summary

Are you a Speech and Language Therapist with experience of working in Learning Disability services? Are you able to provide specialist communication and dysphagia services to adults with learning disabilities? We need you! We are looking for a Band 7 Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist within our Shropshire Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT).

You will provide Speech and Language Therapy clinical leadership within the Shropshire CLDT. You will have significant opportunity to contribute to service development and clinical pathway design within this service.We value compassionate person-centred care, innovation, professional growth and offer excellent opportunities for Continuing Professional Development.

You will become part of a friendly and supportive MDT with strong Allied Health Professional (AHP) links connecting you to our valued AHP network of colleagues across the Trust, and you will be well supported by our leadership team through regular supervision and yearly appraisal.We operate blended / hybrid working between base and home, therefore every member of staff receives a laptop, work mobile phone and additional equipment to work from home (chair, large screen, laptop riser for example).

Main duties of the job

To provide clinical leadership and highly specialist speech and language therapy (SLT) services to adults with complex learning disabilities, some of whom have physical disabilities and/or autism.

To provide high quality clinical diagnoses, assessment and interventions for communication and swallowing difficulties using a holistic, person-centred approach.

To be an autonomous practitioner, holding a small mixed clinical caseload of those with dysphagia and communication needs, working without direct supervision within the context of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) supporting various clinical pathways.

To be responsible for the clinical leadership, development, training and supervision of SLT staff and students within the Shropshire CLDT.

To assist and deputise for the Allied Health Professional Lead in relation to Speech and Language Therapy clinical and professional issues.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job responsibilities

• Be professionally accountable for all aspects of own work, including caseload management and direct clinical care. To work within the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and Health and Care Professionals Councils (HCPC) standards.
• Obtain and record informed consent from clients at each contact in accordance with Trust policy.
• Carry out comprehensive specialist Speech and language therapy assessments for clients with complex learning and physical health needs. Interpret clinical information and data related to clinical parameters along with non-clinical information and use clinical reasoning skills to accurately diagnose and develop specific treatment plans.
• Provide specialist advice to other professionals or single assessments to meet clients holistic care needs across various pathways e.g. dysphagia, communication, positive behaviour support, memory service.
• Formulate and deliver individual treatment plans based on specialist knowledge, evidence-based practise, national and local guidelines using profession-specific clinical skills and techniques. (E.g. 1:1 interventions, carer education, patient education).
• Maintain and share up-to-date knowledge of Speech and language therapy assessment and intervention evidence-base developments for this client group.
• Maintain and share up to date knowledge of instrumental assessment available and to be able to signpost to services who assess and provide this and/or assist in accessing and delivery of these services supporting individuals with learning disability.
• Contribute to the multi-disciplinary clinical referrals, assessment and discharge planning process and onward referral as required.
• Prioritise urgent or unexpected or planned referrals, adjusting caseloads and allocations to meet revised needs.
• Undertake other duties when requested by professional or operational managers.
• Maintain a professional portfolio to demonstrate competency to practice and which meets the requirements of professional registration.
• Demonstrate the ability to facilitate team working across organisational boundaries and with healthcare professionals outside of the Trust.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Degree in Speech and language therapy
• Unrestricted registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Extensive post registration experience

Experience

Desirable

• Clinical and professional leadership experience

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Essential

• Leading and supporting staff
• Evidence of CPD

Other

Essential

• Able to travel to meet the needs of the role Trust-wide
• Willing to undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced level

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. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).