Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (Learning Disabilities)

NHS; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

A local healthcare organization in London is seeking a motivated Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) to join their community Learning Disability Team. This role focuses on providing assessments and developing strategies for individuals with learning disabilities, facilitating effective communication and therapy. Ideal candidates will have experience with adult dysphagia and be passionate about improving health outcomes for their patients.

Benefits

Comprehensive induction

Flexible working options

Annual travel card loan

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities.
• Registered membership of HCPC and RCSLT required.
• Experience of assessment and treatment of adult dysphagia.

Responsibilities

• Develop SLT strategies for people with learning disabilities.
• Work closely with other professionals in healthcare settings.
• Provide clinical input for patients with complex needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

IT skills

Education

First degree and Licence to Practise from the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists

Job description

Overview

As London's largest NHS Trust dedicated to community healthcare, we offer leadership, learning and career opportunities for community healthcare professionals. We champion the role of community health professionals to ensure patients receive great care closer to home. We are offering a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) post in the Triborough Learning Disability Team, delivering a community Learning Disability service in the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea. The service is multidisciplinary and supports adults with learning disabilities from age 18, including transition from children's services.

Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Speech & Language Therapist (Band 6) to deliver communication input and develop dysphagia skills, contributing to improvements in health for people with learning disabilities. This post offers an opportunity to develop skills and experience in a community setting in line with national policy and evidence-based practice guidance.

Main duties

You will:

• Develop SLT strategies and provide health promotion for people with learning disabilities.
• Work closely with other professionals and clinicians in primary & secondary care, carers, advocacy groups, voluntary sector, care provider organisations and within the acute sector.
• Provide clinical input for an identified group of patients with complex needs.
• Set high standards of practice and be a flexible, adaptable team player.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and motivate engaging both professional staff and clients.

About us

We care about our patients and our staff. We can offer a comprehensive induction into the community service, flexible working options, training and development, and other benefits as listed below.

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction into the community service and local induction
• Flexible working options
• Annual travel card loan
• Training, support and development in your career

Details of broader benefits can be seen at our pay and benefits page.

Details

Posted: 09 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year PA inc HCAS (pro rata)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours

Reference number: 824-INNER-7500284

Location: St Marks Road, London, W11 1RG

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification for full list of responsibilities

Person Specification

Education/Qualification (Essential):

• First degree and Licence to Practise from the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
• Current registered membership of HCPC and RCSLT
• Post-graduate training in clinical areas relevant to the post e.g. Makaton, Clinical Supervision, PECS, Talking Mats

Desirable:

• RCSLT post-graduate accredited Dysphagia qualification or working towards accreditation

Experience (Essential):

• Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities
• Experience of assessment and treatment of adult dysphagia
• Administering clinical assessments and analysing them
• Development and implementation of care programs
• Clear communication with parents/carers and service users
• Working independently with a joint communication and dysphagia caseload
• Collaborative work within multidisciplinary settings

Desirable:

• Supervising others (e.g., Assistant, Student)
• Experience in adult community settings
• Experience in development of SLT services

Skills & Knowledge

Essential:

• Ability to analyse formal and informal assessments for people with complex needs
• Knowledge of up-to-date assessment and therapeutic interventions for the specialist area
• Experience of assessment and treatment of dysphagia
• Clinical governance/audit awareness
• Knowledge of national policies, legislation and procedures impacting SLT and care for people with learning disabilities
• Clinical and ethical reasoning, planning and evaluation of intervention
• Clear, sensitive communication with clients, carers and professionals
• Strong written and IT skills for video calls, reports, accessible information and online resources
• Calm, flexible, and resilient in stressful situations
• Problem-solving, organisational, prioritisation and judgement skills
• Family-centred practice understanding

Desirable:

• Knowledge of multi-agency services and referral processes
• Teaching/presentation skills for professionals and peers
• Experience supervising student SLTs
• Knowledge of Makaton

Key Attributes

• Personal and professional responsibility
• Self-motivation, good organisation and time management
• Ability to manage own caseload
• Commitment to ongoing learning
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently
• Physical fitness as required by the job description
• Risk assessment and clear reporting skills
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Flexibility around work location and travel within the borough
• Ability to cope with uncertainty and change
• Evidence of Trust values and behaviours
• IT skills competency
• Desirable: Creative thinking

Other

Disclosure and Barring Service checks apply; UK registration and sponsorship information follow standard guidance and requirements. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure check may be required. For sponsorship and overseas checks, see UK Visas and Immigration guidance.

Employer details

Central London Community Health Trust

St Marks Road, 1-9 St Marks Road, London, W11 1RG

Website: https://clch.nhs.uk/