Speech and Language Therapist – Adult Learning Disability Team

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Manchester is seeking an experienced speech and language therapist to join its community learning disability team. The successful candidate will focus on promoting effective communication and safe eating/drinking practices. This full-time role involves providing therapy across various settings, developing clinical skills, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. The salary range is competitive, reflecting the responsibilities of this essential position.

Qualifications

• Licensed speech and language therapist with a relevant degree.
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Proven experience handling clients with learning disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist therapy to clients in diverse settings.
• Develop clinical skills in various areas including autism and dysphagia.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team for effective care.

Skills

Speech and language therapy expertise

Collaborative teamwork

Dysphagia management

Knowledge of communication impairments

Education

RCSLT accredited degree or equivalent

HCPC registration

Tools

Boardmaker

Grid 3

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic speech and language therapist to work with people in the most person-centred way to promote effective and empowering personal communication and safe, comfortable, enjoyable and dignified eating & drinking. You will be based in a community learning disability team with colleagues from physiotherapy, clinical psychology, community nursing, occupational therapy and social workers. This role is based in our Cheetham Hill office although we also have teams in Hulme and Wythenshawe.

Responsibilities

Main duties of the job:

• Provide specialist speech and language therapy input to people with a range of learning disabilities and associated problems in homes, colleges, local communities, day centres and work places.
• Develop skills in clinical areas such as AAC, dysphagia management, complex health needs, autism, risky behaviours and mental health through clinical supervision, SLT meetings, project work and access to internal and external courses.
• Use specialist IT programmes for communication support, for example Boardmaker, Grid 3.

About Us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe – a great place to shape your career. MFT delivers exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to teamwork, respect and inclusion.

Details

• Date posted: 22 December 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: 6
• Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum (pro rata)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 349-LCO-7697696C*
• Location: Crescent Bank, Humphrey Street, Crumpsall, Manchester M8 9JS

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• RCSLT accredited degree or equivalent Certificate to Practice as a speech and language therapist (SLT)
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language T Post graduate basic certificate in dysphagia issued by a course recognised by RCSLT therapists (duplicate lines removed)

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Membership of a relevant Clinical Excellence Network (CEN)

Knowledge (Essential)

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the different conditions associated with adults with learning disabilities e.g. mental health, physical disability, sensory impairments, physical illnesses and degenerative conditions
• A good theoretical knowledge of communication impairments and communication assessment methods
• Knowledge of communication support interventions applicable to a range of clients with learning disabilities & associated conditions
• Knowledge of dysphagia assessment and management strategies applicable to a range of clients with learning disabilities and associated conditions
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation /trends within the NHS and Social Care

Experience (Essential)

• Demonstrable and relevant experience of working as a speech and language therapist with adults with learning disabilities
• Experience of working collaboratively and successfully within a multi-disciplinary team and with relatives and carers
• Experience of working within a relevant specialist area e.g. dysphagia, challenging behaviour
• Experience of completing dysphagia assessments as a qualified practitioner and implementing dysphagia support interventions with clients and their carers where applicable

Experience (Desirable)

• Supervising of junior colleagues
• Devise & deliver training for colleagues & carers about dysphagia & adults with learning disabilities
• Experience of providing placements for speech and language therapy students

Application Ethics

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application: We expect that content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role-specific questions is written by you. AI tools can support spelling, grammar or formatting only.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Employer Details

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Crescent Bank, Humphrey Street, Crumpsall, Manchester M8 9JS