Speech and Language Therapist – Adult Learning Disability Team

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

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Manchester is seeking an experienced Speech and Language Therapist for its Adult Learning Disability Team. The role involves providing specialist therapy input to individuals with learning disabilities, working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, and engaging in dysphagia management. Candidates should possess an RCSLT accredited degree, HCPC registration, and experience in the field. The position offers a competitive salary between £38,682 to £46,580 per annum (pro rata).

Qualifications

• Experience as a speech and language therapist with adults with learning disabilities.
• Supervisory experience with junior colleagues.
• Detailed knowledge of conditions associated with adults with learning disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist speech and language therapy input to adults with learning disabilities.
• Conduct dysphagia assessments and support management.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for efficient patient care.

Skills

Knowledge of communication impairments

Experience with dysphagia management

Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams

Education

RCSLT accredited degree or equivalent Certificate to Practice

Health and Care Professions Council registration

Postgraduate basic certificate in dysphagia

Job description

Overview

Speech and Language Therapist – Adult Learning Disability Team, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)

The closing date for applications is 11 November 2025.

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic speech and language therapist to join our adult learning disability services. Our SLT service aims to work with people in the most person-centred way to promote effective and empowering personal communication and safe, comfortable, enjoyable and dignified eating and drinking.

You will be based in a community learning disability team with colleagues from physiotherapy, clinical psychology, community nursing, occupational therapy and social workers. The role is based in our Cheetham Hill office, with teams also in Hulme and Wythenshawe.

Main duties of the job

You will provide specialist speech and language therapy input to people with a range of learning disabilities and associated problems (e.g. sensory impairments, mental health problems and physical disabilities) in their homes, colleges, local communities, day centres and workplaces.

There are opportunities to further develop skills in 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.

You will have access to specialist IT programmes for communication support, for example Boardmaker and Grid 3.

We have good working relationships with colleagues in acute and paediatric speech and language therapy, audiology, orthoptics, community nutrition and dentistry, and you will work with colleagues from other agencies (e.g. Adult and Children’s Social Care, Greater Manchester Police, Pure Innovations, carer forums) and the Manchester Local Care Organisation.

About us

MFT is one of the largest NHS trusts in England, committed to creating an exceptional integrated health and social care system for the communities it serves. We champion collaborative working and transformation, with a large workforce and significant opportunities.

We are digitally enabled, with Hive (our Electronic Patient Record system) launched in September 2022, and are committed to research, education and sustainability through our Green Plan. We foster inclusion and equal opportunities, support staff wellbeing, and promote a fair, open and transparent culture.

At MFT, we create and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and protect your health and wellbeing as you care for others.

Diversity and inclusion

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. 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. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please email [e-mail].

We look forward to hearing from you!

Person Specification

Qualifications

• RCSLT accredited degree or equivalent Certificate to Practice as a speech and language therapist (SLT)
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
• Postgraduate basic certificate in dysphagia issued by a course recognised by RCSLT therapists
• Membership of a relevant Clinical Excellence Network (CEN)

Knowledge

• Detailed knowledge of conditions associated with adults with learning disabilities (e.g. mental health, physical disability, sensory impairments, physical illnesses and degenerative conditions)
• Theoretical knowledge of communication impairments and assessment methods
• Knowledge of communication support interventions for clients with learning disabilities
• Knowledge of dysphagia assessment and management for clients with learning disabilities
• Knowledge of relevant NHS and Social Care legislation and trends

Experience

• Experience as a speech and language therapist with adults with learning disabilities
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team and with relatives and carers
• Experience in a specialist area e.g. dysphagia or challenging behaviour
• Experience completing dysphagia assessments and implementing dysphagia support
• Experience supervising junior colleagues
• Experience devising and delivering training on dysphagia and adults with learning disabilities
• Experience providing placements for SLT students

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure to be processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

£38,682 to £46,580 per annum (pro rata)