Speech and Language Therapist | East London NHS Foundation Trust

East London NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to work in Bedfordshire. The role includes providing services to adults with learning disabilities, managing a caseload, and working within a supportive multidisciplinary team. Applicants should have a relevant degree and experience with complex communication needs. This position offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and passionate about working with adults with learning disabilities.
• Experience in multidisciplinary team environments.
• Ability to carry a defined caseload with autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist services for communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Assess and diagnose communication impairments.
• Develop and deliver training to staff.

Skills

Experience with complex communication needs

Supervising therapists and assistants

Using Inclusive Communication approaches

Experience with Dysphagia

Managing challenging behaviour

Education

Relevant degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

Overview

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Band 6 37.5hrs
Based in Bedfordshire

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic specialist speech and language therapist with experience and a passion for working with adults who have a learning disability. You will be working in the Intensive Support Team and be part of an innovative MDT. This post will be based in Bedfordshire to cover areas in Luton, Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. You will be part of a supportive and dynamic multidisciplinary team.

You should be able to demonstrate experience of working with complex communication needs, challenging behaviour, AAC, dysphagia, support for Mental Capacity Assessments and use of an Inclusive Communication approach. Also, experience of supervising less experienced therapists/assistants and the delivery of specific training. We are able to offer you a friendly and supportive team environment with regular supervision meetings, reflective practice, multidisciplinary working, regular team meetings and an opportunity to develop your personal and clinical skills through a range of learning experiences including internal and external training, CPD programme, Quality Improvement and attendance at CEN’s. The post holder will be an integral part of the multidisciplinary team within the Intensive Support Team (IST). IST is a specialist crisis service for adults with a learning disability who have behaviours that challenge or changes to mental or physical health. IST is part of the wider Specialist health care team.

The post holder will be expected to carry a caseload, this will involve intensive community support to adults with learning disabilities with additional complex mental health and or challenging behaviour issues that result in the person posing a risk to themselves or others. This role will involve completing complex assessments and interventions including assessment and management of communication needs, Dysphagia/eating and drinking difficulties and advising the team on inclusive communication strategies. They will manage and prioritise a defined caseload and work with an appropriate degree of autonomy and independence with adults with learning disabilities.

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Responsibilities include:

• To provide a Specialist Service to people who have a Learning Disability with communication and/or swallowing difficulties within the Bedfordshire and Luton area and their staff/carers.
• To be able to demonstrate an awareness of impact of communication on mental health and behaviour that challenges.
• To identify, assess and diagnose a range of communication impairments and select appropriate clients and type of therapy for effective treatment.
• To continue to develop clinical skills and professional knowledge through experience, training and supervision.
• To take part in the supervision of students.
• To take part in supervision of the work of SLT Assistants and volunteers when required.
• To take part in the development and delivery of training to others.

This advert closes on Sunday 14 Sep 2025