Lead Speech and Language Therapist (Adult Learning Disabilities)

Job overview

We are looking for an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to provide 12 months Maternity Cover here at the Newham Health Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities.

We are a proactive, friendly adult LD team who cover the compact borough of Newham. We work mainly with people with severe-profound LD and provide dysphagia and communication assessments and interventions. We provide training and work closely with our MDT colleagues in the community.

The position is available for 12 months from December 2026 until December 2027.

This could be an opportunity for an experienced lead SLT or a developing SLT as we have support available from the Team Deputy Manager (who is an SLT) as well as strong links with other ELFT LD teams. Dysphagia experience is required for this post.

Main duties of the job

To provide clinical leadership and professional development support for the team's Band 6 Speech and Language Therapists and Band 4 Therapy Assistant.

To offer expert advice and conduct specialized assessments and interventions in speech and language therapy for adults with learning disabilities and their families or caregivers.

To carry out detailed assessments and provide recommendations on feeding, dysphagia, and the management of complex cases.

To ensure that the speech and language therapy provided aligns with current best practices and is grounded in evidence-based approaches.

To gather both quantitative and qualitative data regarding speech and language therapy referrals, interventions, and outcomes, using this information to guide service development.

To actively participate in service development initiatives both within the Learning Disabilities team and in a broader context, contributing an expert perspective on speech and language therapy.

To foster integrated and collaborative working, both within and across LD teams, East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), and with external providers.

To closely collaborate with the Deputy Team Manager (SLT), Team Manager, and other Lead Clinicians within the team, as well as with primary and secondary health services, social care teams, and organizations that support individuals with learning disabilities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see JD (Job Description) and PS (Personal Specification) for full details of role requirements. Please consult the attached job description and person specification associated with the vacancy profile of this advertisement.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.