Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Adult Learning Disability

Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Adult Learning Disability
Closing date: 27 July 2026

Job Summary
The Adult Learning Disability Speech & Language Therapy Team have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and experienced band 6 Therapist to join our friendly and supportive team in a permanent position, based in beautiful South Devon, with easy access to beautiful beaches and moors. The position is part-time 26.25 hours/wk).
We are an innovative and motivated team within a supportive and collaborative environment that offers:

• collaborative working with our colleagues within Devon Partnership Trust
• 1:1 regular management supervision.
• Access to clinical supervision 1:1 and in peer groups.
• Joint working and second opinions with our clinical specialists.
• Regular opportunities for CPD
• A car owner/driver and current driving licence is essential or full access to a car for work purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and 2005).

Main duties of the job

• To provide specialist assessment of clients with learning disabilities who have complex communication needs, and/or challenging behaviour/mental health issues
• To undertake assessment and develop management plans for people with complex eating and drinking difficulties (dysphagia and choking)
• To providing appropriate training for staff groups, carers or family members to understand and implement advice and recommendations
• To work into the Specialist Health Community Learning Disability Teams (SHCLDT) within Devon Partnership Trust, which provide multi-professional delivery of holistic care and intervention.
• To provide a community service to people with learning disability working in different environments and locations
• To liaise with wider SLT colleagues across adult teams within the acute and community setting, and across transition within the children's team
• Weekend working and home working may be required in order to provide a service model that meets future requirements

About us
Why Work With Us
The ALD Speech and Language Therapy Team are part of Torbay & South Devon Foundation Trust, an integrated care organisation, the first in the UK, serving rural and urban communities in South Devon.
We are a small but friendly and inclusive team of SLTs within Learning Disability, who work into a large MDT team led by Devon Partnership Trust (DPT).
We work within the community, covering Torbay, South and West Devon.
We offer excellent supervision and support by senior SLTs within T&SDFT and DPT as well as from MDT Clinical Specialists from across the team - psychiatrists/psychologists/nurses/occupational and physiotherapists.

Details
Date posted: 10 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 388-8023529-FC&I-A
Job locations: Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ5 3NE, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities

• To work into a small team of Adult Learning Disability speech and language therapists
• To independently manage a caseload of clients with learning disabilities, who may have complex communication needs, and/or eating and drinking difficulties (dysphagia and choking)
• To work as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team
• To provide training and support to staff teams, carers, families and colleagues
• To supervise and support more junior speech and language therapists, assistants and students

Please note: Priority will be given to applicants with recognised 'Priority' or 'At Risk' status, including NHS staff identified across Devon.

Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential

• Degree in speech and language therapy (or equivalent)
• Current professional registration with HCPC and Registered Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists /RCSLT)
• Evidence of relevant CPD/ongoing education

Desirable

• Membership of a relevant Clinical Excellence Network (CEN) and/or CPD

Knowledge and experience
Essential

• Clinical experience in a range of core areas such as learning disability, dysphagia, Intensive Interaction, autism, sensory impairment, dementia and AAC using a person centred approach
• Evidence of completion of RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies at foundation level
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary community setting
• Ability to work alone and as integral part of a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Experience of working with a learning disability caseload.
• Knowledge and experience of using assessments such CASP, ACE, TALC etc.
• Experience of working with people with behaviours that may challenge and/or mental health issues
• Evidence of post-grad training in specialist short courses up to Masters level or equivalent in specialist ALD clinical field
• Experience of supervising students, assistants and junior SLTs
• Experience of providing clinical leadership and service development
• Experience of producing accessible information using easy words and pictures, including use of symbol software and communication Apps
• Signing skills ie Makaton , BSL

Specific skills
Essential

• Good collaborative team skills, ability to function well as a member of different teams
• Positive valuing approach to people with learning disabilities
• Good organisational skills, flexibility & ability to prioritise
• Ability to work closely with carers, support workers and other professionals across a range of agencies

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).