Speech and Language Therapist

This post aims to support the Brent Community Learning Disability Team to provide clinical expertise and a high-quality Speech and Language Service aimed at improving the quality of life for adults with a learning disability in Brent.

The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. As an NHS Trust, we strongly encourage and support vaccination, as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course, patients and service users when working in our healthcare settings.

Main duties of the job: As a Speech and Language Therapist within the Brent Learning Disability Service, you will play a key role in providing specialist assessment and intervention for adults with communication and swallowing difficulties. You will manage your own caseload, applying evidence-based practice to develop individualised care plans and deliver effective interventions across community and healthcare settings.

The role also involves working with a wide range of professionals, carers, and families to ensure person-centred support and meaningful outcomes for service users. You will contribute to the multidisciplinary team, supporting joint care planning and service development. A core part of the role includes delivering training and advice to carers, support workers, and other professionals, helping to promote safe practice and maximise service users’ skills.

You will supervise students and junior staff, supporting learning and professional development within the team. The post offers structured support and development, with the opportunity for Band 5 appointees to progress to Band 6 through a clear developmental framework.

Responsibilities

• Caseload Management – Independently assess, plan, and deliver specialist speech and language therapy interventions for adults with learning disabilities who present with communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
• Specialist Assessment – Use clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice to carry out comprehensive assessments, formulate management plans, and produce clear written reports.
• Intervention and Therapy – Develop and implement individualised care plans, including the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, and evaluate outcomes.
• Person-Centred Practice – Involve service users, carers, and support staff in all aspects of planning and prioritising care to ensure meaningful and personalised outcomes.
• Multidisciplinary Working – Work as an active member of the multidisciplinary team, attending meetings and collaborating with colleagues across health, social care, and community settings.
• Training and Advice – Provide training, guidance, and support to carers, families, support workers, and other professionals on communication and swallowing needs, including risk management.
• Supervision and Development – Support the supervision and training of junior staff, assistants, and students, contributing to professional development within the service.
• Clinical Governance – Maintain accurate clinical records, adhere to Trust policies and professional codes of conduct, and contribute to service audits, quality initiatives, and evidence-based practice.
• Service Development – Participate in service improvement projects, contribute to shaping the SLT service within the Learning Disability team, and support innovations in practice.
• Professional Development – Engage in regular appraisal and supervision, maintain a professional portfolio, and undertake ongoing training, including progression to post-basic dysphagia competencies where required.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification: Essential criteria include a Degree in Speech and Language Therapy, Registration with HCPC, and Member of the RCSLT. Desirable criteria include Evidence of continuing professional development and Post-graduate dysphagia training.

Previous Experience: Essential criteria include Knowledge and application of speech and language therapy assessments and interventions, Knowledge of evidence-based practice and its contribution to practice governance, and Planning and coordination of treatment packages. Desirable criteria include Supervision Skills, Experience of working within a learning disability setting, and Experience of managing a mixed (dysphagia and communication) caseload.

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities: Essential criteria include Knowledge and skills in using a range of communication assessment tools, Ability to work autonomously, on own initiative, Excellent communication skills, Skills in producing timely, accurate and informative reports and notes, Excellent organisational skills, and Ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team. Desirable criteria include Skills in using a variety of communication interventions and Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.