The closing date is 19 June 2026.
Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Adult Learning Disability
The Adult Learning Disability Speech & Language Therapy Team has 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. The role is full-time (37.5 hours per week).
Benefits and Support
* Collaborative working with our colleagues within Devon Partnership Trust
* 1:1 regular management supervision
* Access to 1:1 and peer group clinical supervision
* Joint working and second opinions with clinical specialists
* Regular opportunities for CPD
* Requirement for a car owner/driver with current driving licence (unless disability as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and 2005)
Main duties
* Provide specialist assessment of clients with learning disabilities who have complex communication needs and/or challenging behaviour/mental health issues.
* Undertake assessment and develop management plans for people with complex eating and drinking difficulties (dysphagia and choking).
* Provide appropriate training for staff, carers and family members to implement advice and recommendations.
* Work within the Specialist Health Community Learning Disability Teams (SHCLDT) within Devon Partnership Trust, delivering holistic care and intervention.
* Deliver community service to people with learning disability in various environments and locations.
* Liaise with broader SLT colleagues across adult teams in acute and community settings and across transition with the children’s team.
* Weekend and home working may be required to meet service model needs.
About us
The ALD Speech and Language Therapy Team is part of Torbay & South Devon Foundation Trust, an integrated care organisation serving rural and urban communities in South Devon. We are a small but friendly and inclusive team of SLTs within Learning Disability, working within a large MDT led by Devon Partnership Trust. We cover the community in Torbay, South and West Devon and provide excellent supervision and support by senior SLTs and multidisciplinary clinical specialists.
Job responsibilities
* Work as part of a small team of Adult Learning Disability speech and language therapists.
* Independently manage a caseload of clients with complex communication needs and/or dysphagia.
* Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team.
* Provide training and support to staff, carers, families and colleagues.
* Supervise and support junior speech and language therapists, assistants and students.
Qualifications and Training
* Degree in speech and language therapy (or equivalent).
* Current HCPC registration and membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
* Evidence of relevant CPD and ongoing education.
* Membership of a relevant Clinical Excellence Network (CEN) and/or ongoing CPD.
Knowledge and Experience
* Clinical experience in core areas such as learning disability, dysphagia, Intensive Interaction, autism, sensory impairment, dementia and AAC using a person‑centred approach.
* Completion of RCSLT Dysphagia Competencies at foundation level.
* Experience working in a multidisciplinary community setting.
* Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Experience with a learning disability caseload.
* Knowledge of assessments such as CASP, ACE, TALC etc.
* Experience with challenging behaviours and/or mental health issues.
* Post‑graduate training in specialist short courses up to Masters level or equivalent in specialist ALD clinical field.
* Experience supervising students, assistants and junior SLTs.
* Experience providing clinical leadership and service development.
* Experience producing accessible information using simple language, pictures, symbol software and communication apps.
Specific Skills
* 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 and 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. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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