Specialist Speech and Language Therapist(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our Community Learning Disability Service (CLDS). This Band 6 post offers an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities while working within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

You will be an integral part of ELFT’s wider Speech and Language Therapy network, contributing your expertise across community-based learning disability services. The role is varied, autonomous, and collaborative, with opportunities to influence service development and improve inclusive communication practices across Tower Hamlets.

About the Service

CLDS is a fully integrated health and social care service structured around three core care pathways:

• Transition (supporting young people moving into adult services)
• Community Health & Wellbeing
• Mental Health and Behavioural Support

You will work flexibly across these pathways, responding to service need and supporting adults with learning disabilities to live healthier, more independent lives.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Specialist SLT, you will manage a defined caseload and work independently while remaining closely connected to the wider MDT. Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering specialist speech and language therapy assessments and interventions for adults with learning disabilities
• Assessing and supporting complex communication needs, including AAC, signing and symbol systems
• Assessing and managing dysphagia (eating and drinking difficulties) in line with best practice
• Advising carers, families, and professionals on inclusive communication strategies
• Undertaking eligibility assessments for referrals to CLDS and contributing to duty functions
• Working collaboratively with nursing, psychology, psychiatry, occupational therapy, social care and external agencies
• Supporting integrated working across ELFT, Tower Hamlets local authority, primary care and voluntary services
• Collecting and analysing outcome data to support audit, research and service improvement
• Actively contributing to service development projects and quality initiatives

Our Values

At ELFT, our work is guided by a simple but powerful mission:
to improve the quality of life for the people and communities we serve.

We are looking for someone who genuinely reflects our values:

• We Care
• We Respect
• We Are Inclusive
• These values shape how we work with service users, carers, colleagues, and partner organisations every day.

Essential Qualifications & Registration

You must have:

• A Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Communication Studies from an RCSLT-approved institution
• Current HCPC registration and licence to practise
• Membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• Strong clinical skills in communication assessment and therapy, including AAC

Desirable:

• Post-qualification training in dysphagia
• Training or experience in student supervision

Experience & Expertise

Essential experience includes:

• At least 18 months post-registration clinical experience working with adults or children with learning disabilities
• Experience supporting individuals with associated physical, sensory or mental health needs
• Confidence using electronic clinical record systems for documentation and outcome monitoring

Desirable:

• Experience supervising junior SLTs or students
• Involvement in audit or research activity

Knowledge & Skills

You will bring:

• Specialist knowledge across communication and dysphagia
• Highly developed communication skills, including working in emotionally sensitive situations
• Ability to adapt communication to cognitive ability, culture, and language needs
• Knowledge of current legislation and national policy affecting adults with learning disabilities
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work under pressure
• A commitment to person-centred, inclusive practice

Safeguarding, Registration & Right to Work

• This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available subject to eligibility
• Applicants must hold current UK professional registration

Useful External Resources (UK Government & NHS)

• NHS Careers – Speech and Language Therapy
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• Skilled Worker visa guidance (UK Government)

Join Us

This is a rewarding opportunity for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist who wants to work creatively, collaboratively and inclusively within a diverse East London community.