Senior Speech & Language Therapist - Adult Learning Disabilities

The closing date is 02 June 2026

The post holder is a valued team member of the ALD Speech and Language Therapy Teams working in partnership with TEWV Learning disability multidisciplinary Teams. This includes providing clinical support to Band 5 therapists and supervision to a Speech and Language Therapy Assistants as necessary.

The postholder will independently provide a comprehensive specialist clinical service specifically to adults with Learning Disabilities, with communication and eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (EDS).

To provide training, direct/indirect support to other professionals relating to ALD communication and EDS difficulties.

To participate in the development and implementation of care pathways, departmental policies/protocols.

To assess, diagnose, develop, implement and evaluate Specialist Speech and Language Therapy Treatment and care programmes/plans for clients with communication, EDS difficulties

Supervise/monitor competencies of band 3 and 4 assistants

To write reports reflecting specialist knowledge, e.g. for client, carers and other professionals

To fully contribute to clinical teams both multi-disciplinary and uni-disciplinary by discussing own and others input around client needs ensuring a well-co-ordinated care plan

To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with HCPC professional standards and local Trust policies

To provide second opinions to colleagues as appropriate

To develop clear care plans based on best practice

To work independently, managing and prioritising own complex caseload and workload with supervision as necessary

To provide advice to others regarding the management and care of clients with communication and EDS difficulties

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) cares for the population in Harrogate and the local area, as well as across North Yorkshire, Leeds and parts of the North East.

• A supportive culture so colleagues can bring their whole selves to work.
• Staff Recognition - as well as regular appraisals, we recognise achievements with our Making a Difference & Team of the Month Awards, along with annual Colleague Recognition Awards.
• Employee Support and wellbeing - we offer a wide range of staff benefits including an Employee Assistance Programme, counselling service and a fast-track Physiotherapy service.

• Due to high levels of interest, posts may close early if we reach a sufficient number of applications
• Visa sponsorship is only available for certain roles. Please ensure the role you are interested in meets the criteria for a visa before submitting your application.
• Please also be aware that the Trust does not offer relocation packages for Agenda for Change roles.
• All job offers are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

Please see job description attached. If you have any questions, please contact Stephen Williams on

• Appropriate professional qualification in Speech and Language Therapy role
• Current relevant registration with specific regulatory body
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 7 for International recruits
• Post graduate training in relevant specialist area

• Minimum 12 months post qualifying experience of Speech and Language Therapy delivery

• Understanding of the needs of service users with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
• Post graduate training in specialist area (e.g. dysphagia, autism diagnostics)
• Experience of managing complex Speech and Language Therapy cases

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.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

Two of the three sites (York / Scarborough / Northallerton)

£39,959 to £48,117 a yearper annum pro rata

Permanent

Full-time

421-PSC-3875R

Two of the three sites (York / Scarborough / Northallerton)