Job summary
Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist - Learning Disability

Band 6-7 dependent on skills and experience

You became a Speech and Language Therapist because you're passionate about communication, inclusion, and making a difference. About helping people. Sounds about right?

Well, we've got an incredible opportunity waiting for you in our Community Learning Disability Team. In this role, your skills will go far--and the impact you make will be profound. The learning disability population is such an amazing group to work with. The individual and families really value the support you give and the relationships you build.

You'll be working with adults who have a LD, supporting their communication, eating and drinking needs. The caseload is wonderfully varied - no two days are the same. One day you might be in a client's home, the next in a day centre, supported living setting, or nursing home. You'll meet people from all walks of life, with different goals, abilities, and stories - and you'll be there to help amplify their voices and support their independence.

You don't need direct experience with LD - we'll provide all the training you need. This role could be a perfect fit if you're looking to transition from paediatrics or a specialist school setting, with plenty of transferable skills and support to help you thrive.

Although this post is advertised as a Band 7, we are willing to consider an appropriately qualified Band 6 or a progression role.

Interview date TBC

Main duties of the job

• Deliver specialist SLT input: Assess, develop, and implement Speech and Language Therapy programmes that make a genuine difference.
• Work as part of an expert multidisciplinary team: Join psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, and behaviour specialists, each one passionate about delivering the very best support.
• Inspire and lead your team: Supervise and manage other Speech and Language Therapists, providing leadership in this specialism.

About us
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust provide hospital and community services from a number of community and specialist clinics throughout Croydon. The Trust was formed on 1st August 2010 through the integration of Croydon Community Health Services and Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust. Around 4,100 staff provide services for a population of over 360,000 people who are relatively young with a high level of ethnic diversity.

Our main hospital site, Croydon University Hospital is one of the busiest in London. We're also leading the way in providing more healthcare outside hospitals at clinics, specialist centres and in people's homes. Our experienced district nursing teams, Allied Health Professionals and community matrons look after people of all ages across Croydon and our Children's Hospital at Home cares for children with long-term conditions without them having to come to hospital.

Across the NHS everyone is working hard to meet growing demand and we're no exception. But with the right people on board, we are rising to this challenge, putting our people in the driving seat, encouraging innovation and transforming our services to give local people the quality of care they deserve. Croydon Health Services puts a great deal of importance on education and training throughout the careers of all of our staff. As well as offering access to a range of core skills training and professional development.

Details
Date posted: 03 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £55,524 to £62,652 a year pro-rata, per annum (pro rata) incl. HCAS (outer)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working, Compressed hours
Reference number: 199-8353996-NP

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Speech and Language Therapy Degree Qualification and Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council
• RCSLT accredited post graduate dysphagia qualification/ RCSLT dysphagia competencies framework

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in related field

Experience
Essential

• Considerable experience of working with adults who have learning disabilities

Desirable

• Experience of supervision and line management
• Significant experience in independently managing a complex dysphagia caseload

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of a range of appropriate assessments and therapeutic interventions (relevant to the client group)
• Knowledge of national policies and procedures (relevant to the client group) and ability to update knowledge

Skills
Essential

• Developed skills in using symbol software packages and producing communication resources
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

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).

Employer contact details
Clinical Lead Speech & Language Therapist: Sam Hadlow, samhadlow@nhs.net, 07918360113

Apply through our website