Job summary
We are looking for an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to provide 12 months Maternity Cover here at the Newham Health Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities.

We are a proactive, friendly adult LD team who cover the compact borough of Newham. We work mainly with people with severe-profound LD and provide dysphagia and communication assessments and interventions. We provide training and work closely with our MDT colleagues in the community.

The position is available for 12 months from December 2026 until December 2027.

This could be an opportunity for an experienced lead SLT or a developing SLT as we have support available from the Team Deputy Manager (who is an SLT) as well as strong links with other ELFT LD teams. Dysphagia experience is required for this post.

Main duties of the job

• To provide clinical leadership and professional development support for the team's Band 6 Speech and Language Therapists and Band 4 Therapy Assistant.
• To offer expert advice and conduct specialized assessments and interventions in speech and language therapy for adults with learning disabilities and their families or caregivers.
• To carry out detailed assessments and provide recommendations on feeding, dysphagia, and the management of complex cases.
• To ensure that the speech and language therapy provided aligns with current best practices and is grounded in evidence-based approaches.
• To gather both quantitative and qualitative data regarding speech and language therapy referrals, interventions, and outcomes, using this information to guide service development.
• To actively participate in service development initiatives both within the Learning Disabilities team and in a broader context, contributing an expert perspective on speech and language therapy.
• To foster integrated and collaborative working, both within and across LD teams, East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), and with external providers.
• To closely collaborate with the Deputy Team Manager (SLT), Team Manager, and other Lead Clinicians within the team, as well as with primary and secondary health services, social care teams, and organizations that support individuals with learning disabilities.

About us
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Details
Closing date: 08 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £55,524 to £62,652 a year per annum pro rata Inc outer London HCAs
Contract: Fixed term, 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 363-NEW8326028

Essential criteria

• Minimum of 4 years clinical, post-registration Speech and Language Therapy experience, including working with adults with Learning Disabilities and dysphagia
• Evidence of sound knowledge of SLT assessment and intervention for adults with LD
• To evidence skills in supervision/service development
• Knowledge of theory and practice of SLT with clients with physical, cognitive and psycho-social needs
• Experience in training others

Desirable criteria

• Training completed in specialist LD SLT interventions
• Experience of quality improvement

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
For questions about the job, contact: Rachel James, Deputy team manager (Speech & Language Therapist), rachel.james6@nhs.net, 02080596600

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.