We have an exciting opportunity for a Speech and Language Therapist to develop their skills and knowledge working with Adults with Learning Disabilities (intellectual) in the Cambridgeshire Learning Disability Partnership (LDP). This post is open to Newly Qualified Speech and Language Therapists and SLT's graduating in Summer 2026.
The LDP comprises of five locality-based integrated Community Specialist Health and Social Care Teams and day and accommodation services organised by the Local Authority for adults with a Learning Disability. Multidisciplinary teams include Allied Health Professionals, Social Workers, Learning Disability Nurses, Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists.
We have close links with the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge.
The teams aim to provide person-centred, integrated, specialist health and care management services that promote an individual’s right to choice, independence, health and wellbeing in line with their assessed needs and in a way that will promote them to reach their full potential.
If you are appointed into this role as a development post you will be appointed as a Band 5, you will be provided with a list of competencies to complete and an agreed timescale in which to complete these, up to a maximum of 12months. Competencies will be reviewed in your supervisions and appraisals. Only on successful completion of these competencies, you will progress to a Band 6.
To participate in the delivery of Speech and Language Therapy, under the guidance of a supervising Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, to a caseload of Adults with Learning Disability (ALD).
To take part in regular supervision to guide your own practice.
To supervise work undertaken with SLT Assistant/ Associate Practitioner.
To contribute to the planning, development, and evaluation of learning disability services.
T o manage a case load providing assessment, identification and treatment of the health and communication needs of adults with a learning disability with supervision.
To participate in multi-disciplinary / multi agency working within the LDP, and with other Key partners.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organisation dedicated to providing high quality care with compassion to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.
Our clinical teams deliver a wide range of NHS services across inpatient, primary care and community settings, including children’s, adult and older people’s mental health, forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, primary care and liaison psychiatry, substance misuse, social care, and research and development.
To achieve our goals, we recruit high calibre candidates who share our vision and values. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly under represented groups including people with long term conditions and members of our ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities.
All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a probationary period.
Please note we reserve the right to close adverts early should we receive sufficient applications.
Regrettably, we cannot offer sponsorship for all roles. If you apply for a post that does not attract sponsorship, your application will be withdrawn from the process.
For further information on CPFT, please visit our website at https://www.cpft.nhs.uk
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities.
The post holder will demonstrate a degree of clinical knowledge within the area of adult learning disability and would attend identified , relevant appropriate post registration training.
To have skills in the assessment, identification, treatment and management of communication needs.
To demonstrate knowledge about the swallowing disorder needs of the adult learning disab ility population.
To demonstrate skills and knowledge in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) including signing, symbol and communication aid use across a variety of communication environments.
To facilitate and give advice about development of information that is accessible to service users, staff and carers as required .
To use observation skills to assess service user and carer/support staff communication (including verbal, non-verbal communication) and consider how adaptive strategies can improve communication, being aware of cultural and linguistic differences.
To have an understanding of Health and Social Care policy and legislation for the service user group in relation to your professional practice.
To develop skills to prioritise and manage a caseload within the context of a multi-disciplinary team.
To develop understanding of the wider health needs of the adult learnin g disab il ity population, such as mental health, epilepsy, dementia, dysphagia, behaviour s of concern and palliative care and make onward referrals to other health services when required .
To work collaboratively with service users, their carers and families as appropriate , to make decisions relevant to the service users’ individual communication needs.
To develop communication skills in conflict resolution .
To develop knowledge of positive behaviour support approaches.
To plan, implement and review SLT care plans for service users in conjunction with support workers and team members as appropriate .
To work in service user’s homes and a variety of community settings .
To write timely professional reports/ records and action plans in line with professional guidelines that comply with CPFT and County Council record keeping policies as appropriate .
To provide clinical information in relation to individual case work to professional colleagues within the LDP.
To support work to reduce health inequalities for adults with learning disability by working with partners in primary and secondary care.
Please note for this role you will be required to travel independently around the county meeting strict time deadlines. You will need to hold a full UK driving licence* and have use of a vehicle. You cannot use public transport for this role as this is not a reliable form of transport and will not allow you to meet service needs. Please confirm in your application that you meet the specified criteria.
- DVLA have a number of reciprocal arrangements with overseas countries, for further information please visit the DVLA website
