Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist ALD/Dysphagia

Job description

Job summary

Are you an experienced Speech & Language Therapist, with a passion for supporting adults with learning disabilities with communication and dysphagia? We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist to join our Adult Learning Disabilities Service, within Hywel Dda University Health Board, based in beautiful Pembrokeshire, West Wales.

You will provide highly specialist assessment, diagnosis and management of complex communication and swallowing needs, across the Hywel Dda region. Working within our multidisciplinary Community Learning Disabilities Team and wider SLT team, you will help deliver high-quality, person-centred care. You will contribute to service development and work closely with supportive colleagues.

At Hywel Dda UHB, our valuesputting people at the heart of everything we do, striving for excellent services, and working together to be the best we can beguide our work. In this role, you will embody these values by supporting individuals with complex communication and/or dysphagia needs, ensuring their voices are heard, their choices respected and their goals central to every decision.

Applications are welcomed from candidates who do not currently hold the required competencies, where suitable, appointment may be made under Annex 21 with support to achieve these whilst in post.

Main duties of the job

You will provide highly specialist assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for adults with learning disabilities and dysphagia, using evidence-based approaches to support safe, effective care. Working collaboratively with individuals, families, and colleagues, you will develop person-centred care plans and offer clear specialist advice.

You will contribute to the development and review of clinical pathways, guidelines, and service standards within the Adult Learning Disabilities service. You will support clinical audit, inform service planning, and help promote best practice across the Health Board.

You will provide supervision to SLT colleagues and students, and deliver specialist training to staff, carers, and partner professionals to support skill development and confidence across the team.

You will manage your own caseload independently, prioritising to meet service needs across Pembrokeshire. You will maintain accurate documentation, contribute to routine data collection and ensure the safe use of clinical equipment in line with professional and organisational standards.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a key member of the Community Learning Disabilities Team, you will work closely with a range of health and social care professionals to support coordinated, holistic care. You will share specialist knowledge, communicate effectively in complex situations and contribute to cohesive care planning.

This post is advertised as a Band 7, however applicants who do not currently hold all the necessary competencies to a Band 7 level are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.

During the first year payment will be 60% of the top rate of Band 7 pay, second year 65%, third year 70% and fourth year 75%.Applicants would be supported to develop their competencies required to fulfil the role within48 months.

Following successful completion and successful attainment of skills and competences for the role, the post holder will then be paid at band 7 (minimum point on the scale). Failure to achieve the competencies in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.

As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.

This is a full-time position of 37.5 hours per week. We are committed to supporting flexible working and will consider requests for alternative working patterns, including compressed hours across 4 days, a 9-day fortnight, or other arrangements. We welcome discussions around flexible working and will consider requests on an individual basis, taking into account the needs of the service and the requirements of the role.

Set in one of Waless most stunning regions, Pembrokeshire offers an exceptional quality of life, with golden beaches, dramatic coastal paths, welcoming communities and the UKs only coastal National Park. Its a place where wellbeing, outdoor living and professional fulfilment come together. Hywel Dda UHB is committed to valuing staff, encouraging innovation and supporting ongoing professional development.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Interviews will be held on 14/10/2026

Job description
Job responsibilities

As a key member of the Community Learning Disabilities Team, you will work closely with a range of health and social care professionals to support coordinated, holistic care. You will share specialist knowledge, communicate effectively in complex situations and contribute to cohesive care planning.

This post is advertised as a Band 7, however applicants who do not currently hold all the necessary competencies to a Band 7 level are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.

During the first year payment will be 60% of the top rate of Band 7 pay, second year 65%, third year 70% and fourth year 75%.Applicants would be supported to develop their competencies required to fulfil the role within48 months.

Following successful completion and successful attainment of skills and competences for the role, the post holder will then be paid at band 7 (minimum point on the scale). Failure to achieve the competencies in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.

As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.

This is a full-time position of 37.5 hours per week. We are committed to supporting flexible working and will consider requests for alternative working patterns, including compressed hours across 4 days, a 9-day fortnight, or other arrangements. We welcome discussions around flexible working and will consider requests on an individual basis, taking into account the needs of the service and the requirements of the role.

Set in one of Waless most stunning regions, Pembrokeshire offers an exceptional quality of life, with golden beaches, dramatic coastal paths, welcoming communities and the UKs only coastal National Park. Its a place where wellbeing, outdoor living and professional fulfilment come together. Hywel Dda UHB is committed to valuing staff, encouraging innovation and supporting ongoing professional development.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Interviews will be held on 14/10/2026

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Degree in Speech & Language Therapy
• Evidence of successful completion of training/specialist short courses up to Masters Degree or equivalent level, and relevant to area of clinical expertise
• Dysphagia competencies mapped to Enhanced level of the Royal College for Speech and Language Therapy Speech and Language Therapist eating, drinking and swallowing competency framework, 2025
• HCPC registration
• RCSLT Membership
• Member of Relevant CEN/SIG/PPG
• Knowledge and experience of working with patients who have a learning disability including a wide range of specialist assessment tools and procedures and therapeutic interventions,
• Extensive experience of managing complex cases relevant to the area of expertise.
• Understanding of key policies, documents, guidelines and legislation relevant to the role.

Desirable

• Basic Counselling
• Knowledge of a range of research approaches
• Understanding of principles of change management

Experience

Essential

• Extensive post registration clinical experience relevant to the post including proven caseload management, time management skills and management of change
• Experience of audit / service evaluation
• Delivering highly specialist training to a range of audiences
• Supporting less experienced staff, including SLT Associate Practitioners, and SLT Student placements, inclusive of assessment, and experience of providing second opinions to SLTs and other professionals
• Demonstrable leadership experience

Desirable

• Delivering therapy through the medium of Welsh
• Supervision/line management of SLTs

Other

Essential

• Able to work in a variety of sites based upon service need
• Have a full drivers' licence and access to a car, to travel across the county in order to undertake home visits in a timely manner, whilst transporting necessary equipment.
• Flexible approach to service needs and in responding to work pressures

Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• Degree in Speech & Language Therapy
• Evidence of successful completion of training/specialist short courses up to Masters Degree or equivalent level, and relevant to area of clinical expertise
• Dysphagia competencies mapped to Enhanced level of the Royal College for Speech and Language Therapy Speech and Language Therapist eating, drinking and swallowing competency framework, 2025
• HCPC registration
• RCSLT Membership
• Member of Relevant CEN/SIG/PPG
• Knowledge and experience of working with patients who have a learning disability including a wide range of specialist assessment tools and procedures and therapeutic interventions,
• Extensive experience of managing complex cases relevant to the area of expertise.
• Understanding of key policies, documents, guidelines and legislation relevant to the role.

Desirable

• Basic Counselling
• Knowledge of a range of research approaches
• Understanding of principles of change management

Experience

Essential

• Extensive post registration clinical experience relevant to the post including proven caseload management, time management skills and management of change
• Experience of audit / service evaluation
• Delivering highly specialist training to a range of audiences
• Supporting less experienced staff, including SLT Associate Practitioners, and SLT Student placements, inclusive of assessment, and experience of providing second opinions to SLTs and other professionals
• Demonstrable leadership experience

Desirable

• Delivering therapy through the medium of Welsh
• Supervision/line management of SLTs

Other

Essential

• Able to work in a variety of sites based upon service need
• Have a full drivers' licence and access to a car, to travel across the county in order to undertake home visits in a timely manner, whilst transporting necessary equipment.
• Flexible approach to service needs and in responding to work pressures

Desirable

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

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.
Certificate of Sponsorship

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. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Additional information
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship

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. For further information visit the .

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Employer details

Employer name

Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address

Llanion House

Pembroke Dock

SA72 6DY

United Kingdom

Employer's website