Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist ALD/DysphagiaNHS

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 values--putting people at the heart of everything we do, striving for excellent services, and working together to be the best we can be--guide 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.

Job description

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 within 48 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

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