Link Learning Disabilities and Autism Speech and Language Therapist

Our multidisciplinary Link LD/A team supports children and young people - and their families - who may be at risk of mental health hospital admission or entering a 52week residential education placement.

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Speech and Language Therapist who can help families, schools and wider networks to identify, understand and support a young person's communication needs. You will play a key role in advocating for the children and young people you work with, ensuring their voice is represented clearly in multiagency meetings and throughout their care.

You will provide specialist communication assessments, offer evidence-based interventions, and contribute your expertise across a diverse team working to deliver person-centred, strengths-based support.

• Provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and intervention for children and young people who are autistic or who have learning disabilities with communication differences.
• Support families, education staff and wider networks to understand communication needs and embed inclusive communication strategies.
• Represent and advocate for the voice of the young person in multiagency decisionmaking.
• Work proactively as part of a multidisciplinary team to prevent unnecessary hospital admission or longterm residential placements.
• Contribute to coordinated care planning, case conferences, reviews and professional meetings.
• Produce clear, specialist reports, care plans and communication resources.
• Deliver training and advice to colleagues, carers, families and other professionals.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation aligned with Trust policies and professional standards.
• Support the development of inclusive communication environments and contribute to service improvement, audit and quality initiatives.

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you will gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Please see attached job description for further information about the role and the personal requirements and specification.

• Registered with HCPC
• Member of RCSLT
• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Training/experience of PBS

• Experience of carrying out supervision to junior staff, coordinating the care of clients and delegating tasks.
• Experience of working with people with LD
• Experience of working with Inclusive Communication

• Ability to demonstrate diagnostic knowledge and application to planning intervention.
• Knowledge of Inclusive Communication
• Sound understanding of national policies and procedures relevant to LD and autism.
• Knowledge of symbol software packages and AAC

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.