Speech and Language Therapist - developing post

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Speech and Language Therapist to join our supportive and friendly Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities (CTALD) in Somerset.

This is a developing Band 5 post, ideal for a newly qualified or early career Speech and Language Therapist who is motivated, enthusiastic and keen to develop their skills in working with adults with learning disabilities. The role offers a clear and structured development pathway towards a Band 6 position on successful completion of agreed competencies.

Within CTALD, the Speech and Language Therapy team provides a specialist service supporting the communication and eating, drinking and swallowing (dysphagia) needs of adults with learning disabilities. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering high quality, person-centred care across a variety of community settings.

You will benefit from a comprehensive induction programme, regular supervision, and access to ongoing training and development opportunities to support your progression.

• Manage a designated caseload of adults with learning disabilities, delivering assessment, diagnosis and intervention for communication and/or dysphagia needs.
• Develop and implement evidence-based care plans, ensuring interventions are person-centred and outcome focused.
• Work collaboratively with service users, families, carers, and multi-disciplinary colleagues to support coordinated care.
• Undertake dysphagia assessment and management in line with competency level, seeking support where appropriate.
• Contribute to and deliver training for carers, staff and other professionals, including dysphagia and communication support.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary meetings, case reviews and service development initiatives.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and produce clear reports in line with professional and Trust standards.
• Engage in regular supervision, appraisal and continued professional development to achieve competencies for progression to Band 6.

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'll 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.

As a Speech and Language Therapist within CTALD, you will independently organise and prioritise your caseload to meet service and patient needs, adapting to changing priorities as required.

You will be professionally accountable for your clinical practice, ensuring a high standard of care for adults with learning disabilities presenting with complex communication needs, autism, sensory impairments, mental health needs and dysphagia.

The role involves completing specialist assessments, providing diagnoses and developing tailored intervention plans. You will use creative, flexible and evidence-based approaches to support individuals to achieve the best possible outcomes, ensuring that service users and their support networks are actively involved in care planning.

You will contribute to the delivery and development of inclusive communication environments and support the wider system by advising on communication strategies, producing accessible resources, and promoting best practice.

Dysphagia management is a core element of the role. You will work towards and develop competencies in assessing and managing eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties, including contributing to training and working alongside other professionals such as dietitians and medical staff.

You will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including service users, families, carers, health and social care professionals and partner organisations, ensuring effective communication and collaborative working.

The role also includes contributing to service development, audit and quality improvement initiatives, maintaining up to date professional knowledge, and participating in supervision, training and team meetings.

You may support and supervise assistant practitioners and contribute to the learning and development of students and junior staff.

The post requires flexibility and the ability to work across a range of community settings, including service users' homes, and will involve regular travel across the locality. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

• Recognised degree or equivalent in Speech and Language Therapy HCPC Registration Membership of RCSLT
• Accredited undergraduate dysphagia training or completed or working towards RCSLT dysphagia competencies

• Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities in some context Knowledge and experience of inclusive communication Experience of eating, drinking and swallowing needs in people with LD including those with PMLD Experience of multidisciplinary team working

• Car driver with own transport and appropriate business insurance

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.

£32,073 to £39,043 a year, this is a developing post to band 6