Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Yeovil, BA20 2BN · Wells, BA5 1XL
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515
Contract
Fixed-Term
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
1 September 2026
1 days left
Job description
Join our dedicated Somerset Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities and make a meaningful difference to the lives of adults with complex ...
- Provide specialist SLT assessment, diagnosis and intervention for adults with learning disabilities who have communication and/or dysphagia needs.
- Develop person centred care plans and deliver evidence based therapy across a range of communication environments.
- Involve service users, families, carers and wider professionals in the therapy process.
- Deliver dysphagia interventions and advise on the safety and clinical appropriateness of oral intake.
- Contribute to and deliver dysphagia and communication training to carers, staff teams and other professionals.
- Participate in MDT assessments, reviews, meetings and case discussions.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with HCPC/RCSLT standards.
- Work autonomously while accessing regular clinical and managerial supervision.
- Use the Trust's electronic record systems and assist in service development initiatives.
- Travel across Somerset to meet service users within homes, community settings and clinics.
Clinical Responsibilities
Manage a specialist caseload of adults with learning disabilities, providing assessment, diagnosis and intervention for communication disorders and dysphagia needs.
Apply the Mental Capacity Act in all aspects of assessment, planning and intervention.
Write clear, evidence based reports and care plans that guide safe and effective support.
Evaluate therapy outcomes, adjust intervention plans and discharge/refer on as appropriate.
Support the development of communication resources and promote inclusive communication environments (ICE).
Attend video fluoroscopy clinics where required.
Dysphagia Practice
Assess and manage dysphagia in line with professional standards and Trust policy.
Provide guidance on safe swallowing strategies and appropriate textures/fluids.
Deliver dysphagia training and promote understanding of eating, drinking and swallowing needs among carers and professionals.
Collaboration & Teamwork
Work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues including psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and social care staff.
Contribute to case conferences, clinical reviews and MDT decision making.
Build strong working relationships with carers, care providers and external agencies.
Professional Responsibilities
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in line with HCPC, RCSLT and Trust expectations.
Participate in regular supervision, peer support, CPD and service meetings.
Support student SLTs through supervision where appropriate.
Adhere to Trust and professional policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality, infection control and health & safety.
Service Development
Contribute to audits, quality improvement projects, research and service development activities.
Support innovation and development within the Learning Disability SLT service.
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.
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC
- Speech and Language Therapy degree
Experience
Essential
- Communication assessment and intervention planning.
- Dysphagia assessment and intervention planning.
- Managing a clinical caseload.
Desirable
- Supporting adults with learning disabilities.
- Delivering training.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Communication assessment and intervention planning.
- Dysphagia assessment and intervention planning.
- Hold a full and valid driving licence and have a car for work purposes.
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
20 August 2026
Last checked
24 August 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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