Specialist Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Taunton, TA1 3EN
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
1 September 2026
1 days left
Job description
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist who is passionate about making a difference ...
- Independently manage and prioritise a specialist caseload of children and young people with complex speech, language and communication needs.
- Carry out initial assessments in clinic and deliver ongoing intervention across a range of settings including schools, clinics and family homes.
- Assess, diagnose and implement specialist, evidence-based therapy plans, evaluating outcomes and adapting interventions as required.
- Work collaboratively with children, families, carers, education staff and other professionals to ensure coordinated, person-centred care.
- Provide specialist advice, support and training to parents, carers, schools and wider professionals.
- Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), reports and multi-disciplinary meetings, including annual reviews.
- Supervise and support Band 5 therapists, therapy support practitioners and students as required.
- Participate in service development, audit, research and quality improvement initiatives.
As a Specialist Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist, you will work autonomously to manage a specialist caseload of children and young people with complex communication needs, using advanced clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose and deliver effective interventions.
The role offers a varied caseload, including both initial assessments undertaken in clinic settings and ongoing therapy delivered across schools, clinics and family homes. You will use a flexible and creative approach to ensure interventions are tailored to the individual needs of each child or young person.
You will gather and interpret information from a range of sources to inform clinical decision-making and develop high quality, evidence-based care plans. You will evaluate outcomes and adjust therapy approaches to maximise progress and ensure effective service delivery.
Working closely with families, carers, education staff and other professionals, you will support the planning and delivery of therapy programmes and contribute to EHCP processes, reports and reviews.
A key aspect of the role is the provision of specialist advice, training and support to a range of audiences, helping to build knowledge and skills across the wider workforce and promote best practice in communication support.
You will play an active role within the multi-disciplinary team, contributing to integrated working alongside Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy colleagues and supporting coordinated care pathways.
The role also includes supervision and support of junior staff, students and therapy support practitioners, alongside involvement in service development, audit and research activity to continuously improve service delivery.
Although you will be based within a designated locality team, you will be required to travel within your area to meet the needs of your caseload and across the county for meetings, training and service commitments.
You will benefit from strong professional support, including regular supervision, access to continuing professional development and opportunities to contribute to specialist interest groups and wider service 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'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
- Recognised Degree or equivalent in Speech and Language TherapyHPC registration and RCSLT registrationRelevant post-graduate training in the form of short courses in a range of areas of Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy
Desirable
- Post graduate training in Paediatric DysphagiaIT qualificationMembership of relevant CEN for specialism ie Fluency/ASD/Cleft
Experience
Essential
- Significant post-graduate experience in Speech and Language TherapyProven experience of Paediatric Speech and Language TherapyExperience of training othersExperience of contributing to service developmentExperience of supervision of others
Desirable
- Evidence of use of clinical opportunities to acquire specialist clinical skills in at least one area of Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Car driver or otherwise mobile with appropriate business insurance
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
19 August 2026
Last checked
21 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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