Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Within the Somerset Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities, the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service provides specialist support for adults with learning disabilities who have communication and eating, drinking and swallowing (dysphagia) needs. This includes carrying out assessments, developing care plans and delivering regular dysphagia training to support high quality intervention.

We are seeking a Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist who is passionate about person centred practice and working collaboratively with service users, families, paid carers and multidisciplinary colleagues to achieve meaningful, safe and effective outcomes.

You will be joining an innovative and supportive SLT team, with opportunities for involvement in service development and access to regular protected CPD within both Speech and Language Therapy and the wider Learning Disability community team.

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.

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 compare 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.

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.

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…