The closing date is 1st Sep 2026
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Job summary
Join our dedicated Somerset Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities and make a meaningful difference to the lives of adults with complex communication and swallowing needs.
As part of our highly skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team, you'll provide specialist assessment, intervention and support for adults with communication difficulties and eating, drinking and swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Working closely with individuals, families, carers and partner professionals, you'll develop person-centred plans that promote independence, wellbeing and quality of life.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist who thrives in an autonomous role and has the clinical expertise to manage highly complex communication and dysphagia needs. You'll also play a key role in supporting the wider workforce through dysphagia training and providing high-quality supervision to Specialist Speech and Language Therapists.
We're an innovative and forward-thinking service that actively encourages professional growth. You'll benefit from regular protected CPD time, opportunities to contribute to service development, and the chance to shape the future of learning disability services across Somerset.
If you're passionate about delivering outstanding person-centred care, collaborative working and achieving the best possible outcomes for adults with learning disabilities, we'd love to hear from you.
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
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.
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About us
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.
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Job description
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.
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Person specification
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Qualifications
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Essential
HCPC
Speech and Language Therapy degree
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Experience
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Essential
Communication assessment and intervention planning.
Dysphagia assessment and intervention planning.
Managing a clinical caseload.
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Desirable
Supporting adults with learning disabilities.
Delivering training.
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Additional Criteria
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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.
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Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
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Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
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UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
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For help with your application, contact:
Adela Lewis
[email protected]
07766246671
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Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
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Band
Band 7
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Salary
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£49387.00 to £56515.00 Yearly
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Contract
Fixed Term
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Duration
1 Year(s)
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Working pattern
Full-Time
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Reference number
184-OL-GR-5477
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Job locations
Summerlands
56 Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2BN
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Priory Health Park
Glastonbury Road
Wells
Somerset
BA5 1XL
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