Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Taunton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Taunton is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join their innovative team. This role involves assessing and providing intervention for adults with learning disabilities and dysphagia needs, developing tailored care plans, and delivering training to staff. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and experience in managing clinical cases. The position offers flexible working options and a supportive environment, promoting professional development and well-being.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Blue Light Card for discounts

Qualifications

• HCPC registered degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Experience in communication and dysphagia assessment and intervention.
• Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist SLT assessment and intervention for adults with learning disabilities.
• Develop and implement person-centred care plans.
• Deliver dysphagia training to staff and carers.

Skills

Communication assessment

Dysphagia assessment

Managing clinical caseload

Delivering training

Education

HCPC Speech and Language Therapy degree

Job description

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.

Main duties of the job

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.

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 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.

Job responsibilities

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 and development within the Learning Disability SLT service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• HCPCSpeech and Language Therapy degree

Experience

• Communication assessment and intervention planning.Dysphagia assessment and intervention planning.Managing a clinical caseload.
• Supporting adults with learning disabilities.Delivering training.

Additional Criteria

• Communication assessment and intervention planning.Dysphagia assessment and intervention planning.Hold a full and valid driving licence and have a car for work purposes.

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.

Clinical Lead for Speech and Language Therapy (LD)