Speech And Language Therapist

Somerset Nhs Foundation Trust; South Cheriton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Career development

Blue Light Card

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a newly qualified Speech and Language Therapist to join our supportive team in Somerset. This developmental post offers Band 5 with automatic progression to Band 6 on completing competencies, with training in dysphagia and Newly Qualified competencies.

Based at Yeovil District Hospital with potential relocation after the first year, the role includes cross-site work and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• BSc in Speech and Language required.
• Full UK Driving licence required.
• Experience working with adults with communication and swallowing disorders is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose and treat adults with communication and swallowing disorders across various settings.
• Deliver safe, effective, person-centred care and contribute to dysphagia programs.
• Participate in CPD, supervision and preceptorship activities to support progression to Band 6.

Skills

Communication skills

Driving licence

Education

BSc in Speech and Language

Tools

UK Driving Licence

Job description

Job summary

Are you a newly qualified Speech and Language Therapist looking for an exciting opportunity to progress your career? We have a rare opportunity to join our friendly and supportive team in Somerset. This developmental post offers the opportunity to be fully supported at Band 5 Level with automatic progression to Band 6 on completion of the relevant competencies. During the first year in post you be supported across a variety of caseloads to complete our in-house post graduate dysphagia program and your Newly Qualified Competencies. In Year 2 there will be an opportunity to select a specialist area to work in for 2 days a week. You will work towards a set of competencies that support progression to Band 6 across the 4 pillars of AHP practice and towards your chosen specialism. You will initially be based at Yeovil District Hospital. The base may change after the first year (to an alternative location in Somerset) depending on chosen specialist development. We are seeking a motivated individual with a flexible approach who is able to take the initiative for their learning and development. We offer excellent line management, clinical supervision and continuing professional development opportunities. The Trust offers a robust and well regarded Preceptorship Scheme.

Main duties of the job

The Adult Speech and Language Therapy Team in Somerset supports adults with acquired speech, language, voice, communication and swallowing difficulties. We work across two acute hospitals, two stroke rehabilitation units, care homes in Somerset, and patients' own homes. We are looking for a compassionate individual with excellent communication skills to join our team. You will assess diagnose and treat adults with a range of clinical conditions affecting communication and swallowing and will across a range of settings. Full training will be provided to initially work as a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist. This will include completing a six month structured dysphagia training program and 12 months of working towards completion of Newly Qualified competencies. At the end the 12 month period the post holder will spend up to a further 12 months working towards a set of competencies to enable them to work as Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in the area of Stroke. Pay will increase to the Band 6 Level on completion of the relevant competencies.

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.

Job responsibilities

• Full support and supervision will be provided to support the postholder to work as a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist. Year one in post will include completing a structured dysphagia training program and working towards completion of newly qualified competencies. Following this, the post holder will spend a minimum of 12 months working towards a set of competencies to enable them to work as Band 6 Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in an area of choice. Pay will increase to the Band 6 level on completion of the relevant competencies.
• To work flexibly as a Speech and Language Therapist across a variety of settings. This will include acute ward work, rehabilitation units, care homes, community outpatient clinics and community home visits.
• Following the initial induction period, the postholder will work flexibility across locations and pathways in accordance with service needs with full support and supervision.
• To assess, diagnose and treat patients with communication and swallowing difficulties across a variety of settings including acute stroke, acute general medicine, stroke rehabilitation and care homes.
• To be included in the Speech and Language Therapy Bank Holiday working rota.
• Initially the post will be a Monday to Friday working pattern, however, the role could include weekend working in the future pending a staff consultation.
• After 12 months in post and after completion of Band 5 Newly Qualified Competencies and Dysphagia Competencies, the postholder will work two days a week in a specialist area of choice. During this time, the postholder will work towards a set of competencies covering the four areas of AHP Practice as follows:

Clinical Practice

Delivering safe, effective, and person-centred care. This includes applying evidence-based practice, managing complex caseloads, demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning, and ensuring quality and safety.

Leadership and Management

Leading within scope of practice and contributing to service improvement. Involves influencing service design, mentoring colleagues, advocating for patients and the profession, and supporting strategic planning.

Education and Learning

Supporting the development of others and oneself. Includes supervising students and peers, delivering training, promoting a learning culture, and engaging in continuing professional development (CPD).

Research and Innovation

Contributing to and applying research to improve care. This involves participating in or leading research, using data and evidence to inform practice, driving innovation, and embedding a culture of inquiry.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc in Speech and Language
• Full UK Driving

Experience

Essential

• Experience (voluntary, paid or placement) of working with adults with communication and swallowing disorders

Desirable

• Experience of contributing to multidisciplinary team through discussion and negotiation therapy groups.
• Experience of running communication
• Experience of running dysphagia training
• Experience of running triage
• Experience of working an acute ward setting.
• Experience of working a rehabilitation unit.

Additional Criteria

Essential

• Specialist knowledge in how to assess, diagnose and treat adults with speech, language, voice and swallowing difficulties.
• Robust knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (2005).

Desirable

• Able to prepare teaching materials for designated courses and to participate / lead in courses.

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).