Job summary
Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities?

Join the Somerset Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities and become part of an innovative Speech and Language Therapy team committed to improving communication, health, wellbeing and quality of life.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Speech and Language Therapist with the clinical skills and experience to work with adults presenting with a diverse range of needs. A commitment to person-centred practice, strong partnership working, and a passion for achieving positive outcomes alongside service users, families, paid carers and multidisciplinary professionals is essential.

Our specialist team supports adults with learning disabilities to achieve the best outcomes by assessing and managing communication needs and eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). We work closely with individuals, families, carers and multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver person-centred care that is meaningful, effective and empowering.

In addition to providing expert assessment and tailored care plans, we deliver regular dysphagia training to support carers and professionals, with plans to further develop and expand this area of the service.

You'll have opportunities to contribute to service development, benefit from regular protected CPD, and collaborate with experienced colleagues within both Speech and Language Therapy and the wider community learning disability 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 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
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.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• HCPCSpeech and Language Therapy degree

Experience
Essential

• Communication assessment and intervention planning.Dysphagia assessment and intervention planning.Managing a clinical caseload.

Desirable

• Supporting adults with learning disabilities.Delivering training.

Additional Criteria
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.

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.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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