About this role
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 patient's 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 Clinical area of Choice. 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 lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, 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 description 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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Yeovil District Hospital
Higher Kingston
Yeovil
Somerset
BA21 4AT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)