About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and creative Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a permanent, full time Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist based in Taunton. We would also consider applications from experienced Band 5 therapists who are ready to progress and develop into a Band 6 role, particularly those with experience or interest in Learning Disabilities and/or Dysphagia.
You will join a supportive and well-established Children and Young People's Therapy Service, working as part of an integrated multi-disciplinary team to deliver high quality, person-centred care to children and young people aged 0-19 years. The role will involve managing a specialist caseload of children and young people with complex communication needs.
You will be based within a locality team of approximately 6-10 Speech and Language Therapists, working alongside Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Therapy Support Practitioners and dedicated administrative staff.
We offer a comprehensive induction programme, robust line management and clinical supervision, as well as opportunities to be involved in wider service development projects and specialist interest groups to support your ongoing professional development.
Main duties of the job
Independently manage and prioritise a specialist caseload of children and young people with complex speech, language and communication needs.Carry out initial assessments in clinic and deliver ongoing intervention across a range of settings including schools, clinics and family homes.Assess, diagnose and implement specialist, evidence-based therapy plans, evaluating outcomes and adapting interventions as required.Work collaboratively with children, families, carers, education staff and other professionals to ensure coordinated, person-centred care.Provide specialist advice, support and training to parents, carers, schools and wider professionals.Contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), reports and multi-disciplinary meetings, including annual reviews.Supervise and support Band 5 therapists, therapy support practitioners and students as required.Participate in service development, audit, research and quality improvement initiatives.
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
As a Specialist Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist, you will work autonomously to manage a specialist caseload of children and young people with complex communication needs, using advanced clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose and deliver effective interventions.
The role offers a varied caseload, including both initial assessments undertaken in clinic settings and ongoing therapy delivered across schools, clinics and family homes. You will use a flexible and creative approach to ensure interventions are tailored to the individual needs of each child or young person.
You will gather and interpret information from a range of sources to inform clinical decision-making and develop high quality, evidence-based care plans. You will evaluate outcomes and adjust therapy approaches to maximise progress and ensure effective service delivery.
Working closely with families, carers, education staff and other professionals, you will support the planning and delivery of therapy programmes and contribute to EHCP processes, reports and reviews.
A key aspect of the role is the provision of specialist advice, training and support to a range of audiences, helping to build knowledge and skills across the wider workforce and promote best practice in communication support.
You will play an active role within the multi-disciplinary team, contributing to integrated working alongside Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy colleagues and supporting coordinated care pathways.
The role also includes supervision and support of junior staff, students and therapy support practitioners, alongside involvement in service development, audit and research activity to continuously improve service delivery.
Although you will be based within a designated locality team, you will be required to travel within your area to meet the needs of your caseload and across the county for meetings, training and service commitments.
You will benefit from strong professional support, including regular supervision, access to continuing professional development and opportunities to contribute to specialist interest groups and wider service initiatives.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Recognised Degree or equivalent in Speech and Language TherapyHPC registration and RCSLT registrationRelevant post-graduate training in the form of short courses in a range of areas of Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy
Desirable
Post graduate training in Paediatric DysphagiaIT qualificationMembership of relevant CEN for specialism ie Fluency/ASD/Cleft
Experience Essential
Significant post-graduate experience in Speech and Language TherapyProven experience of Paediatric Speech and Language TherapyExperience of training othersExperience of contributing to service developmentExperience of supervision of others
Desirable
Evidence of use of clinical opportunities to acquire specialist clinical skills in at least one area of Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy
Additional Criteria Essential
Car driver or otherwise mobile with appropriate business insurance
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 Community Families Hub
East Reach House
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 3EN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)