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Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Children's Speech Language Therapist

The closing date is 19 November 2025

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Job summary

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people (CYP) with speech, language and communication difficulties.

You will be based in one of our area teams, each comprising 6-10 Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Therapy Support Practitioners, and excellent administrative support. While your base will be local, travel across the county will be required for meetings, training, and to meet caseload needs.

We welcome applications from both Newly Qualified and Experienced Therapists, and are happy to consider part-time working arrangements.

We offer:

  • A structured induction programme
  • Regular supervision from experienced clinicians
  • Opportunities to contribute to service development and specialist interest groups
  • A varied caseload across early years and school-aged children
  • Work in diverse settings including clinics, schools, and family homes

Main duties of the job

  • Deliver Speech and Language Therapy services to CYP aged 0-19 with speech, language and/or communication impairments.
  • Independently assess, diagnose, and develop care plans for clients.
  • Provide therapy in clinic, schools, and homes, building strong relationships with families and educational staff.
  • Maintain accurate case records and contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including OT, PT, and education professionals.
  • Offer training and support to parents, carers, and school staff.
  • Participate in service development, CPD activities, and special interest groups.
  • Supervise Therapy Support Practitioners and contribute to student training.

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.

Details

Date posted

05 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3600

Job locations

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities:

  • Carry a caseload of CYP with speech, language and communication needs.
  • Conduct initial assessments and provide ongoing therapy.
  • Use a range of communication strategies tailored to individual needs.
  • Involve families in therapy planning and goal setting.
  • Provide input into EHCPs and attend relevant meetings and reviews.

Communication & Collaboration:

  • Liaise with referrers, families, and professionals across health and education.
  • Refer to specialist services when appropriate.
  • Promote understanding of SLT through training and outreach.

Service Development & Professional Growth:

  • Attend mandatory and specialist training.
  • Engage in service evaluation and research initiatives.
  • Contribute to departmental meetings and Trust-wide activities.

Operational Duties:

  • Travel across Somerset for caseload and meetings.
  • Maintain equipment and ensure safe use.
  • Adhere to Trust policies including safeguarding, confidentiality, and infection control.

Supervision & Leadership:

  • Supervise support staff and students.
  • Provide emotional support to families and colleagues when needed.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities:

  • Carry a caseload of CYP with speech, language and communication needs.
  • Conduct initial assessments and provide ongoing therapy.
  • Use a range of communication strategies tailored to individual needs.
  • Involve families in therapy planning and goal setting.
  • Provide input into EHCPs and attend relevant meetings and reviews.

Communication & Collaboration:

  • Liaise with referrers, families, and professionals across health and education.
  • Refer to specialist services when appropriate.
  • Promote understanding of SLT through training and outreach.

Service Development & Professional Growth:

  • Attend mandatory and specialist training.
  • Engage in service evaluation and research initiatives.
  • Contribute to departmental meetings and Trust-wide activities.

Operational Duties:

  • Travel across Somerset for caseload and meetings.
  • Maintain equipment and ensure safe use.
  • Adhere to Trust policies including safeguarding, confidentiality, and infection control.

Supervision & Leadership:

  • Supervise support staff and students.
  • Provide emotional support to families and colleagues when needed.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Recognised Degree or equivalent in Speech and Language TherapyHPC registration and RCSLT registration

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of Speech Language Therapy at undergraduate levelExperience of range of placements

Desirable

  • Post graduate experience of Speech Language Therapy

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Car driver or otherwise mobile with appropriate business insuranceUp to date theoretical knowledgeKnowledge of current Educational and National Curriculum issues
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Recognised Degree or equivalent in Speech and Language TherapyHPC registration and RCSLT registration

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of Speech Language Therapy at undergraduate levelExperience of range of placements

Desirable

  • Post graduate experience of Speech Language Therapy

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Car driver or otherwise mobile with appropriate business insuranceUp to date theoretical knowledgeKnowledge of current Educational and National Curriculum issues

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).

Additional information

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

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Ruth Wood

ruth.wood@somersetft.nhs.uk

07471520419

Details

Date posted

05 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3600

Job locations

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Supporting documents

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