Overview
Are you looking for an exciting new challenge to develop your clinical and leadership skills? We have a rare opportunity to join a dynamic, friendly team of speech and language therapists in Somerset. This three year fixed term post backfills the current postholder who has been awarded a three year Doctoral Fellowship. The current postholder will be available in a super numeracy capacity to offer support and training for the successful candidate. This position will suit an experienced speech and language therapist looking to build their portfolio of experience in carrying out instrumental swallowing assessments (FEES and Videofluoroscopy).
Our team has a well established supervision and support network in place. We have access to a wide variety of CPD opportunities and we encourage development of leadership skills alongside clinical skills. We value the importance of staff well-being and have appointed a well-being lead in the service to ensure all staff have access to well-being support alongside their one to one sessions and clinical supervision. We are looking for an enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapist who is passionate about delivering high quality evidence- based care.
Main duties
The successful candidate will lead the development of the currently established videofluoroscopy (VF) and Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) provision for the Adult Speech and Language Therapy in Somerset. This will include expanding the current provision of FEES in critical care to other caseloads such as stroke. The post is based in Musgrove Hospital but will involve some cross site working at Yeovil District Hospital. The primary focus is carrying out instrumental swallowing assessments (VF and FEES). Additionally, there will be a small caseload of complex acute in-patients. The post will carry leadership expectations, for example line management duties and competency sign off.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we are 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: 22 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 184-OL-BL-3134
Job locations: Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA
Job responsibilities
Main Duties (full job description attached):
* To be the Pathway Lead for Instrument Swallowing Assessments (FEES and Videofluoroscopy) for the Service
* To further support and develop the established FEES service across different clinical settings, including updating Standard Operating Procedures, supporting competencies and service development
* To further support and develop the established VF service across two acute sites (Yeovil Hospital and Musgrove Hospital), including updating SOPs, supporting competencies and service development
* Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for managing a small, highly complex caseload of patients in the acute setting (critical care, head and neck, stroke and general medical wards) with swallowing and communication disorders
* To liaise closely with other Pathway Leads to ensure a smooth transition of care from acute to community
* Demonstrates in-depth knowledge and experience in dysphagia management, especially with instrumental swallowing assessments
* Participates in Videofluoroscopy clinic rota along with other trained staff, responsible for analysis and report writing
* Provides specialist training and presentations in area of clinical expertise
* Responsible for teaching other Speech and Language Therapists and other professional groups within the in-patient setting
* Provides mentoring and support for Speech and Language Therapists
* Supervises and facilitates Speech and Language Therapists, Apprentice Speech and Language Therapists, Speech and Language Therapy Associate Practitioners, Apprentice Support Workers
* Participates in and contributes to innovations and developments in risk management, quality standards and clinical effectiveness
* From time to time carry out duties appropriate to grade and experience as requested by the Head or Deputy Head of Service
* Active member of the broader Senior Management Team including all Band 7 Pathway Leads
* Responsible for line management supervision of specified staff
* Included in the SLT Bank Holiday working rota (acute settings at Yeovil District Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital)
Person specification
Qualifications - Essential
* BSc in Speech and Language Therapy
* Level 5 Dysphagia Competencies FEES
* Level 2 Tracheostomy competencies
* Full UK driving licence
Desirable
* Level 6 Dysphagia Competencies
* MBS Imp trained for Videofluoroscopy FEES Level 3
Experience - Essential
* Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
* Experience of delivering dysphagia training
* Experience of working in critical care
* Experience of working in an acute hospital setting
* Experience of carrying out videofluoroscopy
* Experience of carrying out FEES
* Experience of carrying out triage assessments
* Extensive leadership experience
Desirable
* Experience of working with head and neck cancer patients
* Experience of carrying out triage assessments
Additional criteria - Essential
* Access to a vehicle for work
Disclosures
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 the NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA
Website: somersetft.nhs.uk (opens in a new tab)
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