Job summary
Are you a newly qualified Speech and Language Therapist looking for an exciting opportunity to progress your career?
We have two rare opportunities to join our friendly and supportive team in Somerset.
These developmental posts offer 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 will 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.
Initially, one candidate will be based at Musgrove Park Hospital and one 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 motivated individuals with a flexible approach who are 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
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.
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.
Main duties include assessment, diagnosis and management of adults with acquired speech, language, voice and swallowing difficulties.
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
17 February 2026
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-BL-4186
Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
Yeovil District Hospital
Higher Kingston
Yeovil
Somerset
BA21 4AT
Job description
Job responsibilities
To assess, diagnose and treat adult patients with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties across a variety of settings including acute stroke, acute general medicine, stroke rehabilitation and care homes.
See attached full job description.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To assess, diagnose and treat adult patients with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties across a variety of settings including acute stroke, acute general medicine, stroke rehabilitation and care homes.
See attached full job description.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* BSc in Speech and LanguageFull 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 communicationExperience of running dysphagia trainingExperience of running triageExperience of working an acute ward setting.Experience of working a rehabilitation unit.
Additional Criteria
Essential
* In-depth specialist knowledge of medical conditions that result in speech, language, voice or swallowing difficulties.Specialist knowledge in how to assess, diagnose and treat adults with speech, language, voice and swallowing difficulties.Robust knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* BSc in Speech and LanguageFull 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 communicationExperience of running dysphagia trainingExperience of running triageExperience of working an acute ward setting.Experience of working a rehabilitation unit.
Additional Criteria
Essential
* In-depth specialist knowledge of medical conditions that result in speech, language, voice or swallowing difficulties.Specialist knowledge in how to assess, diagnose and treat adults with speech, language, voice and swallowing difficulties.Robust knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act
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
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)