Overview
Are you looking for an exciting challenge to develop your clinical and leadership skills? We have a three year fixed term opportunity to join a dynamic team of speech and language therapists in Somerset. The current postholder has been awarded a three year Doctoral Fellowship and will provide supervision and training support for the successful candidate. This position suits an experienced speech and language therapist seeking to build a portfolio in instrumental swallowing assessments (FEES and Videofluoroscopy). The team offers supervision, a wide range of CPD opportunities and a focus on leadership development alongside clinical skills. We value staff well-being with dedicated wellbeing support and clinical supervision.
Location: Musgrove Park Hospital with some cross-site work at Yeovil District Hospital, Taunton, Somerset. Band 7, 3 year fixed term, part-time, salary £47,810 to £54,710 per year, Agenda for Change.
Main duties
* Lead the development of the Instrument Swallowing Assessments pathway (FEES and Videofluoroscopy) for the Service.
* Expand and develop the FEES service across clinical settings, update Standards of Operating Procedures, support competencies and service development.
* Develop the VF service across two acute sites (Yeovil Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital), including updating SOPs, supporting competencies and service development.
* Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for managing a small, highly complex caseload in the acute setting (critical care, head and neck, stroke and general medical wards) with swallowing and communication disorders.
* Collaborate with other Pathway Leads to ensure smooth transitions of care from acute to community.
* Bring in-depth knowledge and experience in dysphagia management, especially with instrumental swallowing assessments.
* Participate in Videofluoroscopy clinic rota and be responsible for analysis and report writing.
* Provide specialist training and presentations in clinical expertise.
* Teach other Speech and Language Therapists and other professional groups within the inpatient setting; provide mentoring and support for staff.
* Supervise and facilitate Speech and Language Therapists, Apprentice Therapists, Therapist Assistants and Apprentice Support Workers.
* Contribute to risk management, quality standards and clinical effectiveness to maintain and improve service delivery.
* Undertake duties appropriate to grade as reasonably requested by the Head or Deputy Head of Service.
* Be an active member of the Senior Management Team, including all Band 7 Pathway Leads, and oversee line management for selected staff.
* Be included in the SLT Bank Holiday working rota for acute settings (Yeovil District Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital).
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we support employees with benefits to enhance professional and personal life, including:
* Flexible working options
* NHS pension scheme
* Generous annual leave
* Career development
You will gain access to our Wellbeing resources, and the Blue Light Card with exclusive discounts, plus NHS-specific perks.
We strive for a diverse, skilled and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? A blend of countryside, natural beauty and coastlines with cities like Bristol, Bath and Exeter nearby; two hours to London. Strong educational facilities and comparatively affordable housing support career and personal growth.
Somerset truly offers a balanced lifestyle with options for both peaceful living and urban opportunities.
Details
Date posted: 04 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 3 years
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 184-OL-BL-3134
Job location: Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA
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 in a multidisciplinary team; delivering dysphagia training; working in critical care; working in an acute hospital; carrying out videofluoroscopy and FEES; performing triage assessments; extensive leadership experience
* Desirable: Experience with head and neck cancer patients; carrying out triage assessments
Additional criteria
* Essential: Access to a vehicle for work
Disclosures
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 and requires DBS disclosure. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For details see the NHS Careers information.
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