Children and Young People's Speech and Language Therapist

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Boscombe; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable healthcare trust in Dorset is recruiting a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to support children with communication needs. The role offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, including mentoring and training. Candidates must be newly qualified or experienced, with a DBS check required. Join us to help empower young people through quality speech and language therapy.

Benefits

Comprehensive mentoring and supervision

Access to clinical lead specialists

Formal and informal training opportunities

Paid Return to Practice opportunities

Qualifications

• Newly qualified or experienced Speech and Language Therapist.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required.

Responsibilities

• Work with children and young people (0-19) with communication needs.
• Involvement in assessment, diagnosis, advice, and therapy interventions.
• Work collaboratively with families and other professionals.

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.

Are you newly qualified or experienced Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist, or hoping to return to practice?

We are recruiting a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to join our dynamic and supportive Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy service on the beautiful South-West coast in Dorset. This is an exciting time to join our service as we transition to a new speech, language and communication pathway for Dorset based on the Balanced System Framework. We are working collaboratively with our Education and Children\'s Centre Partners, aiming to give all children the right input at the right time.

Responsibilities

As a Speech and Language Therapist you will work with a caseload of children and young people (0-19) with speech, language and communication needs including Developmental Language Disorder, Dysfluency, Selective Mutism, Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia, Autism Spectrum Condition, Complex Needs, Speech Disorder and Speech and Language delay. You will be involved with clinical care and decision-making including assessment, diagnosis, advice and therapy interventions and work in collaboration with children, their family and other professionals in a variety of settings including schools, pre-schools, clinics, children’s centres and sometimes at home.

We can offer flexible working around core hours.

Requirements / Eligibility

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position. Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

What We Offer

• A high level of clinical and management support including mentoring, peer supervision groups (with other Band 5 therapists and across bandings), regular 1:1 contact with your team lead as well as 1:1 clinical supervision.
• Access to a range of clinical lead specialists for advice and guidance.
• Excellent opportunities to access formal and informal training.
• Opportunities to be involved in projects to enhance our service delivery offer.
• Bi-annual whole service training/service development days.
• Dorset Healthcare provide a very comprehensive and fully supported Preceptorship Programme for newly qualified healthcare professionals.
• We also welcome applications from SLTs wishing to return to practice, and for successful applicants we are able to offer paid Return to Practice opportunities with progression to a Band 5 role when meeting the required competencies.

Working Environment

We offer flexible working around core hours and the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including schools, pre-schools, clinics, children’s centres and sometimes at home. Dorset HealthCare is on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a forward-looking Trust serving almost 800,000 people, with 12 community hospitals and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services.

Additional Information

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Partnership with The Prince’s Trust offers an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know anyone who would value this support please contact [e-mail]

This advert closes on Thursday 9 Oct 2025