Children and Young People's Speech and Language Therapist

NHS; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A community healthcare provider in Bournemouth is seeking a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to assist children with varied speech, language and communication needs. The role involves working collaboratively with families and involves continuous training opportunities. Candidates must hold a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and be eligible for HCPC membership. This role offers flexible working hours and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive Preceptorship Programme

Ongoing clinical and management support

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Member of HCPC.
• Member of RCSLT.
• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Work with children and young people to assess and provide therapy.
• Collaborate with families and professionals.
• Participate in continuous training and service development.

Skills

Team player

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree/diploma in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

Overview

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust – Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapist. The closing date is 09 October 2025.

Are you newly qualified or experienced Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist, or hoping to return to practice? We are recruiting Band 5 Speech and Language Therapists to join our dynamic and supportive Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy service on the 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 based on the Balanced System Framework, working with Education and Children's Centre Partners to provide input at the right time.

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 in clinical care and decision-making including assessment, diagnosis, advice and therapy interventions, and work in collaboration with children, their family and other professionals in settings such as schools, pre-schools, clinics, children’s centres and sometimes at home. Flexible working around core hours is available.

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are ineligible to apply for this position.

Main duties of the job

• 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, and 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 provides a comprehensive and fully supported Preceptorship Programme for newly qualified healthcare professionals.
• We welcome applications from SLTs wishing to return to practice, with paid Return to Practice opportunities and progression to a Band 5 role when competencies are met.
• Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service may present a valid DBS certificate instead of a new check.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we empower people to make the most of their lives through outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We are a dynamic, forward-looking Trust delivering community and mental health services to almost 800,000 people. We are committed to equal opportunities and celebrate diversity, building an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their best.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team and a journey to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities, please read the attached job description and person specification. When applying, reflect the criteria in your supporting statement by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post. We offer employability support including application writing and interview skills via our widening participation service at [e-mail].

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Training

• Degree/diploma in Speech and Language Therapy
• Member of HCPC
• Member of RCSLT

Job Specific Experience

• Student placement in a community clinic
• Student experience of work within a mainstream school
• Previous experience as a qualified SLT working in an NHS setting
• General experience of working with children in a paid or voluntary capacity

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively
• Subject to the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business

Personal Quality

• Ability to work as a team player
• Good organisational and planning skills

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.

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

King\'s Park Bungalow / Christchurch Medical Centre

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Compressed hours, Annualised hours

Reference number

152-M298.25

Job locations

King\'s Park Bungalow / Christchurch Medical Centre