Children and Young People's Speech and Language Therapist

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Dorset is seeking a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to join their team. The role involves working with children aged 0-19 who have various speech and language needs. Responsibilities include managing a caseload, conducting assessments, and providing therapeutic interventions. The Trust offers flexible working arrangements and support for newly qualified therapists. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for skilled worker sponsorship in the UK. The position is located in Bournemouth.

Benefits

Comprehensive mentoring and supervision

Access to formal and informal training

Paid Return to Practice opportunities

Enhanced DBS check covered by the Trust

Qualifications

• Ability to work with children and young people with speech and language needs.
• Experience in clinical care and decision-making.
• Knowledge of Developmental Language Disorder, Autism Spectrum Condition, and other communication issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of children with speech and language needs.
• Conduct assessments and provide therapy interventions.
• Collaborate with families and other professionals.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Communication skills

Collaboration with families

Education

Relevant Speech and Language Therapy degree

Job description

Overview

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for Band 5 Speech and Language Therapists to join the Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy service on the South-West coast in Dorset. We welcome newly qualified or experienced Band 5 therapists, and those hoping to return to practice.

We are excited to be recruiting as we transition to a new speech, language and communication pathway for Dorset based on the Balanced System Framework. We will work collaboratively with Education and Children's Centre Partners, aiming to give all children the right input at the right time.

Role and 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 you will work in collaboration with children, their family and other professionals in settings including schools, pre-schools, clinics, children’s centres and sometimes at home.

Working arrangements

We can offer flexible working around core hours.

Eligibility

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

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 welcome applications from SLTs wishing to return to practice, and for successful applicants we offer paid Return to Practice opportunities with progression to a Band 5 role when meeting the required competencies.
• 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.

About Dorset HealthCare

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work in market towns, seaside locations, or rural Dorset, there are many ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do. We’re an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome everyone and support authentic workplaces.

Working with us

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and contribute to our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Application guidance

Please read the main duties and responsibilities in the attached job description and person specification. When applying, ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Support for applicants

Dorset HealthCare offers an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know someone who would value this support, please contact [e-mail]

This advert closes on Thursday 9 Oct 2025