Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Stroke

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist to enhance their Stroke Team. This role offers the chance to work in a dynamic environment, providing specialized care for patients recovering from strokes. You will be part of a collaborative team, focusing on innovative rehabilitation techniques and improving patient outcomes. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to staff wellbeing, this position is ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in patient care while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Dorset.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of evidence-based practice in Speech & Language Therapy.
• Understanding of rehabilitation with dysphagia and communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist assessment and rehabilitation for stroke patients.
• Supervise team members and participate in service development projects.

Skills

Speech and Language Therapy

Dysphagia Management

Communication Skills

Time Management

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Membership of RCSLT

HCPC Registration

Job description

Job summary

There has been significant investment into developing Dorset Stroke & Neuro Services to meet the National Stroke Service model. This includes developments across the pathway in West & North Dorset including hyper acute care (based at Dorset County Hospital), specialist rehabilitation beds (based in Sherborne) & Integrated Community Stroke Services (ICSS). This has been a really exciting time as we have significantly expanded our existing services & embed innovative ways of working to improve clinical outcomes for patients following stroke or neurological illness or injury.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join our dynamic Stroke Team at Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust.

The post will involve specialist dysphagia and communication intervention for patients post stroke and would be best suited to someone either looking to continue to develop their skills in stroke or someone who would like a new challenge. We would consider applications from those already at a Band 6 level or an established Band 5 wanting a development opportunity.

Main duties of the job

The post involves providing specialist Speech and Language assessment and rehabilitation for patients on the Acute Stroke Unit at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester and potentially at the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne ensuring that rehabilitation continues across the stroke pathway.

This post will offer the opportunity to develop specialist skills in the assessment and management of swallowing and communication difficulties for patients post stroke and will allow you to work within both an acute and rehabilitation setting should that be of interest.

You will be joining an established Stroke Therapy Team of Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Speech & Language Therapists and Therapy Support Workers supported by a Clinical Lead Therapist. You will be encouraged to take an active role in current projects, including service development and evaluation, internal and external training, audit and research review.

You will be working in a rewarding and challenging clinical environment and will be responsible for the supervision of at least one team member. The therapies department at Dorset County Hospital is committed to ensuring staff feel supported with their wellbeing and career progression through supervision, appraisal, in-house and external training and leadership development.

About us

The Therapies Service at Dorset County Hospital is an integrated Therapies Service working together to ensure that Therapies provision is the best that it can be, balancing quality and resourcing to provide and improve patient centred services.The Therapies Team is committed to the principle of seven day working and is currently working towards it.

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a modern District General Hospital offering an excellent working environment. Much of West Dorset is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the Jurassic coastline is protected by World Heritage status. There arenumerous beaches within easy reach, and Portland Harbour (host of 2012 Olympic Sailing) promotes a wide range of water sport activities. The area is largely rural, with good rail and road links. The closest airport is situated in Bournemouth. We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in groups which are under-represented in our organisation.

Details Date posted

09 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year Pro Rata Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

405-25-AHP220SALT

Job locations

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Road

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Job description Job responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us [e-mail] you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Job description Job responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us [e-mail] you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Person Specification Knowledge and Experience Essential

• Knowledge of evidence-based practice pertaining to the specialist area of Speech & Language Therapy
• To have an understanding of rehabilitation with dysphagia and communication
• Able to work as part of a specialised MDT and communicate effectively within it
• Able to deliver complex and sensitive concepts in easily understood language to patients, carers and staff

Desirable

• Able to use instrumental swallowing assessments

Education, Qualifications and Training Essential

• Have a degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• A member of RCSLT
• HCPC registration
• Holds a valid driver's licence

Desirable

• Membership of relevant CEN
• Specialist Dysphagia qualification
• Clinical educators certificate

Skills and Abilities Essential

• Excellent time management skills with ability to organise, prioritise and delegate

Desirable

• Ability to self-direct learning, be critical and evaluate own learning needs, demonstrated in a CPD portfolio

Person Specification Knowledge and Experience Essential

• Knowledge of evidence-based practice pertaining to the specialist area of Speech & Language Therapy
• To have an understanding of rehabilitation with dysphagia and communication
• Able to work as part of a specialised MDT and communicate effectively within it
• Able to deliver complex and sensitive concepts in easily understood language to patients, carers and staff

Desirable

• Able to use instrumental swallowing assessments

Education, Qualifications and Training Essential

• Have a degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• A member of RCSLT
• HCPC registration
• Holds a valid driver's licence

Desirable

• Membership of relevant CEN
• Specialist Dysphagia qualification
• Clinical educators certificate

Skills and Abilities Essential

• Excellent time management skills with ability to organise, prioritise and delegate

Desirable

• Ability to self-direct learning, be critical and evaluate own learning needs, demonstrated in a CPD portfolio

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Road

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Employer's website

https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Road

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Employer's website

https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)