Speech and Language Therapist

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust; Repton CP; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Parking facilities

Job summary

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting two Band 5 Speech and Language Therapists to join the adult community team in Derbyshire. You will work with adults with communication and swallowing disorders across community and hospital settings, with opportunities for a joint post across community and acute teams.

We offer support for newly qualified SLTs, in-house dysphagia training, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration or applying for
• Post-qualification NHS SLT experience in relevant settings
• Experience with adults with acquired neurological and related conditions

Responsibilities

• Assess and treat adults with communication and swallowing disorders in community and hospital settings.
• Deliver high-quality, evidence-based practice with dysphagia management as appropriate.
• Provide supervision, mentorship and second opinions within the SLT team.
• Maintain patient-focused care and work collaboratively within the DCHS Way.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Presentation skills

Organisational skills

Team player

Mentorship

Dysphagia management

AAC familiarity

Dysphagia assessment

Coaching/mentoring

Education

SLT degree

HCPC registered

RCSLT membership

Job description

The Trust is currently under-represented in terms of individuals from BME backgrounds and welcomes applicants from these communities. DCHS is also an LGBT inclusive employer. Selection will be on a basis of merit. The Trust has achieved the status of a Disability Confident Leader and guarantees to invite to assessment applicants who meet the criteria for the job vacancy. To ensure the diversity of the workforce and understand the differing needs of our communities, the Trust is committed to the principles of Positive Action.

Be outstanding – join an outstanding team!

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for 2 Band 5 speech and language therapist posts in the adult community speech & language therapy team, based in Derby and South Derbyshire.

There are opportunities for 2 permanent posts, with the possibility of a joint post across community and acute teams in Derby.

We are looking for a proactive, flexible and enthusiastic SLT who demonstrates skill, knowledge and evidence-based management of adults with communication and swallowing disorders.

We can offer robust support and supervision to newly qualified SLTs and in-house dysphagia training which would be completed in the first few months of appointment.

Please note that as this is a community role, you are required to have a means of transport between community locations and patient homes during the working day.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for HCPC and RCSLT registered Speech and Language Therapists or a graduate with registration imminent or applied for with an interest in working with adults with acquired neurological and related conditions in community and hospital environments,

Applications from SLTs with skills in dysphagia management are particularly welcomed.

You will be confident in your abilities to deliver high-quality, evidence-based practice, with assessment and therapeutic experience and ideally some dysphagia management skills in this area.

You will have a commitment to providing a high standard of patient-focused care and be a strong team player.

As a clinical employee it will be your responsibility to ensure that your behaviour and values reflect those set out in the DCHS Way.

Please note that the interviews for these posts will be held on the 12th and 13th October 2026.

Working for our organisation

We are a large and dynamic Speech and Language Therapy service of more than 90 staff, working across all service areas in Derbyshire.

The Purpose and Activities of DCHS: Our purpose is to provide community health services to a patient population of over one million people in Derbyshire and Derby, as part of Joined Up Care Derbyshire.

We employ around 4,200 substantive staff, caring for patients in 11 community hospitals and more than 30 health centres, as well as in clinics, GP practices, schools, care homes and, increasingly, in people’s own homes and via virtual consultations.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Recognised SLT degree, in place or imminently to be awarded
• HCPC registered or applied for
• Registered member of RCSLT

Experience & Knowledge

• Relevant experience including dysphagia, stroke or rehab experience
• In depth knowledge of appropriate assessment and therapeutic interventions for client group.
• Post qualification experience as SLT in NHS

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates good analytical and reflection skills
• Good presentation skills, written and verbal
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to work to deadlines
• Demonstrates ability to be a good team player, providing mentorship, supervision and second opinions
• Means of transport between community locations and patient homes during the working day
• Experience of independent assessment and management of dysphagia
• Experience of coaching/mentoring others
• Understanding of/experience with AAC aids, programmes, devices

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) is one of the largest providers of specialist community healthcare in England and we currently employ around 4,500 staff. We deliver a variety of services across Derbyshire, caring for nearly 1.8 million patients each year.

We deliver patient care through 11 community hospitals, 4 minor injury units, 29 health centres and a learning disability centre. Another key part of our service is out in the community where we care for people in their own homes via therapists, health visitors and district nurses, and promoting public health in the wider community. As a Trust we care for patients of all ages with a special focus on the needs of elderly people and the very young.

DCHS has been recognised as a top 10 NHS organisation to work for in the UK by the Health Service Journal and NHS Employers in their Best Places to Work 2015 campaign. The Trust is also the runner-up in the category for the best NHS community trust employer.

Our vision is to see the health of local communities improve through partnership working, putting people at the centre and looking to the future.

Our values:

1) To get the basics right - For each other, local people and communities

2) To act with compassion and respect - For each other, local people and communities

3) To make a positive difference - For each other, local people and communities

4) To value and develop teamwork - With our partners and within DCHS

5) To value diversity and inclusivity - Of each other, local people and communities.

The majority of our locations offer free parking facilities for staff.

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our service and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's job share, part time or another flexible pattern.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.