Speech and Language Therapist - Stroke

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Dorchester seeks an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join their Stroke Team. This full-time role involves providing assessment and rehabilitation to patients post-stroke, with opportunities for career development and a supportive work environment. Candidates must hold relevant qualifications and a passion for patient care.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of evidence-based practice in Speech & Language Therapy.
• Understanding of rehabilitation with dysphagia and communication.
• Ability to deliver complex concepts to patients and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist Speech and Language assessment for stroke patients.
• Rehabilitation for patients on Acute Stroke Unit at Dorset County Hospital.
• Supervise at least one team member.

Skills

Excellent time-management skills

Ability to self-direct learning

Ability to work as part of a specialised MDT

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Specialist Dysphagia qualification

Clinical educators certificate

Membership of RCSLT

HCPC registration

Membership of relevant CEN

Job description

Job summary

We have recently been awarded significant investment to develop 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) and Integrated Community Stroke Services (ICSS). This is a really exciting time as we significantly expand our existing services and 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 is full time, working 37.5 hours per week, and will involve specialist dysphagia and communication intervention for patients post stroke.

We would welcome applications from anyone already at a B6 level or will consider B5's with relevant stroke experience looking for a B5 developing 6 role.

Job responsibilities

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 the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne, ensuring that rehabilitation continues across the stroke pathway. If you have experience or a keen interest in working within a stroke service and are looking for a new challenge – this may be the job for you! 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.

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.

Person specification

Education, qualifications and training (essential)

• Have a degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• Specialist Dysphagia qualification
• Clinical educators certificate
• A member of RCSLT
• HCPC registration
• Membership of relevant CEN

Knowledge and experience (essential)

• Knowledge of evidence‑based practice pertaining to the specialist area of Speech & Language Therapy
• Understanding of rehabilitation with dysphagia and communication
• Ability to work as part of a specialised MDT and communicate effectively within it
• Ability to deliver complex and sensitive concepts in easily understood language to patients, carers and staff
• Understanding the role of SLT in assessing mental capacity

Skills and abilities (essential)

• Excellent time‑management skills with ability to organise, prioritise and delegate
• Ability to self‑direct learning, be critical and evaluate own learning needs, demonstrated in a CPD portfolio
• Full driving licence and access to own car

UKVI sponsorship

UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.

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.

UK registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Application

Please contact us at [e-mail] if 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.

Employer details

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset County Hospital

Williams Road

Dorchester

DT1 2JY

Website: https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/

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.

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 are numerous 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.