Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Assistant

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Blandford Forum; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Blandford Forum is seeking a Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Assistant to support adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties. You will work with a supportive team, facilitating high-quality rehabilitation while enjoying flexible working hours and CPD opportunities. Experience in a healthcare environment and good communication skills are essential for this role. We offer a dynamic workplace committed to professional development and patient care.

Benefits

CPD opportunities

Flexible working hours

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience working with people with acquired communication disability is essential.
• Full Driving Licence and access to a car are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist qualified clinicians in implementing treatment interventions.
• Provide administration and IT support to the Community Speech and Language Therapy Service.
• Maintain and prepare communication aids for the service.

Skills

Ability to develop relationships with patients and staff

Effective interpersonal communication skills

Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English

Education

NVQ level 3 or equivalent in rehabilitation

Tools

IT systems/software

Job description

Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Assistant

The closing date is 17 December 2025

Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Dorset HealthCare are looking for a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant to join our supportive team!

As a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant you will be joining the Dorset Community Adult Speech and Language Therapy service that is supportive and dynamic. You will be responsible for supporting patients and the service across North Dorset and Wareham, and will be based at Blandford Hospital. We see patients in outpatient clinics, on hospital wards and in their own homes. We welcome ideas of change that could contribute to creating a better service for people living with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties.

You will be supported by Speech and Language Therapists including a team manager and clinical lead. You will have the opportunity to work with SLT assistants and local adult acute SLT teams and the paediatric SLT community team is available to enable development. We offer CPD opportunities, regular supervision and peer supervision.

We could be flexible with how the hours are met over the working days, as long as the services needs are met. We embrace flexible working and we support a hybrid model of working from home as well as the office.

If you have any queries or would like to meet the service, please contact [e-mail] or call 01202 307766.

Main duties of the job

To work as part of the Speech and Language Therapy team in provision of high quality person centred rehabilitation & support to adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties.

Following direction from qualified clinicians work independently to implement planned treatment interventions and assist in the development of programmes of care.

To provide confidential administration, secretarial and IT support to the Community Speech and Language Therapy Service.

To take responsibility for the maintenance and preparation of the communication aids used within the service.

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.

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

us

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 with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [e-mail]

Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and training

• Ability to develop relationships with patients, carers, staff and work within a team.
• NVQ level 3 or equivalent (or working towards) in rehabilitation.

Business travel

• Full Driving Licence and access to a car.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English and effective interpersonal communication skills.

Job specific experience

• Experience of the practical applications of IT systems/software.
• Experience of working with people with acquired communication disability.
• Ability to recognise own limitations and be prepared to seek advice, when necessary.
• Ability to develop relationships with patients, carers, staff and work within a team.

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 ( known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust