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 atRecruitment@dchft.nhs.ukif 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 atRecruitment@dchft.nhs.ukif 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). Location : Dorset County Hospital, Williams Road, DT1 2JY Dorchester, United Kingdom