About this role
Job summary
We have a fantastic opportunity for a motivated Speech and Language Therapist to join our dynamic Inpatient Team at Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust. The post is full time, working 37.5 hours per week and will involve assessment, treatment and management of patients with communication and swallowing difficulties. This job is ideal for anyone who is about to qualify or is recently qualified, would like to have experience working with adults or we can support someone wanting to return to practice.
Main duties of the job
The post involves providing Speech and Language assessment and rehabilitation to patients at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.There will be opportunities to develop your skills in all clinical areas including Stroke, Acute in-patients, Cancer services, Voice, Head and Neck and Critical care. You will be fully supported to complete your dysphagia competencies and will have the opportunity to develop skills in instrumental assessment to support your clinical practice.
You will be joining an established Speech and Language Therapy Team who work along side Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians 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 taking students when established within the team. 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. 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.
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 at [email protected] 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. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
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.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training Essential
Degree or working towards a degree in Speech and Language Therapy Registered Member of HCPC and RCSLT Evidence of experience in specialist area Completed or working towards dysphagia competencies
Desirable
Post basic training in the management of dysphagia
Knowledge and Experience Essential
Clinical experience with adults with acquired neurological conditions Experience of working in an acute NHS hospital as part of previous employment or student placement An understanding of evidence based practice pertaining to SLT Awareness of national guidelines and standards relevant to SLT An understanding of clinical governance and its implication for SLT
Desirable
Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team Experience of participating in audit and evidence based projects
Skills and Abilities Essential
Evidence of ability to practice as a competent practitioner Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and patients Excellent communication skills A quick learner with the ability to problem solve Good organisational and time management skills Driving licence with access to car IT skills
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 Avenue
Dorchester
DT1 2JY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)