Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Stroke

Outstanding Care, Outstanding Careers

For more information on our wonderful Trust search Join DCHFT and for more information on the benefits of working at DCHFT search DCHFT Staff Benefits

For help with completing an application search DCHFT Our Recruitment Process

Job overview

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.

Working for our organisation

The Therapies Team is committed to the principle of seven day working and is currently working towards it.

There are

We would welcome applications from people in groups which are under-represented in our organisation.

Detailed job description and main 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.

Person specification

Knowledge and Experience

• 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

• Able to use instrumental swallowing assessments

Education, Qualifications and Training

• Have a degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• A member of RCSLT
• HCPC registration
• Holds a valid driver’s licence

• Membership of relevant CEN
• Specialist Dysphagia qualification
• Clinical educators certificate

Skills and Abilities

• 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

Our Mission

Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.

Our Vision

Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.

Our Values

Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence

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 all under-represented groups.

For more information, please use the link below to read our joint strategy for Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare.

Trust Strategy | Dorset County Hospital (dchft.nhs.uk)

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.

The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.

Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.

You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.