Specialist Speech and Language Therapist: Sponsorship Available

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen at Dorset County Hospital to join our supportive speech and language therapy team.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic B6 Speech and Language Therapist wishing to develop their skills across the adult acute inpatient pathway. We will also consider applicants who would be suitable for a B5 developing B6 role

You will be part of our dynamic Speech and Language Therapy Team and will have a specialist role managing complex communication and swallowing disorders across all acute inpatient wards. You will also have the opportunity to work within our Macmillan cancer therapy team and the ENT service as required.

We will provide you with access to peer support, regular 1:1 meetings with the clinical lead speech and language therapist, appraisals and clinical supervision. We actively encourage CPD, attendance at relevant CENs and training opportunities including developing instrumental assessment skills.

Main duties of the job

  • To work as a member of the Speech and Language Therapy Team providing diagnosis, assessment, treatment and management to adult in-patients with communication and/or swallowing problems with a range of aetiologies including critical care, cancer and ENT as required.
  • To work with the Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist leading on Speech and Language Therapy specialist provision to patients at Dorset County Hospital referred with Communication and Swallowing disorders.
  • To participate, as needed, in the videofluoroscopy clinic.
  • To supervise junior members of staff and students.
  • Develop and participate in training programmes across acute and community MDT’s.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • To have a Degree in Speech & Language Therapy recognised by RCSLT
  • Registered with H.C.P.C
  • Achieved dysphagia competencies to specialist level
  • Valid driving licence
  • Evidence of relevant CPD

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in the management of complex communication/swallowing disorders.
  • Have experience in carrying own caseload independently carrying out assessments & treatment.
  • Experience of working with different conditions and aetiologies.
  • Experience in developing & delivering training packages internally & externally to SALT & wider MDT
  • Experience of supervising staff/students.
  • Experience of working in a wide range of acute care settings including Emergency Care
  • Experience of using/observing instrumental assessment in the management of dysphagia

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

  • To have an understanding of assessment, management and rehabilitation with complex dysphagia.
  • Able to work as part of a specialised MDT
  • Understanding of ‘End of Life’ pathway within the acute setting.
  • Able to deliver complex and sensitive concepts in easily understood language to patients, carers and staff
  • Able to participate in quality improvement projects including research and audit.
  • Competent IT skills
  • Have use of a car.

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).

Closing Date: 4 October 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.