Overview
We have recently been awarded significant investment to develop 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 is an exciting time as we expand our existing services and 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 Stroke Team at Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust. The post is full time, working 37.5 hours per week and will involve specialist dysphagia and communication intervention for patients post-stroke.
We would welcome applications from anyone already at a B6 level or will consider B5s with relevant stroke experience looking for a B5 developing 6 role.
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 the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne, ensuring rehabilitation continues across the stroke pathway.
If you have experience or a keen interest in working within a stroke service and are looking for a new challenge – this may be the job for you! 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.
Responsibilities
* Provide specialist Speech and Language assessment and rehabilitation for stroke patients on the Acute Stroke Unit and Yeatman Hospital, ensuring continuity of rehabilitation across the pathway.
* Develop and implement dysphagia assessment and management plans.
* Deliver communication interventions to support patients post-stroke.
* Collaborate with an established Stroke Therapy Team (Physiotherapists, Dietitians, Speech & Language Therapists and Therapy Support Workers) under the supervision of a Clinical Lead Therapist.
* Engage in current projects, including service development and evaluation, internal and external training, audits and research reviews.
* Supervise at least one team member and contribute to staff wellbeing, supervision, appraisal and career development initiatives.
* Participate in quality improvement and integrated Therapies Service planning to balance quality and resources for patient-centered care.
Qualifications and Requirements
* Qualified Speech and Language Therapist with experience in stroke (desirable).
* Current registration and eligibility to practice.
* Experience or interest in working within a stroke service; ability to work in both acute and rehabilitation settings.
* Willingness to contribute to service development, training, audits and research reviews.
* Availability for full-time work (37.5 hours/week) and potential supervision responsibilities.
Other Information
* UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.
* Our Trust values: Integrity, Respect, Teamwork and Excellence. Commitment to patient care and an inclusive environment; we encourage applications from under-represented groups.
* For application guidance, contact Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk or refer to the attached DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification.
* We understand some applicants may use AI tools; submissions must reflect your own experiences and be truthful.
* We are a modern District General Hospital with a supportive working environment and opportunities for staff wellbeing and development.
Expiry
This advert closes on Thursday 6 November 2025.
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