Speech and Language Therapist – Learning Disabilities/Mental Health
The closing date is 20 May 2026.
We are seeking a dedicated Speech and Language Therapist to serve as a Care Coordinator within our Intellectual Disability (ID) CAMHS service. The role involves working across two sites in Dorset—Southbourne and Dorchester—with the primary base at Seascape, Southbourne. A full and valid UK driving licence is required, as travel to patient homes and community settings will be part of your duties.
Main duties of the job
* Provide direct support to people with learning disabilities, mental health concerns, and challenging behaviours as part of the multidisciplinary intellectual disability team.
* Identify and address mental health concerns and challenging behaviours.
* Act as an autonomous specialist Speech and Language Therapist, assessing, diagnosing and managing patients with complex and special educational needs.
* Collaborate with clients' carers and multidisciplinary team members to inform assessments, make recommendations for interventions and support needs.
* Provide SALT communication assessments for children and young people as part of a mental health and/or complex behavioural presentation.
* Undertake risk assessment, formulation and management for individual clients with complex presentations and advise other professionals regarding communication difficulties.
Qualifications
* Recognised Speech & Language Therapy Degree or Masters Qualification or equivalent.
* Health Professions Council licence to practice.
* Registered member of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.
* Completion of specialist courses related to people with a learning disability, challenging behaviour and/or mental health.
Experience
* Ability to adapt written and verbal communication to suit the needs of people with communication and intellectual disabilities.
* Knowledge of assessment tools relevant to the client group.
* Knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group.
* Experience working with autistic individuals as a Speech & Language Therapist.
* Experience working with individuals with intellectual disability as a Speech and Language Therapist.
* Experience training other professionals.
Job Specific Experience
* Experience in assessing and implementing alternative and augmentative communication (AAC).
* Previous supervisory experience.
* Experience devising and delivering training.
Personal Attributes
* Demonstrated alignment with the Trust values and behaviours.
* Effective communication at different organisational levels, both verbally and in writing.
* Ability to overcome barriers to understanding with intellectual disabilities.
* Capacity to evaluate care, leading to improvement in quality standards and service development.
* Analytical skills to assess complex situations, interpret conflicting information and determine appropriate action requiring judgement.
Employment Details
Full‑time, permanent position within the pan‑Dorset ID CAMHS service. Flexible working arrangements may be available, provided service needs are met.
Driving is essential for this role. You will be required to have a full and valid UK driving licence and to travel using your own vehicle on Trust business.
Visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold a valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service may present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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