Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Stroke

Job overview

There has been significant investment into developing 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 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.

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.