Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Dysphagia Lead

The closing date is 15 April 2026

Job summary

We are pleased to offer this exciting opportunity to join our Adult Learning Disability Speech and Language Therapy Service as a Band 7 Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

You will be working as part of the Community Learning Disability Teams across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, as well as taking the lead for Dysphagia.

You will be working across a range of community settings, so must hold a full driving licence, and have access to a fully insured car.

This is a part-time post of 22.5 hours per week. The post holder may be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.Informal enquiries and visits are welcomed.

Main duties of the job

To provide a highly specialist service, in the most appropriate location, either individually or as part of a team, to learning disabled service users with communication and / or eating and drinking difficulties, including adults with high and complex support needs, and their family carers and / or care and support providers.

To promote inclusive communication, and safe eating and drinking in the lives of adults with learning disabilities.

To act as Clinical Lead for Dysphagia.

To assist the Team Leader with the day to day management of Speech and Language Therapy staff.

You will be working with people with learning disabilities, family carers, care and support providers, advocates, multidisciplinary team members, forums for people with learning disabilities, health and social care staff, speech and language therapy teams, service managers and therapy staff.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Details

Date posted

01 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£29,632 to £33,909 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M619.25

Job locations

Delphwood

Ashdown Close

Poole

BH17 8WG


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

  • Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
  • Evidence of CPD in specialist area

Desirable

  • Advanced dysphagia training

Knowledge

Essential

  • Skilled key word signer

Managerial

Essential

  • Evidence of effective supervision of SALT staff and/or students

IT

Essential

  • Basic IT skills

Desirable

  • knowledge and use of symbol software systems

English Skills

Essential

  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English
Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

  • Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
  • Evidence of CPD in specialist area

Desirable

  • Advanced dysphagia training

Knowledge

Essential

  • Skilled key word signer

Managerial

Essential

  • Evidence of effective supervision of SALT staff and/or students

IT

Essential

  • Basic IT skills

Desirable

  • knowledge and use of symbol software systems

English Skills

Essential

  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Delphwood

Ashdown Close

Poole

BH17 8WG


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Delphwood

Ashdown Close

Poole

BH17 8WG


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Lead for Adult Learning Disabilities SALT

Rachel Whitmarsh

rachel.whitmarsh@nhs.net

01202636174

Details

Date posted

01 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£29,632 to £33,909 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M619.25

Job locations

Delphwood

Ashdown Close

Poole

BH17 8WG


Supporting documents

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