Job overview
This is an exciting opportunity for a Speech & Language Therapist wishing to further their career in Acute and Stroke services at Worthing Hospital, part of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
This 12 month Fixed term/Seconded Specialist SLT post will suit an already experienced Band 5 Speech & Language Therapist wishing to gain more experience and responsibility. This will be working within an inpatient team supporting the general acute and stroke caseloads at Worthing Hospital.
Main duties of the job
1. To provide assessment, management and provision of therapy to those patients with swallowing and communication difficulties.
2. To act as a mentor to Band 5 SLTs, SLT Assistants and SLT students.
3. To support provision of training and CPD within the SLT service and more widely within UHSussex.
4. To develop competencies within instrumental assessment of swallowing and management of critical care patients.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details.
5. To provide assessment, management and provision of therapy to those patients with swallowing and communication difficulties.
6. To act as a mentor to Band 5 SLTs, SLT Assistants and SLT students.
7. To support provision of training and CPD within the SLT service and more widely within UHSussex.
8. To develop competencies within instrumental assessment of swallowing, management of critical care patients including those with tracheostomy.
Prior to submission of your application for any internal secondment or fixed term post, please ensure that you have discussed this with your line manager to obtain their approval.
If you do not have written approval from your current line manager to take this position if successful as an internal secondment opportunity, it would be offered as a fixed term position.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
9. Degree or recognised equivalent in Speech and Language Therapy
10. Registered with HCPC and RCSLT
11. Relevant clinical experience with adult caseloads
12. Post-graduate Dysphagia competencies
13. Experience of providing training.
Desirable criteria
14. Experience of hospital acute services for adults
Skills
Essential criteria
15. Established post graduate experience in clinical specialism Thorough knowledge of theory and practice related to specialist area.
16. Developing ability to diagnose a full range of communication and swallowing disorders within clinical specialty
Desirable criteria
17. Knowledge of other professionals’ roles related to specialist area
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
18. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
19. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications