Job overview
We are seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join us in working in an adult inpatient setting.
The role will include assessment and management of people with acquired dysphagia and communication impairments.
This is an exciting opportunity for a band 6 Speech and Language Therapist wishing to further their career in acute services has arisen due to an internal promotion in our team. This post, based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, will suit an experienced band 5 or 6 therapists who particularly wishes to develop their assessment and management of swallowing difficulties.
As such you must be able to demonstrate competencies at the proficient level of the RCSLT Eating, Drinking and Swallowing competencies and have some experience in an acute setting.
We are a well-established and friendly team, working in the exciting environment of a teaching hospital with regional specialties.
You will have excellent opportunities to participate in a wide variety of continuing professional development activities and to develop skills in advanced dysphagia management, videofluoroscopy and FEES.
As part of the stroke services in UHSussex Trust you will also be invited to be involved Saturday working on the acute and hyperacute stroke unit with other band 6 SLTs in the team. This is led by the Principal Speech and Language Therapist for stroke. As such, some experience in stroke is desirable however training and support will be provided.
Main duties of the job
Assessment and management of dysphagia.
Assessment and management of acquired communication impairements
Capacity assessments.
VFL and FEES.
MDT participation and activities.
For further details, please see the attached Job Description
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.
Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
Assessment, analysis, diagnosis, treatment and management of a range of acquired swallowing and communication disorders.
Mental capacity assessments and support with decision making around key life decisions.
Involvement in videofluoroscopy and fibre optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing ( FEES).
Involvement in service development.
Involvement in clinical governance processes and activities eg audit and CPD.
Participation in MDMs, case discussion, discharge planning and family meetings.
Being a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
1. Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
Essential
Essential criteria
2. HCPC regisered, member of RCSLT
Essential
Essential criteria
3. Experience in acute setting, appropriate level of dysphagia competency, other relevant MDT working
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
4. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
5. 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