Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist – Acute & Stroke Care
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 27 May 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new graduate or current band 5 wishing to gain experience in an adult acute and stroke role, to join the Speech and Language Therapy service at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
This is a fixed‑term/seconded position and will support in‑patients with communication and swallowing disorders within acute and stroke services at Worthing Hospital.
Opportunities to complete in‑service dysphagia competencies will also be available.
As a newly or recently qualified Speech and Language Therapist you will follow a preceptorship programme, in line with RCSLT NQP competencies. Informal support via a mentor will be offered and you will receive structured supervision to aid completion of your NQP competencies. CPD opportunities will be available from within the service.
Main Duties of the Job
To provide Speech and Language Therapy intervention for adult inpatients, completing clinical assessment, differential diagnosis and management of patients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
Job 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 (£25,000), and any role‑specific criteria.
Communication
* The client group for this post have barriers to understanding/communicating which require excellent communication skills.
* The post holder will be required to communicate complex condition‑related and general professional information with: Clients, patients and carers, MDT health professionals, social services, voluntary services and the public.
* This will frequently involve utilising motivational skills, supporting patients under stressful or emotionally charged situations who have challenging communication difficulties.
* Use of empathy in working with distressed patients/carers and relatives.
* To communicate complex information regarding assessment findings and management of communication and swallowing difficulties to clients/patients, carers and other professionals, ensuring holistic management of the client/patient.
Service Delivery and Improvement
* To advise and work with senior Speech and Language Therapists, line managers and supervisors to inform service development and planning of issues relevant to the Speech and Language Therapy Service, such as waiting times, service delivery and service pressures.
* To develop and maintain knowledge of national and local clinical guidelines, legislation and professional policies relevant to the caseload speciality.
* To contribute to the development and implementation of local clinical guidelines and care protocols for patients with acquired communication/ swallowing difficulties.
Qualifications
* Recognised degree or diploma in speech and language therapy
* Registered member of HCPC
* Member of RCSLT
Experience
* Demonstrated undergraduate or postgraduate experience of working with adults
Knowledge
* Demonstrated knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing impairments
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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.
£32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum, pro rata
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