Job overview
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. We offer informal support via a mentor and you will receive more structured supervision to aid your 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 inpatients with communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
**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.
Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval, you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
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.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Communication
1. The client group for this post have barriers to understanding/communicating which require excellent communication skills.
2. 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.
3. This will frequently involving utilising motivational skills, supporting patients under stressful or emotionally charged situations who have challenging communication difficulties.
4. Use of empathy in working with distressed patients/carers and relatives.
5. 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
6. 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.
7. To develop and maintain knowledge of national and local clinical guidelines, legislation and professional policies relevant to the caseload speciality.
8. To contribute to the development and implementation of local clinical guidelines and care protocols for patients with acquired communication/ swallowing difficulties
-- Please see the Job Description & Person Specs for further info --
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
9. Recognised degree or diploma in speech and language therapy
10. Registered member of HCPC
11. Member of RCSLT
Experience
Essential criteria
12. Demonstrated undergraduate or postgraduate experience of working with adults
Knowledge
Essential criteria
13. Demonstrated knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing impairments
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
14. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
15. 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