Job overview
The SHAC service is very excited to advertise a new training post available for registered nurses to apply for, regardless of sexual health and/or contraception experience. Brighton Sexual Health and Contraception is an integrated service in Brighton, and operates across three main sites in the city, with outreach to other parts. We are a multi-professional progressive team providing a comprehensive, evidence-based and patient-focused service for Contraception and Sexual Health.
Successful candidates will commence employment as a Band 5 nurse, with a comprehensive, structured training plan identifying clinical and managerial training to develop their skills within the speciality. Once all training has been successfully completed the post holder will be promoted to a Band 6. The pathway to a Band 6 role is expected to take up to 24 months, although this will be individual to each post holder and depends on previous nursing and managerial experience.
The successful post holder will meet with their line manager on a regular basis to discuss their training requirements to fully support their learning within post.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills as the role requires a sensitive, confidential and non-judgmental manner at all times. Evidence of previous team working and flexibility is essential.
Main duties of the job
1. The post holder will be responsible for delivering planned, high quality nursing care that encompasses and responds to the sexual health and contraception needs of patients attending the service.
2. The post holder will provide evidence-based, holistic sexual health and contraception care to patients attending the service. This will include sexual and reproductive history taking, assessment of needs (including contraception, pregnancy, risk-taking behaviour, alcohol and drug use, mental health), venepuncture, facilitation of asymptomatic pathway for patients, intimate genital examinations and specimen collection (including cervical cytology and pregnancy testing), diagnostic microscopy, discussion of results, diagnosis and management plan, administration and supply of medicines under PGD, genital wart treatments and sexual health discussion / health promotion / signposting to other services.
3. Upon completion of training and competency-based assessment in areas described above, the post holder will be supported to undertake a recognised contraception and GUM training qualification.
4. The post holder is required to work in an unsupervised role, performing triage / assessments on patients accessing the service and required to make clinical decisions based upon their assessment skills and knowledge.
5. The post holder will work across hub and spoke sites across Brighton and Hove, and is required to work some evenings and weekends
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 Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see both Band 5 and Band 6 Job Description and Person Specification attached for more details.
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.
We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses.
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
6. Registered General Nurse
7. Study at degree level or equivalent level of experience.
8. Willingness to undertake specific training in sexual health and contraception
Desirable criteria
9. Mentorship course
Skills
Essential criteria
10. Demonstrates excellent clinical skills
11. Experience working at part of a multidisciplinary team
12. Up to date knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
13. Experience or interest in the area of sexual health, contraception or LGBTQ+ health
14. Evidence of experience in managing and delivering person centred care on daily basis
Desirable criteria
15. Competent in performing venepuncture
16. Post graduate experience within sexual health providing GUM and/or contraception care
17. Competent in diagnostic microscopy
18. Competent in HPV ablative therapies
19. Ability to apply Fraser competencies for those aged 16 and under
20. Aware of Trust Policies and financial position
21. Experience of delegation
22. Evidence of managing complex patients
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
23. Good standard of written, verbal and interpersonal skills
24. Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
25. Ability to vary communication style according to audience and clinical situation
Desirable criteria
26. Experience of clinical supervision and reflective practice
27. Ability to supervise the work of other staff and learners
28. Experience of supervising junior staff, supported by senior staff nurse or manager
29. Ability to co-ordinate the work of the clinic team
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
30. Able to prioritise and manage a range of tasks and duties with competing demands
31. Able to delegate effectively.
32. Able to support the maintenance of a functional clinic environment conducive to the delivery of excellent care
33. Able to participate in the ongoing work of the multidisciplinary team coordinating their input as required in the care of individual patients
34. Computer skills including use of databases, spread sheets, Word, Excel, and other clinical support systems.
Freedom to Act
Essential criteria
35. Works on own initiative acting within NMC/HPC guidelines, policies and established practice
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
36. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
37. 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