Job overview
The post holder may come from a trained nursing background or other profession, or have the relevant qualification and experience to carry our the role, please see person specification for more detail. This is an exciting opportunity to join an established health adviser team working in sexual health, HIV and contraception. We value the training and support that we are able to offer new team members. The role is diverse, stimulating and interesting and will require handwork, commitment, and a passion for working with people in order to support and improve sexual health outcomes.
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 of the job
The role involves working one to one with patients, discussing positive results and the management of these, but also taking into account other factors that may influence sexual health. The post holder will be competent at risk assessment, signposting and onward referral and be able to adapt care within the service to the needs of the individual.
As sexual health advisers we have a public health responsibility, and sensitive conversations with individuals to support them to inform sexual contacts about infections is a core skill.
The post holder will support other members of the MDT to assess and review patients with additional needs such as under 18's and those patients who may raise a safeguarding concern. The post holder will develop strong links with partner agencies such as THT and CGL and RUOK and Survivors Network and make appropriate referrals as part of supporting individual patient needs.
Working for our organisation
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
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Face to face work with patients on clinic, results discussion and treatment. risk assessment and support
Assessment and referral - for example, social services, RISE, THT, Oasis, CGL, Survivors Network
Support a range of risk reduction interventions for patients including PEP, PrEP, Bexsero, DPEP, Hepatitis A and B vaccination
Partner Notification
Undertaking asymptomatic screening, phlebotomy
Supporting recall team to manage complex results and unsure that recall systems are maintained and actioned daily
Person specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Registered General Nurse (level 1), Registered Mental Health Nurse, or holds a relevant Social/Health related degree with significant post registration specialist experience in HIV/Sexual Health
2. Prior experience of working in HIV/GUM and with the MSM community
3. Evidences understanding of complexity of Health Adviser Role
4. Safeguarding and complex case load experience
5. Level 3 certificate in counselling skills or working towards
Desirable criteria
6. Counselling/ therapy training
7. Sexual Health Adviser Experience in NHS
8. Contraception knowledge
9. Reproductive Health Care qualification
10. Counselling qualification
11. Health advising experience
12. Project work
13. Involvement in audit
14. Knowledge of reproductive health care
15. Previous work with young people
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
16. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
17. 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