Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
This is a trainee post Band 5 to Band 6, on completion of competencies and experience in the role. The post involves working in a clinical setting in a busy sexual health clinic, and seeing a variety of patients face to face who may present with positive test results following a sexual health screen. The post holder will also learn to assess and support patients presenting with vulnerabilities such as Chems use, sexual exploitation and sexual assault, and plan immediate interventions and on-going referrals. There will be a strong emphasis on risk reduction and a public health responsibility to support the reduction of onward transmission of infections, by supporting patients with education and partner contact.
Main duties of the job
To see patients following positive diagnosis of STI
To initiate and support partner notification
To assess and manage specific presentations from patients with additional vulnerabilities
To have an excellent understanding of referral pathways from partners such as THT, CGL, Survivors Network and Victim Support
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To facilitate health education and promotion with all patients diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection and promote partner notification and attendance of sexual contacts. To undertake assessment, provide advice and appropriate referral for specific groups of patients including; MSM, patients under 16 years, adults attending following recent sexual assault and adults attending following recent exposure to HIV.
Person specification
Experience of working in Sexual Health/HIV
Essential criteria
1. Experience working with this specific client group
Suitable qualification as outlined in Person Specification
Essential criteria
2. Registered General Nurse or Relevant Degree plus work experience
Demonstrates understanding or role and responsibilities giving examples
Essential criteria
3. Able to articulate a sound understanding of the role and examples of how it operates in practice
Desirable
Essential criteria
4. Able to demonstrate an understanding of the skills required for this role - flexibility, ability to undertake study and learning, team orientated, able to hold and manage complex information and assess priorities under pressure
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
5. Able to demonstrate a sound level of skills and knowledge in sexual health
6. Knowledge of counselling skills and commitment to undertake counselling training to level 3
7. Management of own caseload
8. Knowledge of IT in order to communicate; write documents; and make basic tables
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
9. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
10. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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