Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new graduate or current band 5 wishing to gain experience in an acute adult setting, to join the Speech and Language Therapy service at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
This post will suit a newly qualified therapist as dysphagia training and the opportunity to acquire dysphagia competencies are significant parts of this role. The post is based at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath where you will work in both general inpatients and in the Sussex Rehabilitation Centre which is on the same site. In both areas you will provide assessment and management of communication and swallowing difficulties with support from senior colleagues. We are a well established team working in the exciting environment of a teaching hospital with regional specialties. You will have excellent opportunities to participate in a wide variety of continuing professional development activities.
There may also be opportunities for you to work as part of our cross site acute service at The Royal Sussex County Hospital. Opportunities to complete in service dysphagia competencies will also be available. As a newly 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.
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.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), 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 candidate information pack and 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 UHSx 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 UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
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
— Please see the Job Description & Person Specs for further info —
Person specification
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).
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 Immigration 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
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Lynsey Keeley
Job title Principal Speech and Language Therapist
Email address Lynsey.keeley@nhs.net
Telephone number 07826918259
Additional information
For further information or to arrange an informal visit please contact Lynsey Keeley, Principal Speech and Language Therapist. Tel 01273 696955 extension 64891, 07826918259 or Lynsey.keeley@nhs.net. Or Emma Williams, Advanced Speech and Language Therapist. Tel 01444 441881 ext 65770 or Emma.Williams177@nhs.net
#J-18808-Ljbffr