Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Acute setting

University Hospitals Sussex; Brighton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Brighton is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to support adult inpatients with dysphagia and communication impairments. This role requires HCPC registration and experience in an acute setting. Successful candidates will demonstrate proficiency in dysphagia management, participate in a dynamic teaching hospital environment, and contribute to multi-disciplinary team activities. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities available. Applications close on 22/12/2025.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Wellbeing programme for staff

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• HCPC registered, member of RCSLT.
• Experience in an acute setting with dysphagia competency.
• Evidence of development in equalities and diversity issues.

Responsibilities

• Assessment and management of dysphagia.
• Management of acquired communication impairments.
• Participation in multi-disciplinary team activities.

Skills

Dysphagia management

Communication impairments

Team collaboration

Mental capacity assessments

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Acute setting

Band 6

Main area Speech and Language Therapy Grade Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Saturday morning stroke rota) Job ref 279-7640845-DEC25

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £38,682 -46,580 Per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 22/12/2025 23:59

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. 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.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values . 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.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

We are seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join us in working in an adult inpatient setting.

The role will include assessment and management of people with acquired dysphagia and communication impairments.

This is an exciting opportunity for a band 6 Speech and Language Therapist wishing to further their career in acute services has arisen due to an internal promotion in our team. This post, based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, will suit an experienced band 5 or 6 therapists who particularly wishes to develop their assessment and management of swallowing difficulties.

As such you must be able to demonstrate competencies at the proficient level of the RCSLT Eating, Drinking and Swallowing competencies and have some experience in an acute setting.

We are a well-established and friendly 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 and to develop skills in advanced dysphagia management, videofluoroscopy and FEES.

As part of the stroke services in UHSussex Trust you will also be invited to be involved Saturday working on the acute and hyperacute stroke unit with other band 6 SLTs in the team. This is led by the Principal Speech and Language Therapist for stroke. As such, some experience in stroke is desirable however training and support will be provided.

Main duties of the job

Assessment and management of dysphagia.

Assessment and management of acquired communication impairments

Capacity assessments.

VFL and FEES.

MDT participation and activities.

For further details, please see the attached Job Description

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. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.

Assessment, analysis, diagnosis, treatment and management of a range of acquired swallowing and communication disorders.

Mental capacity assessments and support with decision making around key life decisions.

Involvement in videofluoroscopy and fibre optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing ( FEES).

Involvement in clinical governance processes and activities eg audit and CPD.

Participation in MDMs, case discussion, discharge planning and family meetings.

Being a part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Person specification

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy
• HCPC regisered, member of RCSLT
• Experience in acute setting, appropriate level of dysphagia competency, other relevant MDT working

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 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

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

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 SALT in Acute Stroke and Inpatients
Email address: [e-mail]
Telephone number: 07826918259

Name: Mandy Mcleod
Service Manager: SALT Service Manager
Email address: [e-mail]
Telephone number: 07827233249