Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Acute setting

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279); Brighton; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for an adult inpatient setting. This role focuses on assessing and managing individuals with dysphagia and communication impairments, suitable for candidates with acute care experience. The position offers opportunities for professional development and involves multi-disciplinary team collaboration. Candidates should hold a degree in Speech and Language Therapy and be HCPC registered, with relevant competencies in dysphagia management.

Benefits

Opportunities for continuing professional development

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• HCPC registered, member of RCSLT.
• Experience in an acute setting.
• Competency in relevant dysphagia management.

Responsibilities

• Assessment and management of dysphagia.
• Capacity assessments and involvement in MDT.
• Involvement in videofluoroscopy and FEES.

Skills

Competency in dysphagia management

Communication impairment assessment

Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) participation

Education

Degree in Speech and Language Therapy

Job description

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in Acute setting

The closing date is 22 December 2025

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, arising 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 therapist 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. 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.

About us

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.

Job responsibilities

• 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, e.g., audit and CPD.
• Participation in MDMs, case discussions, discharge planning and family meetings.
• Being part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Person Specification

• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
• HCPC registered, 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).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and, as such, it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.