Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist - Acute Stroke & Rehabilitation

NHS; Chichester; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Chichester is seeking a Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist to join the team in supporting inpatients with communication and swallowing disorders. This role is ideal for new graduates and offers opportunities for professional development and mentorship. Candidates must hold a recognized degree in speech and language therapy and demonstrate effective communication skills.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive mentorship

Visa sponsorship available

Qualifications

• Demonstrated undergraduate or postgraduate experience of working with adults.
• Knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of communication and swallowing impairments.
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles as appropriate to role.

Responsibilities

• Provide Speech and Language Therapy intervention for adult inpatients.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of local clinical guidelines.
• Communicate complex assessment findings to clients and professionals.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Empathy

Motivational skills

Education

Recognised degree or diploma in speech and language therapy

Registered member of HCPC

Member of RCSLT

Job description

Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist - Acute Stroke & Rehabilitation

The closing date is 01 October 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new graduate or current band 5 wishing to gain experience in an adult acute stroke and rehabilitation setting, to join the Speech and Language Therapy service at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

This is a fixed term position and will support in-patients with communication and swallowing disorders within acute stroke and rehabilitation beds at St Richards Hospital, Chichester, including Donald Wilson Neurological Rehabilitation Centre.

There may also be opportunities for you to work as part of our cross site acute service at Worthing 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. CPD opportunities will be available from within the service.

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.

About us

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We\'re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We\'re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Job responsibilities

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 involving 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 –

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.

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).

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.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

£31,049 to £37,796 a yearPer annum, pro rata