Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Stroke

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Eastbourne is seeking a Band 6 Stroke Specialist Therapist to deliver specialized therapy for adults with acute stroke. This role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams and developing rehabilitation strategies. Ideal candidates will have completed NQP competencies and are eager to specialize in community services. The position offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Protected time for CPD

Relocation package may be available

Access to NHS pension and staff benefits

Qualifications

• Completed NQP competencies (or nearing completion) with interest in post-basic dysphagia training.
• Desire to specialise in community SLT services and work with MDT.
• Ability to work across acute and community settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist speech and language therapy for adults with acute stroke.
• Develop and deliver rehabilitation strategies including groups and IOPI.
• Collaborate with specialist clinicians across various services.

Skills

Communication skills

Swallow rehabilitation expertise

Team collaboration

Education

Completed NQP competencies

Tools

Videofluoroscopy clinics

Job description

Overview

Available as a B6 post or a B6 development post. For development, the post will commence on a B6 Annex U; you will be paid 70% of entry point on a B6, then move to the entry point on the B6 scale when competencies are achieved.

We are seeking a Band 6 Stroke Specialist Therapist to join the hyperacute and subacute stroke unit at Eastbourne District General Hospital. The role involves close MDT working with colleagues on the unit and across the stroke pathway, and opportunities to develop specialist skills in communication and swallow rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist speech and language therapy for adults with acute stroke, focusing on communication and/or swallowing difficulties.
• Develop and deliver rehabilitation strategies, including groups, IOPI, Ampcare, EMST, and FEES as required.
• Collaborate with specialist clinicians across community services, rehabilitation, voice, head & neck cancer, stroke, critical care and neurology to support patient care and service improvements.
• Participate in regional videofluoroscopy clinics and the Swallow Disorder Clinic.
• Engage in service development, research activities, and continuing professional development with protected time for CPD, clinical forums, and supervision.
• Contribute to teaching and student placements with local HEI partnerships.
• Be willing to travel to occasional sites across East Sussex, including Conquest Hospital, as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Completed NQP competencies (or nearing completion) with interest in post-basic dysphagia training.
• Desire to specialise in community SLT services and work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work across acute and community settings and to participate in MDT care planning.

Support, Development and Benefits

• Protected time for CPD, monthly clinical forums, and regular clinical supervision; support to attend relevant CENs and external training opportunities.
• Opportunity to work with highly specialist SLTs and SLT assistants to develop skills to a specialist level.
• Partnerships with higher education institutes and access to innovative training methods; commitment to staff development and postgraduate courses.
• Relocation package may be available; discuss at interview.
• Comprehensive in-service education, access to NHS pension, staff benefits, onsite parking, and confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

About East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of around £568 million, delivering integrated acute and community care from two acute hospitals (Hastings and Eastbourne) and multiple community sites. Our services are rated by the Care Quality Commission as Good overall, with Outstanding ratings for Caring and Effective in our Community Services and at Conquest Hospital. We are committed to safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led services.