Specialist Speech and Language Therapist - Stroke | East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

ESHT; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare service provider in Eastbourne is seeking a therapist to specialise in acute stroke care. This role involves delivering therapy, engaging in service development, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate should have completed NQP competencies and be keen on developing skills in stroke rehabilitation. The position includes a relocation package, CPD opportunities, and access to staff development resources.

Benefits

Relocation package

Protected CPD time

NHS pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic therapist with competencies in stroke care.
• Ability to engage in CPD and work with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver speech and language therapy for adults post-stroke.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to service development.
• Engage in teaching and student placements.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Innovative approaches

Education

Completed NQP competencies

Post-basic dysphagia training

Job description

Overview

Available as a B6 post or a B6 development post. If applying as a development post it will commence on a B6 Annex U. You will be paid 70% of entry point on a B6 and when competencies are achieved you will move to the entry point on the B6 scale.

We are looking for an enthusiastic therapist to specialise in the clinical field of acute stroke within the East Sussex Speech & Language Therapy service, part of a county wide acute & community SLT service. The role is based on the hyperacute and subacute stroke unit at Eastbourne District General Hospital with opportunities for MDT working and development across the stroke pathway.

There is potential to work across acute sites (including Conquest Hospital) and to participate in regional clinics and services related to swallowing and communication rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver clinically focused speech and language therapy for adults with acquired communication and/or swallowing difficulties following stroke in the acute setting.
• Work as part of the multidisciplinary team on the stroke unit and across the stroke pathway; contribute to service development and improvements.
• Develop skills in communication and swallow rehabilitation, including groups, IOPI, Ampcare & EMST; participate in regional videofluoroscopy clinics, the Swallow Disorder Clinic and FEES where required.
• Collaborate with specialist SLTs & SLT assistants to gain experience and progress to a specialist level.
• Engage in CPD with protected time, attend clinical forums, supervision, and external training opportunities (CENs, postgraduate courses).
• Contribute to service delivery in community settings alongside specialists in voice, head & neck cancer, stroke, critical care and neurodegenerative conditions.
• Engage with teaching and student placements in collaboration with local HEIs and use innovative approaches to remote/virtual clinics where appropriate.
• Plan your job to allow time for development and participation in service improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Completed NQP competencies; post-basic dysphagia training is desirable.
• Interest in developing skills to specialise in community SLT services and stroke care.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and to develop independently as a speech & language therapist.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Relocation package may be available (discuss at interview).
• Protected CPD time with monthly clinical forums and supervision; support to attend relevant external training opportunities.
• Comprehensive in-service education program, staff development opportunities, and NHS pension scheme.
• Onsite parking available (from £50 per year) and access to Employee Assistance Programme including free psychological support.
• Good links with local universities and opportunities for staff development and research involvement.
• Advert closes on Tuesday 7 Oct 2025.