Speech and Language Therapist - Acute & Stroke Care

Job overview

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

This is a fixed term/seconded position and will support in-patients with communication and swallowing disorders within acute and stroke services at Worthing Hospital.

Opportunities to complete in service dysphagia competencies will also be available.

As a newly or recently 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.

**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 however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.

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 --