**Please ensure you download, save and read the Job Specification as well the Application Form attached to this expression of interest. As we require the same information from all candidates in order to make fair decisions on their applications we will NOT be able to process applications by CV or any other method. You must submit a fully completed Application Form particular to this post via Rezoomo. **

Profe

ssional / Clinical

The Speech & Language Therapist Senior will:

• Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment / intervention programmes for service users according to professional standards
• Be able to make highly specialist clinical decisions following assessment of complex cases
• Arrange and carry out assessment and treatment / intervention programmes in appropriate settings (e.g. clinic, home, school, day centre) in line with local policy /guidelines
• Communicate results of assessments and recommendations to the service user and relevant others as appropriate
• Document all assessments, diagnoses, treatment / intervention plans, clinical notes, relevant contacts and summaries in accordance with department and professional standards
• Collaborate with service user, family, carers and other staff in goal setting and treatment / intervention planning
• Provide clinical leadership in the day-to-day running of the service by supporting and supervising staff, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale
• Be responsible for maintenance of standards of practice of self and designated staff
• Foster close working relationships with colleagues and other relevant professionals in maximising the service users potential
• Actively engage in team based performance management
• Provide support and information in relation to communication and / or feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing disorders etc. to service users and relevant others
• Participate in teams as appropriate, communicating and working in collaboration with the service user and other team members as part of an integrated package of care
• Attend clinics and participate in relevant meetings, case conferences and ward rounds as appropriate
• In conjunction with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager, contribute to the development and implementation of procedures, policies and guidelines while adhering to existing standards and protocols
• Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation
• Seek advice and assistance from the Speech and Language Therapist Manager with any assigned cases or issues that prove to be beyond the scope of his / her professional competence in line with principles of best practice and clinical governance
• Operate within the scope of Speech & Language Therapy practice as set out by the Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists
• Participate in and develop activities which support health promotion
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Speech & Language Therapist Manager

Education and Training

The Speech & Language Therapist Senior will:

• Participate in mandatory and recommended training programmes in accordance with departmental/organisational guidelines
• Maintain and develop professional expertise and knowledge by actively engaging in continuing professional development e.g. reflective practice, by attending and presenting at in-service events, training courses, conferences, professional courses or other courses relevant to practice, participating in research etc.
• Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student therapists and promote and engage in the teaching / training / support of others as appropriate
• Avail of and participate in own supervision with Speech & Language Therapist Manager
• Engage in planning and performance reviews, as required with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager

Health & Safety

The Speech & Language Therapist Senior will:

• Comply with the policies, procedures and safe professional practice of the Irish Healthcare System by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards

• Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of relevant / designated individual(s) in line with best practice

• Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others

• Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action

• Comply with department procedures with regard to assessment, recommendation and / or manufacturing of all assistive devices

• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Administrative

The Speech & Language Therapist Senior will, in consultation with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager:

• Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of service in designated area(s)
• Ensure good working practice and adherence to standards of best practice
• Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Speech & Language Therapy service, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services
• Assist the Speech and Language Therapist Manager in service development, including policy development and implementation
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, the organisation’s requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, and provide reports and other information / statistics as required
• Engage in service audit and demonstrate the achievement of the service objectives
• Represent the department / profession / team at meetings and conferences as appropriate
• Deputise for the Speech and Language Therapist Manager as required
• Participate in the control and ordering of clinical equipment
• Engage in technological developments as they apply to the service user and service administration
• Keep up to date with change and developments within the Irish Health Service

Additional Duties & Responsibilities relevant to the role

Adult Acquired incorporating Older Persons:

• Ability to assess and manage communication and feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing disorders in the adult population as it applies to the post

• Experience in conducting, interpreting and reporting instrumental swallowing assessments e.g. video fluoroscopicswallow studies and/or FEES (fibre optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing)

• In-depth knowledge and experience in the areas of specialism as it applies to the post

• Ability to provide training to other disciplines

• Experience in working with other stakeholders to include HSCP’s, nursing and medical staff

• Speech & Language Therapists who work with people within Adult Acquired Services must hold a dysphagia qualification or equivalent as outlined in “Standards of Practice for Speech & Language Therapists on the Management of Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)” Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists (IASLT) 2007

Paediatrics/ Primary Care:

• In-depth knowledge of a wide range of paediatric communication disorders including developmental speech and language disorders and delays as well as communication disorders arising from SSLI, physical disability, hearing impairment, cleft lip and palate, fluency disorders, voice disorders, ASD and ID.

• Ability to develop and provide service initiatives such as population based training and support in conjunction with the SLT Manager

Disability - Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Physical & Sensory Disability:

• In-depth knowledge of intellectual disability, physical & sensory disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders and their impact on SLCNs and FEDS

• An understanding of the interplay between language and communication difficulties in intellectual disability, autistic spectrum disorder and physical & sensory disabilities across the lifespan

• An understanding of the interplay between FEDS in intellectual disability, autistic spectrum disorder and physical & sensory disabilities across the lifespan and the role of the SLT in the management of clients with FEDS

• An understanding of the role of the SLT in disability services in working with the person, their environment and the wider community

• Awareness of and sensitivity to the impact of disability throughout the course of the person and their families engagement with the service

• Previous experience of working within a team context

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.