Irish Heart Foundation 24th Annual Stroke Conference Friday 16th April 2021 The Irish Heart Foundation’s 24th Annual Stroke Conference will be held virtually on the afternoon of Friday, 16th April 2021. This exciting event will include sessions from world-renowned experts in the field of stroke and also provide an update on national developments. The full programme and registration details will be announced on our website in March. We will be in touch with you then.  We are aware that many stroke professionals in Ireland value this conference as an opportunity to showcase their work and research. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to accept abstracts this year. Please save the date, and we look forward to seeing you in April.  Best wishes,  Dr Rachael Doyle,

Webinar on Bitmoji Virtual Classroom   Presented by Marie Halpin Learning Objectives: Telehealth – the new ‘normal’ What is a Bitmoji virtual classroom Demonstration of bitmoji virtual classrooms Scope of use Creating a bitmoji virtual classroom tutorial/demo Starter pack: how to guides and access to a ‘SLT clinic room’ Helpful resources    Date:                  Thursday 25th March 2021 Time:                  6-7pm  Location:             Online Reg Fee:             €5 for IASLT members; €40 for non-members of IASLT.    About the Presenter:  Marie Halpin has a wealth of expertise across the age ranges, and has worked across education settings, clinic services and specialist contexts. Her area of clinical expertise is working with children who stammer, who also have ASD. Her background includes working as a specialist SLT in Autism Spectrum Disorders in London. Her role involved working within the integrated neurodevelopmental diagnostic team, mainstream schools and ASD specialist provisions. She supported her schools in working through the Autism Education Trust standards and has a strong interest in universal support. She is trained in the delivery of a range of related therapies, including Attention Autism, SCERTS, Hanen More Than Words, Lamh etc. She also worked as a specialist at the Michael Palin Centre for many years, which involved specialist consultations and clinical work with children, young people and their families either face-face or via telehealth. She is trained in in a range of therapies for people who stammer, including Palin PCI, Family Communication Skills Therapy, The Camperdown Program, SFBT etc. She developed the study day ‘Stammering Plus- When CWS have ASD’ which runs at the Michael Palin Centre, and has presented on this at a international level at the Oxford Dysfluency Conference 2021. She has contributed to a number of publications, including the Palin PCI manual 2020. Marie currently works as the National SLT for the NCSE in Ireland. She leads on national SLCN training/CPD for teachers at primary and secondary level and provides sustained in-school support. She is involved in a research project with the University of Limerick, which is examining the implementation of a multi-tiered model of support in schools in Ireland. TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT, CLICK HERE  

IASLT are delighted to collaborate with Parents Plus to bring you a bespoke CPD training course for Speech and Language Therapists, in how to support parents online and to get the most out of online service delivery.   In this online training we will explain the principles of effective remote working using the principles of Parents Plus Programmes and provide participants with the tools that can work in their departments. Learning objectives include:  - Choosing the best mode of remote support (phone, zoom, skype, google hangouts, other) - Remotely delivering strengths-based support to families - Confidentiality and data protection considerations - Structuring individual and group sessions - Addressing core topics such as self-care for parents, conflict management - Supporting family mental health. This training programme was developed by Prof John Sharry and Dr. Eileen Brosnan, Parents Plus.  Course Outline: Wednesday 10th March 10am – 12.30pm: Zoom group training session – Intro to remote individual and group work, demonstration of effectively using the PP parent engagement model via online mode. Wednesday 24th March 10am- 12pm:  Follow-up group session to look at how remote work is progressing and problem-solve around challenges. All attendees will receive preparatory email/ reading material in advance of training and we can offer a short intro session to those unfamiliar to zoom if they need help getting online. Cost: €125  for IASLT Members  or €180 for non-members of IASLT. Spaces are limited, due to the interactive nature of the course. To register, click here.  

BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES IRELAND - SOUTH EAST REGION Qualifications and Particulars of Employment (BASIC GRADE)   Tenure of Employment This post is permanent full time working 74 hours per fortnight.  Normal retirement age is 70 years.   Qualifications and Experience The successful candidate must be registered as a speech and language therapist with CORU and confirm annual registration with CORU to the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland South East Region via Certificate of Retention of Registration and Safety Assurance Certificate of Registration.    In addition the appointee must Be computer literate. Possess a full clean driving licence. Have experience of working with people with intellectual disabilities. Recognise the equal rights of persons with intellectual disabilities in society and uphold and respect those rights.   Experience of working as a member of a team is essential.  The successful candidate will work as part of the speech and language therapy department in an interdisciplinary context.    Remuneration €37,022, €39,214, €41,018, €42,330, €43,440, €44,591, €45,727, €46,894, €48,054, €49,213, €50,434, €51,719, €53,002, €54,029     All new entrants to the Public Service will start at the first point of this scale   * Successful candidates are required to submit all documentary evidence outlining any relevant experience within 3 months of your starting date.  Failure to produce this will mean that you will receive any incremental credit (if applicable) from the date of submission of documents.   Hours of work The normal working week will be 74 hours per fortnight, however, flexible hours, including weekends and evenings may be involved.  Starting and finishing times will be notified to, and agreed with, the appointee from time to time by the SLT Manager or designate.  The post holder will be formally assigned to Ballytobin Services one day per week.   Health Each candidate for and any person holding the appointment must be free from any defect or disease which would render him/her unsuitable to hold the appointment, and must be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.   To satisfy this qualification, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination by the organisation’s occupational health physician.  The candidate will be liable for the cost of the medical examination. Duties The general duties of the appointment are as described in the attached Job Description. Shortlisting, A short list of candidates to attend before the Selection Board will be prepared by the selection Board from an examination of statements of qualifications furnished by the candidates i.e. application form & CV. Mandatory training The Speech and Language Therapy Manager or designate will notify the successful candidate of the mandatory/compulsory courses/training which employees are obliged to attend.  Mandatory training, for example, manual handling, health and safety courses etc., form part of the conditions of employment along with the Organisation’s statutory obligation.    Transport and Travel The person appointed will be required to provide their own transport during the duration of the employment and must furnish an indemnity from Insurers in favour of the Employer.  Travelling expenses will be paid at the appropriate rates in respect of travel necessarily performed in the discharge of his/her duties. All travel must be agreed, in advance, with the SLT Manager or designate and approved by him/her prior to submission for payment.              10.       Note re Canvassing Any attempt by candidates themselves or by any person(s) acting at their instigation directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour any member of the staff of Brothers of Charity Services South East or person nominated to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidates for the position they are seeking. Informal enquiries welcome for the above post to Maura Bolger, Speech & Language Therapy Manager on 051 833540 or by email to maura.bolger@bocsi.ie Closing Date for receipt of completed Applications Forms/CV’s on-line is Friday 5th March 2021.     BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES IRELAND - SOUTH EAST REGION BELMONT PARK, WATERFORD JOB DESCRIPTION   JOB TITLE:                                Permanent Full Time Basic Grade Speech and Language                                                                                                                            Therapist, Kilkenny/Waterford Services   REPORTS TO:                            Speech and Language Therapy Manager or designate   ACCOUNTABLE TO:                Waterford Regional Services Manager, Kilkenny Services Manager   JOB SUMMARY:                       To provide speech and language therapy services to people                                                                                                                        with an intellectual disability supported by Brothers of Charity                                                                                                                   Services Ireland in Kilkenny/Waterford as agreed by the                                                                                                                               Brothers of Charity Services Ireland South East Region.   The Congregation of the Brothers of Charity is a religious voluntary organisation, founded in 1807 by Canon Peter Triest, to provide a Christian response to a variety of needs in society.  ETHOS The core values of our services have always been the dignity and humanity of each person.  How these are expressed has evolved over time with our greater understanding of the rights of all people with a disability, with the changing hopes and expectations of the individuals and families with whom we work, and with the growing expertise of all associated with our services.   DUTIES The post holder will be required to take an active part in ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the Service reflect the ethos and vision of the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland South East Region.   The person appointed should have the ability to participate proactively as a member of a multidisciplinary team and contribute positively to the ongoing development of effective teamwork.   The person appointed will work as a member of the team in the Speech & Language Therapy Department in Waterford supporting the Waterford / Kilkenny Services facilitating the choices of and delivering SLT supports to individuals supported by the services.  The activities such as independent living skills, community integration, personal development, occupational and leisure activities will be utilised within the context of a person centred approach to service provision.   Subject to the agreed policies and procedures of the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland South East Region the person appointed shall: -     Advocacy & Rights   Respect each individual supported by the services as an equal citizen. Uphold and respect the human, legal and constitutional rights of each individual supported by the services, recognising their individuality and equality, and empowering them to grow, thereby achieving the highest possible level of personal autonomy. Facilitate, encourage and develop the choice and decision making skills of individuals supported by the services. Facilitate, encourage and develop the self-advocacy skills of and opportunities for involvement in advocacy for individuals supported by the services. Person Centred Support for Living and Work   Ensure a person centred approach to service delivery. Facilitate individuals to actively participate and integrate into the community. Foster, encourage and develop the self help and social skills of each individual so as to achieve the highest possible degree of personal autonomy. Principal Duties Provide a speech and language therapy service in Waterford / Kilkenny Services to people with an intellectual disability as agreed by the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland South East Region in keeping with good professional work practice and with the philosophy and policies of the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland South East Region. Keep adequate records, information and statistics, write reports and make referrals as necessary. Carry out and comply with agreed speech and language therapy plans and procedures. Participate in raising awareness of the requirements of people with intellectual disabilities and communication needs in accordance with organisational practice. Provide a service to people with eating, drinking and swallowing disorders in conjunction with other members of team if suitably qualified or if not, may be required to undertake specific training and supervision in this area. Assist in research and development in the field of speech and language therapy and intellectual disability. Ensure that professional standards are maintained. Maintain speech and language facilities, materials and equipment as appropriate. Be responsible for the safe use and care of equipment and report faulty equipment etc., as it arises. Undertake any other duties assigned from time to time by the Speech & Language Therapy Manager or designate. Have a good working knowledge of current relevant legislation; be fully familiar with Organisational policies; and act in accordance with Organisational guidelines, policies and procedures. Maintain highest standards in report writing and record keeping. Ensure that all records in relation to individuals supported by the service are up to date, correctly filed and managed as per the service’s records management system. Report all accident/incidents and take appropriate action. Set a personal and professional example by attitude, conduct and practice. Welcome and foster a team approach including the delegation of responsibility, utilizing the diverse skills and experience of all team members. Report to the SLT Manager or designate regularly on all aspects of the Service area and otherwise as requested and as necessary. Ensure that goods and services received are prudently used for purposes intended, and that all such goods and services are properly accounted for. Ensure that all reports and time sheets are accurate, completed and returned on time. Be responsible for the physical and emotional well being of individuals supported by the services as appropriate.   Communication and teamwork   Attend and participate fully in regular staff meetings where all aspects of the service area are discussed with a view to maintaining high standards, Promote open communication among staff and good levels of staff morale. Co-operate, develop and maintain effective working relationships with: Individuals supported by the services and their families. All other staff involved in the provision of both residential and day services. Families, visitors, volunteers and other such personnel. Multidisciplinary team members Community groups, community resources and any development group or community organisation that facilitates inclusion/partnership. Operate effectively as a member of the multi-disciplinary team in promoting the best interests of individuals supported. Develop and maintain good relationships with the families of individuals supported by the services and encourage their involvement in the ongoing development of the person. Report all matters of concern immediately to the SLT Manager or designate. Organise, attend and participate fully in meetings e.g. Person Centred Planning meetings, reviews, team meetings, case conferences and others as required.  Record meetings in line with agreed procedures. Develop and participate fully with the implantation of a team based performance management approach to achieving the goals of the Services strategic plan. Have the ability to relate to people at all levels and to contribute positively towards the development of a dynamic and effective team. Work as a member of the speech and language therapy team. Liaise with professionals in other agencies and build linkages as appropriate.   Training and Development   Be informed of current developments in services for people with intellectual disabilities e.g. Person Centred Planning, Personal Outcome Measures, Human Rights and Citizenship. Attend and contribute appropriately at lectures, courses and meetings as required and share information and knowledge gained with colleagues. Be responsible for identifying personal training and development needs and communicate them to the SLT Manager or designate. Attend mandatory training courses and achieve required standard. Assist in the ongoing training of other staff and families as appropriate. Liaise and participate in supervision and performance reviews with the SLT Manager or designate.  Identify own training needs and undertake training as part of continuing professional development.  Participate in the practice education of student speech and language therapists.   Health and Safety   Be conscious of health and safety matters in the work place and in particular to comply with employees’ obligations as set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 and to ensure that the procedures set out in the Safety Statement are implemented at all times. Participate in safety audits and fire drills as required. Be conversant with existing fire regulations and emergency procedures and participate in the implementation of same and to make people who use services aware, in so far as possible, of fire drill procedures. Ensure equipment is properly operated and maintained. Report accidents/irregularities or other matters of safety concern to the SLT Manager or in her/his absence to the Regional Services Manager or such person as the Employing Authority may designate. Identify risk, assess and document appropriately.   Flexibility Employees are expected to have a high level of flexibility and a willingness and ability to develop new approaches to their work. Duties and responsibilities of any post in the Services are likely to change with the ongoing needs and developments of the Services. Employees will therefore be required to carry out such other duties appropriate to their employment as may be assigned to him/her from time to time.    This post may necessitate that the person appointed will have to work evenings from time to time.  Their working week may vary from week to week reflective of the development of the service and the post holder will be expected to be flexible in their approach to ensure this development.   Confidentiality In the course of the employment the post holder may have access to, or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of individuals supported by the services and/or staff, or other health service business.  Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning individuals supported by the services, staff, or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty.  In addition records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.       Signed:    ______________________                            Date___________                     Staff Member   PERSON SPECIFICATION PERMANENT FULL TIME SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPIST Qualifications/Experience Essential  Be registered as a speech and language therapist with CORU Desirable Relevant additional training courses e.g. Lámh, Derbyshire Language Scheme, PECS, TEACCH, Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing. Experience Essential Experience of working with people with varying degrees of intellectual disabilities Experience of team approach to service provision Experience of completing effective reports.   Desirable Experience of working with AAC   Knowledge Essential Knowledge of needs of with adults with intellectual disabilities. Understanding of Health & Safety issues Knowledge of the Ethos of Brothers of Charity Services Ireland Knowledge of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.   Desirable Team Based Performance Management Knowledge of person centred approaches Advocacy Knowledge of current trends in intellectual disabilities services e.g. Rights Based approach to service provision Competencies/Skills Essential Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Flexibility, enthusiasm Good administration and organisational skills To work effectively as part of a team Time management skills Ability to use initiative and work without supervision. Competent report writer/record keeping. Computer skills             Desirable   Use of electronic filing system Attributes Essential Flexibility, adaptable to change. Appreciation of the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Competent, positive, mature manner. Willingness and available to attend further training. Excellent understanding of confidentiality. Full clean manual Irish driving licence with use of a car Willingness to take responsibility when necessary Self starter Desirable Ability to create social capital          

We are pleased to announce an Expression of Interest process for the position of a HSCP Lead to join the Working Group of the National Clinical Programme for Respiratory.   This role is a 0.5 WTE for a period of 6 months and will build on the excellent contributions of Siobhan Healy, current HSCP Lead, and former Physiotherapy representatives on the Programme.   Please find attached a comprehensive job description and details of the EOI process and note that the deadline for submissions of same is 26th February 2021.   For any HSCP related queries, please contact Alison Enright, HSCP Development Manager Alison.Enright@hse.ie   Please see Document Attached for full details.