Job Title
Speech and Language Therapist
Job Type
Full Time / Part Time
Location
Limerick
Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) required for Down Syndrome Limerick (DSL) to compliment and further extend and enhance the SLT service already in place. DSL are currently looking for a therapist(s) to provide SLT to our members. The hours are flexible and currently the requirement is for up to 35 hours per week. Please note that the role might be filled by one or more Speech and Language Therapist(s), depending on availability and competencies. There is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist already working with the service which would be of value to the candidate in terms of team work, clinical supervision, case discussion and sharing of expertise and experience. The service also benefits from two highly qualified Occupational Therapists which enables a multi-disciplinary approach to case management and decision making.
Overall Purpose:
To undertake assessments and provide therapy on a one-to-one basis as well as in group sessions. The age profile of the clients ranges from infant to adult. The speech and language needs of the clients vary and include assessment, diagnostics and intervention and ongoing service delivery to clients with Down Syndrome. It is expected that the SLT will assess the needs of clients individually and devise a care plan for them which might include educating their parent or caregiver on how best to support that care plan at home. Report writing and attending multidisciplinary meetings forms an important part of the role.
Duties and Responsibilities to include:
Provide a safe, professional, high quality and efficient service to our members
Work collaboratively with the existing SLT team to enhance the service delivery to DSL members and maintain good communication channels will all levels of staff and contractors throughout the branch.
Have a multi-disciplinary approach to service provision to ensure the client is receiving the best possible care.
To assist with the management of the SLT service in conjunction with other therapists to ensure consistency in service provision.
To collaborate with the client while working in partnership with their parent/family/carer and all other relevant stakeholders to identify and achieve goals.
To assess, develop, implement and monitor programmes of SLT support for clients with communication and/or FEDS (Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing) difficulties
To complete reports (home, school etc) as required.
To undertake one-to-one sessions as well as group sessions.
To undertake school visits as required.
To provide SLT services at satellite clinics of DSL as required (within County Limerick).
To get involved in extra-curricular activities in the service such as Summer camps, school readiness programmes etc
To provide support, training and feedback to teachers, SENs, SENOs, SNAs and other staff involved in the care and education of the client.
To treat all clients with dignity and respect and to operate safely and in line with your professional code of conduct.
To comply with the relevant legislation, including but not limited to Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) and Children First Act 2015.
Ensure CORU registration is maintained and provide evidence of same to the service on an annual basis.
Inform the service of any professional complaints, legal cases or Fitness to Practice claims that are taken against you.
Adhering to national and local guidance in terms of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Ensure Continued Professional Development is maintained in line with CORU requirements.
Manage your own clinical supervision and reflective practice.
Provide clinical supervision to other members of the SLT team at DSL as required.
To actively participate in continuing education and research activities consistent with the role.
The above list is not exhaustive. These duties and responsibilities reflect the present requirements and may be subject to review and amendment to meet the changing needs of the service.
Skills:
Ability to work in a challenging environment with changing priorities
Ability to manage their own caseload
To prioritise caseload according to clinical need in the context of service policy
To record service user related information in accordance with local service and professional standards.
To balance clinical demands with other responsibilities through effective time management and organisational skills.
Flexibility and adaptability
Results focused
Strong leadership skills
Strong communications skills
Deadline focused
Required Qualifications and Criteria:
Speech and Language Therapy Qualification recognised by IASLT
Evidence of eligibility for membership of IASLT
Registered with CORU
Desirable Criteria:
Minimum 3 years’ experience working as an SLT
Experience in paediatric services
Experience in intellectual disability services
Additional training in dysphagia management to accredited level by IASLT
Training in management of challenging behaviours
Children First Training
Lámh trained
Additional Information:
The Speech and Language Therapist can be employed by Down Syndrome Ireland under our standard terms and conditions of employment.
The role is also open to therapists who are self-employed, working on a contract for services basis. If the therapist is self-employed, they are responsible for their own tax returns and pension contributions. The successful candidate will invoice Down Syndrome Limerick as per an agreed schedule. An hourly or daily rate will be negotiated in advance of commencement of the role. No pay will be provided by DSL for annual leave (including public holidays), sick leave or maternity leave. The candidate must have their own professional indemnity insurance, that covers the work undertaken at and on behalf of DSL.
About Down Syndrome Limerick
Down Syndrome Limerick is a branch of Down Syndrome Ireland and a registered charity which provides much needed services to children and adults with Down Syndrome in Limerick and the surrounding areas. The service provides support to people with Down Syndrome and their families which include speech and language, occupational therapy, counselling and support, parent link service, art, dance, swimming and horse riding classes, summer camps, preschool and school support and readiness programmes, Latch On as well as training in Lámh for family, friends and care givers.
Applications should be sent to chairperson@downsyndromelimerick.ie. Closing date is 8th December.
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