Job Title:Head of Speech & Language ProgrammesDown Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is the national charity for people with Down syndrome and their families in Ireland, supporting over 3,500 members across 25 branches nationwide. We are working to achieve an optimal quality of life for people with Down syndrome, as equally valued, independent citizens. At Down Syndrome IrelandWe are a dynamic and progressive organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. We provide support, information, and advocacy services to people with Down syndrome and their families across Ireland. Our mission is to empower and enable individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.The role is Nationwide, so the base can be determined. Regular attendance at National Office in Dublin is required as part of the role.Position OverviewReporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for the development of best practice, evidence-led therapy services across Down Syndrome Ireland. You will develop a support and reporting structure to optimise clinical best practise. You will oversee the current services, which are comprised of highly experienced therapists based in DSI branches, and specialised therapists working within the private sector who are contracted to provide services in DSI branches.You will work with local branches who do not currently provide SLT to assess the local needs and barriers, and to advise and support the development of new services where needed.You will gather statistics regarding therapy provision and therapy outcomes, collaborating with the National Research and Support Specialist to add to the current evidence base. You will document best practice and develop information and case studies which can be used to advocate for improvements in state services.You will identify topics for CPD based on feedback from therapists and arrange an annual Down syndrome Special Intertest Groups (SIG) meeting to address these topics and to share research and good practice. There will be an annual budget for CPD, and peer supervision will be facilitated.Roles And ResponsibilitiesOversee, co-ordinate and further develop the Speech & Language Therapy services within Down Syndrome Ireland.Collaboration and Communication: Facilitating effective communication within the team and with other key stakeholdersSupervision and Leadership: Providing guidance and support to team membersMonitoring and Evaluation: Ensuring quality and performance standards are met.Service Delivery: Implementing protocols and maintaining service excellence.Collaborate with existing therapists to explore best practice and add to the existing knowledge base regarding effective therapy for people with Down syndrome.Provide supervision and support for branch therapists and assistants.Work with local branches to advise and support the development of new services where needed.Work towards a unified approach to therapy provision across the organisationDevelop evidence based clinical pathways which can be shared with the HSE.Identify topics for CPD and arrange an annual Down syndrome SIG meetingQualifications And ExperienceA 3rd level qualification in Speech & Language Therapy with evidence of eligibility for membership of IASLTCurrent CORU registrationCurrent IASLT membershipA minimum of 5 years full time post qualification clinical professional experience; with at least 2 years as a senior Speech & Language TherapistExperience of assessment and therapy for children and adults with Down syndrome and/or people with autism spectrum disorder is preferableDysphagia Qualification.Experience of Lamh and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)Experience delivering training workshops to parents and teachersExperience supervising staff grade Speech & Language Therapists and/or Speech & Language Therapists in Training.Relevant experience providing speech and language therapy services in a person and family centred manner.Supporting both mainstream and special schoolsEvidence of continuing professional development to include management and/or personal development courses.A minimum of 2 years interdisciplinary team workA high capacity for responsibility and individual initiative.Experience of negotiating and influencing change. Self-starter with the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlinesOwn transport and full clean driving licence.