Staff Grade Speech Language Therapist Job Specification Terms and Conditions Job Title and Grade Staff Grade Speech Language Therapist Closing Date 17 th April **** Proposed Interview Date (s) To be confirmed.
Please note you may be called forward for interview at short notice.
Taking up Appointment A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Please note start dates are dependent on service needs.
Location of Post Regional positions are available in multiple locations, including: Kilkenny Enniscorthy Sligo Cavan Letterkenny Athlone Ennis Navan There is some flexibility in the base location for each region, so please feel free to enquire for more details.
Informal Enquiries Patricia Hall: ****** Mobile: ************** Alisha Gagnon: ****** Mobile ************** Details of Service The person appointed to this post will work as part of the Down Syndrome Ireland Speech and Language Therapy service delivering Speech and Language Therapy to individuals with Down syndrome.
Reporting Relationship Your professional reporting relationship will be to the Head of Speech and Language Therapy Programmes (and/or his/her designated person as appropriate) through the professional line management structure.
Purpose of the Post To provide speech, language, communication, and feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing (FEDS) assessment and intervention that supports individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their fullest potential in communication, participation, and everyday life To build the capacity of families, caregivers, educators, and professionals through training, coaching, and collaborative problemsolving, ensuring consistent, informed support across all environments.
To design and adapt individualised, evidencebased programmes that reflect each person's strengths, interests, and learning style, delivered through a holistic, inclusive, and familycentred approach that aligns with DSI's mission of empowerment and meaningful community participation.
To raise awareness and promote understanding in the wider public of the impact of communication impairment for individuals with Down syndrome, supporting inclusion, respect, and positive societal attitudes.
Roles and Responsibilities 1.Clinical Responsibilities Provide assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan, in line with evidencebased practice and under appropriate supervision.
Deliver therapy in a range of settings (e.g., clinic, home, school, day service) in accordance with organisational policies and clinical guidelines.
Manage and prioritise a varied caseload with support from senior colleagues to ensure continuity and quality of care.
Use clinical equipment and therapy materials safely and appropriately, reporting any needs or issues to senior staff.
Incorporate relevant technology into clinical practice to support assessment, intervention, and service efficiency.
Adapt intervention approaches in response to supervision, emerging evidence, and individual client needs.
Communicate assessment findings, intervention plans, and progress clearly to individuals with Down syndrome, families, carers, and relevant professionals.
2. Professional Ethical Practice Work in accordance with CORU standards, IASLT guidelines, DSI policies, and recognised professional codes of conduct.
Ensure all clinical and administrative work reflects bestpractice principles, ethical standards, and organisational requirements.
Demonstrate a commitment to personcentred care, dignity, and respect in all interactions.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to dataprotection legislation and organisational policies.
Take responsibility for clinical decisions within scope of competence, seeking guidance from senior colleagues when required.
Contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and ethical awareness within the service.
3. Service Delivery Organisation Deliver Speech Language Therapy services within assigned areas, ensuring efficient and effective daytoday operations.
Contribute to the organisation of service pathways and support the implementation of service plans.
Assist in the development and application of service policies, procedures, and protocols under the direction of senior staff.
Provide accurate reports, statistics, and service information as required.
Participate in service planning discussions and support senior SLTs in operational tasks when appropriate.
Ensure service delivery aligns with DSI's national strategy and relevant developments within the Irish health sector.
4. RecordKeeping Administration Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and timely clinical records in line with clinical governance standards and DSI fileretention policies.
Ensure all documentation complies with the Freedom of Information Act and organisational requirements.
Prepare clear and professional reports, summaries, and correspondence as needed.
Support administrative processes that contribute to efficient service delivery.
Participate in data collection, audit processes, and informationmanagement systems.
Ensure secure handling, storage, and retrieval of clinical and service records.
5. Teamwork Interdisciplinary Collaboration Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues, families, carers, and external agencies to support holistic care.
Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and joint planning sessions as appropriate.
Communicate effectively with team members to support coordinated and integrated service delivery.
Build and maintain positive working relationships across disciplines and services.
Represent the SLT service appropriately at internal and external meetings when required.
Share relevant clinical information with colleagues in line with confidentiality and governance standards.
6. Quality Improvement, Audit Research Participate in service audits to support evaluation of performance, outcomes, and compliance with standards.
Contribute to identifying opportunities for service improvement and innovation.
Support qualityimprovement initiatives and the development of evidencebased clinical practices.
Engage with research and emerging evidence relevant to Down syndrome and Speech Language Therapy.
Assist with data collection and analysis to inform service planning and evaluation.
Reflect on clinical outcomes and use learning to enhance practice.
7. Professional Development Supervision Maintain uptodate knowledge of developments in Down syndrome research, Speech Language Therapy, and the Irish Health Service.
Participate in regular supervision, reflective practice, and performancedevelopment processes.
Contribute to the development and implementation of service policies and clinical guidelines under supervision.
Engage in continuous professional development to enhance clinical and professional skills.
Support the learning and development of students or assistants under appropriate supervision.
Demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth.
8. Operational Resource Management Assist in the planning, development, and evaluation of SLT services and programmes under the guidance of senior staff.
Support the management and appropriate use of clinical resources, equipment, and technology.
Contribute to the implementation of organisational policies and servicewide initiatives.
Participate in resource planning discussions and highlight service needs or pressures to senior colleagues.
Ensure operational processes support highquality, accessible, and responsive services.
Use organisational systems for scheduling, documentation, and communication to support smooth service operation.
The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved.
The post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the role and contribute to the ongoing development of the post and service.
Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/ or experience 1.
Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience etc.
Candidates for appointment must:
(i) Be registered, or eligible for registration, as a Speech Language Therapist by the Speech Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU.
( / )
And
(ii) Have 1 year full time (or an aggregate of 1 year work placement and full time) post qualification clinical experience.
And
(iii) Candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
And
(iv) Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Speech Language Therapist Register maintained by the Speech Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.
1.Annual Registration
(i) On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Speech Language Therapists Register maintained by the Speech Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU.
And
(ii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU by submitting certification.
2.Insurance Candidates must be willing to obtain professional indemnity insurance prior to beginning the role.
This cost will be reimbursed in full by DSI.
3.Health A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
4.Character Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Post specific requirements, Knowledge base and/ or experience Demonstrate knowledge of the communication profile associated with Down syndrome, and apply this knowledge in clinical practice with support as required.
Demonstrate experience or developing competence in assessing and managing motor speech and speech sound disorders commonly seen in Down syndrome (e.g. dysarthria, phonological delay/disorder, and features of childhood apraxia of speech), seeking guidance where appropriate.
Demonstrate knowledge of assessment, intervention planning, and management of Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing (FEDS) needs, using specialist clinical reasoning to support safe, developmentally appropriate mealtime skills for an individual with Down Syndrome.
Support early communication development, including joint attention, play skills, gesture use, turn-taking, and early symbolic communication, under supervision and in line with best practice.
Demonstrate competence, or willingness to develop skills, in the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including sign systems (e.g. Lamh), picture-based supports, and high-tech AAC solutions.
Demonstrate experience or developing skills in delivering literacy and phonological awareness interventions appropriate to individuals with Down syndrome, with support as required.
Show an understanding of the cognitive, sensory, behavioural, and medical factors influencing communication development in Down syndrome, and apply this knowledge with guidance to adapt intervention approaches.
Demonstrate skills in family-centred practice, working collaboratively with parents, carers, educators, and team members to support the implementation of communication strategies in everyday environments.
Contribute to the development of strengths-based, functional and participation-focused goals, and use appropriate outcome measures to monitor progress, with support as required.
Skills and competencies Strong communication skills, including effective English, interpersonal ability, and collaboration with colleagues, families, and carers.
Solid clinical knowledge with the ability to apply evidencebased practice, evaluate information, and make sound decisions.
Competence in planning, delivering, and adapting care efficiently while maintaining high standards and a usercentred approach.
Ability to manage, develop, and support oneself and others in a busy environment, using supervision effectively.
Respectful, empathetic practice with awareness of the needs of individuals with Down syndrome and a commitment to dignity and respect.
Openness to learning and development, including flexibility, IT skill growth, and ongoing professional development.
Code of Practice DSI run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).
The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis.
The Codes also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback facilities for candidates on matters relating to their application, when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process, and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice.
Terms and Conditions of Employment Staff Speech Language Therapist Remuneration The Salary Scale for the post is 44,563 to ***** DOE and pro-rate for part time Working Week The standard working week applying to the post is 37.5 hours per week, but there is flexibility to work part time and flexibly.
Annual Leave 25 days for full time, pro-rated for part time, plus two company days Probation 6 months' probation applies Pension Company Pension Scheme Memberships Payment of professional registration fees (CORU IASLT) Insurance Professional indemnity insurance covered Continuous Professional Development Stipend towards approved CPD hours.
Ongoing training, peer supervision, and career development opportunities TaxSaver Schemes Bike to Work Scheme, Tax Saver Tickets Health Wellbeing Sick pay scheme, EAP Flexibility Flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home for at least half a day per week for administrative duties Culture A supportive and collaborative team environment