Purpose of the post· The Speech and Language Clinical Specialist will be responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of an evidenced based, service-user focused, quality Speech and Language Therapy Service to the NGS.· The Clinical Specialist will contribute to the development of the NGS as a National Service in line with National Strategy and Clinical Care ProgrammesPrincipal duties and responsibilitiesThe Speech and Language Therapist, Clinical Specialist will:Professional / Clinical· Identify and prioritise the requirements of the service within a constantly changing environment.· Ensure that professional standards are maintained through clinical audit, supervision and training.· Operate within the scope of Speech and Language Therapy practice as per CORU requirements and in accordance with local guidelines.· Keep abreast of research and practice developments in the clinical areas of gender related voice and communication, mental health, ID and Neurodivergency.· Lead and facilitate research projects relevant to the specialist area.· Develop guidelines for safe and effective Speech and Language Therapy practice related to the voice and communication in the NGS .· Act as an advanced clinical advisor to colleagues and others.· Be responsible for a clinical caseload.· Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the ability to assess and prioritise clients according to clinical needs using clinical reasoning skills.· Ensure a high standard of Speech and Language Therapy assessment, treatment and management to provide for clients under his/her care and ensure that professional standards of practice are adhered to.· Prioritise and maximise effectiveness of intervention using available resources to ensure service demands are optimally met e.g. appropriate delegation and onward referral.· Collaborate and effectively communicate with the Clinical Director, Operational lead and MDT in the NGS regarding referral pathway and client management to ensure a safe effective and efficient service.· Demonstrate advanced knowledge of care pathways appropriate to clients availing of the NGS service and proactively work with colleagues to design and implement processes to improve flow for clients.· Ensure the privacy and dignity of the client is respected at all times.· Work within the multidisciplinary team ethos and liaise with staff to ensure effective communication.· Promote changes in work practices, procedures, techniques or technology having regard to the development of best practice and advanced practice in Speech and Language Therapy.· Communicate with clinical specialists internationally to further develop clinical excellence and research.· Serve on and advise such committees that may be set up relevant to the area of clinical speciality.Education and Training· Participate in induction, mandatory and recommended training programmes in accordance with the National Gender Service, SLT departmental and organisational guidelines.· Participate in CPD and receive Clinical Supervision specific to the National Gender Service needs from the National Gender MDT and Team lead.· Maintain standards of practice and levels of professional knowledge by participating in continuous professional development initiatives and attendance at courses as appropriate.· Engage in peer support with Speech and Language Therapist colleagues.· Engage in professional clinical Speech and Language Therapist supervision.· Be responsible, in partnership with the NGS for the practice education of student therapists through provision of placements and through support for therapists who are practice educators within their departments as appropriate.· Ensure newly qualified therapists have adequate induction and clinical supervision and assist in implementing annual staff development and performance review.Health & Safety· Promote a safe working environment in accordance with Health and Safety legislation.· Be aware of and implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.· Actively participate in risk management issues, identify risks and take responsibility for appropriate action.· Document appropriately and report any adverse incidents, near misses, hazards and accidents in accordance with organisational guidelines.· 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.· Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.Management· Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of the Speech and Language service in the NGS.· Review and allocate resources within the designated area, in collaboration with relevant others.· Advise the Speech & Language Therapy Manager on matters relevant to the optimal functioning of the Speech & Language Therapy Service in the NGS and in service development of the Speech & Language Therapy Department.· Assist in the setting and monitoring of clinical standards, policies and procedures, evaluation of clinical practice, quality control and clinical audit.· Foster and lead a culture and practice of; evaluating service outcomes; data collection; implementing quality improvement initiatives as appropriate.· Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, GDPR, and render reports and other information / statistics as required.· Develop and implement strategic service and business plans, quality initiatives etc. based on up to date evidence-based practice and report on outcomes.· Put in place evaluating mechanisms appropriate to the NGS and continually audit and evaluate the service with a view to maximising effectiveness, efficiency and quality.· Work within the multidisciplinary team and liaise with staff to ensure effective communication.· Serve on and provide specialist advice to committees / working groups that may be set up relevant to the area of clinical speciality.· Represent the department / team at meetings and conferences as appropriate.· Liaise with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager regarding the needs, interests and views of Speech and Language Therapy staff.· Promote good team working, and a culture that values diversity and respect.· Engage in IT developments as they apply to service user and service administration.· Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the wider Health Service.The above Job Specification 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.Eligibility criteriaQualifications and/ or experienceCandidates must have at the latest date of application:Be registered, or be eligible for registration, as a Speech & Language Therapist by the Speech & Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU.Annual registration: On appointment, practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Speech & Language Therapists Register maintained by the Speech & Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU.Have five years full time (or an aggregate of five years) post registration qualification experience. Of which four years full time (or an aggregate of four years) post registration qualification clinical experience must be in the required area of specialism.Have postgraduate experience working within an adult mental health service, and experience working with people with Autistic Spectrum DisorderHealthA 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.CharacterEach candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.Post specific requirementsDemonstrates a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience of working with adults with voice disorders and or gender related voice and communication needs.And/Or· Demonstrates a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience of working with clients with mental health conditionsAnd /Or· Demonstrates a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience of working with Neurodivergent adolescents or adults and or Intellectual DisabilityDemonstrates knowledge and experience of the role of the Speech and Language Therapist in behaviour management, counselling, advocacy and decision making.Other requirements specific to the post• Gender specific training is desirable but not essential• Voice therapy training programs or ASD/ Neurodivergency specific training or mental health specific training• Have access to transport to attend meetings and clinics off site.Additional eligibility requirements:Citizenship requirementsEligible candidates must be:(i) EEA, Swiss, or British citizensOR(ii) Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the StateRead Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.Skills, competencies and/or knowledgeProfessional Knowledge & Experience· Demonstrates an advanced level of clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning skills and evidence based practice appropriate to carrying out the duties and responsibilities of Clinical Specialist SLT in line with relevant legislation and standards..· Demonstrates a readiness, ability and willingness to develop and enhance their specialist knowledge and skills through further training and experience in the role to achieve best practice.· Demonstrates evidence of having applied a range of assessment tools and treatments relevant to the needs of clients of the NGS and a knowledge of the implications of outcomes for service users, particularly those with complex needs in this specialist area.· Demonstrate a willingness to engage and develop IT skills relevant to the role.Planning and Managing Resources· Balances clinical work with other research and educational responsibilities.· Provides flexible interventions to meet the varied needs of individual service users.· Demonstrates the ability to plan and manage the delivery of an optimum service in an effective and resourceful manner, within a model of person-centred care.· Demonstrates a high level of initiative, flexibility and adaptability in response to workforce demands.· Promotes the delivery of a holistic, user-focused approach, which encompasses a multi-professional and inter-professional perspective.Managing and Developing (Self and Others)· Demonstrates advanced leadership and team skills including the ability to lead by example.· Demonstrates a commitment to managing and developing self and others in a busy working environment.· Deals positively and constructively with obstacles and conflict within teams.· Demonstrates commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) and facilitates staff development by providing support such as; supervising, mentoring, coaching and formal development planning. Develops and/or implements systems to support a CPD culture within the service.Commitment to providing a Quality Service· Leads on the design, delivery and implementation of a high quality, person centred service.· Designs and develops new, innovative and non-traditional service delivery models which aim to promote a comprehensive and integrated quality service within evolving healthcare structures, overcoming any resource limitations.· Demonstrates and promotes collaborate working relationships as well as having the ability to work independently and exercise a high degree of professional autonomy.· Displays awareness and appreciation of service users and the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect.Evaluating Information and Judging Situations· Exercises a high degree of professional autonomy in the analysis of highly complex facts or situations that contribute to the implementation of a treatment or management strategy for the service user.· Demonstrates the ability to effectively analyse and critically evaluate complex information and make appropriate decisions.· Explains the rationale behind decisions confidently when faced with opposing or competing demands. Is objective but also aware of sensitivities in their approach.· Regularly quantifies and evaluates activities against service plans and takes timely action to correct potential difficulties and/or to respond to changing needs. Recognises how service constraints impact on service delivery.Communications and Interpersonal Skills· Displays effective communication skills (written & verbal) e.g. presents written information in a clear, concise and well-structured manner / communicates complex information by tailoring the communication method and the message to match the needs of the audience.· Demonstrates sound interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of people, colleagues, families, carers etc.· Demonstrates sensitivity, diplomacy and tact when dealing with others and is patient and tolerant when dealing with conflict or negative attitudes from others.Demonstrates strong negotiation skills, remains firm but flexible when putting forward a point of view.Campaign specific selection processRanking/shortlisting / interviewA ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in 'bands' depending on the service needs of the organisation.Diversity, equality and inclusionThe HSE is an equal opportunities employer.Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.Read more about the HSE's commitment to Diversity, Equality and InclusionCode of practiceThe Health Service Executive will 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 Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants 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. Additional information on the HSE's review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled "Code of Practice, Information for Candidates".Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on in the document posted with each vacancy entitled "Code of Practice, Information for Candidates" or on The reform programme outlined for the health services may impact on this role, and as structures change the job specification may be reviewed.This job specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.PLEASE COMPLETE AND UPLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM ATTACHED TO THE JOB ADVERT AS CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION