Speech Language Therapist Senior
Job Specification, Terms & Conditions
Job Title, Grade / Speech and Language TherapistSenior – (Grade Code 3379)Campaign Reference / NRS0744
Closing Date / Monday, 30th July 2012at 12:00noon
Proposed Interview Date(s) / Week commencing 10thSeptember 2012
Taking up Appointment / Start date to be indicated at job offer stage.
Organisational Area / All Health Service Executive (HSE) Areas – DML, DNE, West and South
Location of Post / Please note the panel created from this recruitment campaign will be used to supplement the existing national panel forSpeech & Language Therapist Seniorand will be used to fill vacancies at all HSE sites as appropriate.
There are immediate vacancies for Speech & Language Therapist Senior in the following sites:
- Sligo/Leitrim/W.Cavan
The Speech and Language Therapy Service Team consists 1 Speech and Language Therapist Manager, 1 Clinical Specialist, 11 Speech & Language Therapists Senior and 6 Speech & Language Therapists Staff Grade working across community, disability, acute and CAMHS services.
Informal Enquiries for this post:
Marian Gillespie, Speech & Language Therapist Manager
Contact details: Tel: 087 6607743
E mail:
- MidlandRegionalHospital Portlaoise
- Acute care site with SLT service to Adults with Acquired Communication and FEDS disorders
- Videofluoroscopy experience is not essential as onsite training in MRH Tullamore can be provided
- Tracheostomy experience is useful
- Speech & Language Therapist Senior works as part of a wider team of Speech & Language Therapists working in Acute and PCCC sites.
- Good support and educational opportunities
- Supportive MDT environment within the hospital; the service is established and medical and surgical teams are supportive of SLT
Breda Flynn Murphy, Speech & Language Therapist Manager
Contact details: Tel: (057) 9358721 pager 306 and 086 8337866
E mail:
- PCCC Mental Health Portlaoise
The SLT Senior post in Portlaoise is part of the CAMHS Team. The Speech & Language Therapist Senior will work with the CAMHS team and will be based in MidlandRegionalHospital, Portlaoise initially. The Speech & Language Therapist Senior with report to the SLT Manager
Informal Enquiries for this post:
Emma Gonoud, Speech & Language Therapist Manager
Contact details: Te: (057) 9359546
Email:
- MidlandRegionalHospital Mullingar
- 1 Senior SLT Post for Acute Care and 1 Senior SLT Post for stroke unit and acute care.
- The SLT service is well established within MRHM and there is a strong ethos of multidisciplinary working.
- MRHM has a Regional Acute Stroke Unit, providing thrombolytic intervention and newly developed multidisciplinary team for stroke care.
- A multidisciplinary rehabilitation unit is located on an adjoining campus with Community Senior SLT input.
- Videofluoroscopy service provided at the hospital and experience in VFSS is useful though training opportunities will be provided for the Senior SLT if required.
- The 2 Senior Speech and Language Therapists MRHM will form part of a wider team of Speech and Language Therapists providing service to adults in Longford/Westmeath including inpatient rehabilitation unit, early supported discharge community rehabilitation teams and PCCC sites.
Ms Betty Kelly, Speech & Language Therapist Manager
Contact details: Tel: (044) 9384288
E mail: .
- LetterkennyGeneralHospital
- Approximately 320 bedded hospital
- 4 acute medical wards & medical rehabilitation unit
- Dedicated stroke care unit to become fully operational in 2012 with the move to the new build on the existing hospital campus.
- VFSS service operational
- 2 WTE Speech & Language Therapists Senior currently appointed to acute services in Letterkenny
Edel Quinn, Speech & Language Therapist Manager.
Contact details: Tel: 074 9197141 / 087 7943242
E-mail:
- CavanGeneralHospital
- Stroke Unit post - new post through the QCCD programme.
- Will be based in the newly formed MDT Stroke Unit in Cavan GeneralHospital. Cavan GeneralHospital is an AcuteHospital with catchment area of counties Cavan & Monaghan. There is a 1.0wte Senior SLT employed already for all wards in Cavan GeneralHospital, along with a 0.8wte Basic Grade Agency SLT.
- Most Stroke patients then transfer to the MDT Rehabilitation Unit (20 beds) in MonaghanHospital, where there is a dedicated Rehab Senior SLT.
- There are also 14 fully operational Primary Care Teams across Cavan Monaghan HSE area, which all communicate with Acute staff.
- Across Cavan Monaghan HSE there is a Speech & Language Therapy Department of 22 staff – covering both Acute and Primary Care Services.
- This post will report to SLT Manager. Formal supervision/support contracts will be agreed with other Senior SLTs. There is a formal induction process in place.
- Contact details for informal enquiries for each individual site so applicants can call to enquire about individual posts.
Caralyn Horne, Speech & Language Therapist Manager.
Contact details: Tel: 049 5552555 / 087 9805695
Email:
Details of Service / The person appointed to this post will work within the Integrated Services Directorate; working as part of multi-disciplinary teams delivering a coordinated approach to client care. S/he will be required to work as a key worker for particular cases.
Please note more post specific information will be provided to candidates at the ‘expression of interest’ stage of the recruitment process.
Reporting Relationship / Your professional reporting relationship for clinical governance and clinical supervision will be to the Head of Discipline.
Until such time as arrangements have been finalised on a system for the management of the day to day operation of teams within the Integrated Services Directorate, existing reporting relationships to the Head of Discipline will continue.
Purpose of the Post / To provide a quality Speech & Language Therapist Service. To work with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager in co-ordinating the service to meet the needs of the service user and the objectives of the organisation. To support and supervise students and staff as designated and promote continuing professional development.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities / Professional / Clinical
The Speech & Language Therapist Senior will:
- Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment/intervention programmes for service users according to professional standards.
- Be able to make highly specialist clinical decisions following assessment of complex cases
- Arrange and carry out assessment and treatment/intervention programmes in appropriate settings (e.g. clinic, home, school, day centre) in line with local policy/guidelines.
- Communicate results of assessments and recommendations to the service user and relevant others as appropriate.
- Document all assessments, diagnoses, treatment/intervention plans, clinical notes, relevant contacts and summaries in accordance with department and professional standards.
- Collaborate with service user, family, carers and other staff in goal setting and treatment/intervention planning
- Provide clinical leadership in the day-to-day running of the service by supporting and supervising staff, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale.
- Be responsible for maintenance of standards of practice of self and designated staff
- Foster close working relationships with colleagues and other relevant professionals in maximising the service users potential.
- Actively engage in team based performance management
- Provide support and information in relation to communication and / or feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing disorders etc. to service users and relevant others.
- Participate in teams as appropriate, communicating and working in collaboration with the service user and other team members as part of an integrated package of care.
- Attend clinics and participate in relevant meetings, case conferences and ward rounds as appropriate
- In conjunction with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager, contribute to the development and implementation of procedures, policies and guidelines while adhering to existing standards and protocols.
- Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation
- Seek advice and assistance from the Speech and Language Therapist Manager with any assigned cases or issues that prove to be beyond the scope of his/her professional competence in line with principles of best practice and clinical governance.
- Operate within the scope of Speech & Language Therapy practice as set out by the Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists
- Participate in and develop activities which support health promotion
- Carry out other duties as assigned by the Speech & Language Therapist Manager
The Speech & Language Therapist Senior will:
- Participate in mandatory and recommended training programmes in accordance with departmental/organisational guidelines.
- Maintain and develop professional expertise and knowledge by actively engaging in continuing professional development e.g. reflective practice, by attending and presenting at in-service events, training courses, conferences, professional courses or other courses relevant to practice, participating in research etc.
- Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student therapists and promote and engage in the teaching / training / support of others as appropriate.
- Avail of and participate in own supervision with Speech & Language Therapist Manager
- Engage in planning and performance reviews, as required with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager
The Speech & Language Therapist Senior will:
- Comply with the policies, procedures and safe professional practice of the Irish Healthcare System by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
- Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of relevant / designated individual(s) in line with best practice.
- Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others
- Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action
- Comply with department procedures with regard to assessment, recommendation and/or manufacturing of all assistive devices
- Promote a culture that values diversity and respect
The Speech & Language Therapist Senior will, in consultation with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager:
- Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of service in designated area(s)
- Ensure good working practice and adherence to standards of best practice
- Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Speech & Language Therapy service, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services.
- Assist the Speech and Language Therapist Manager in service development, including policy development and implementation.
- Ensure the maintenance of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, the organisation’s requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, and provide reports and other information / statistics as required.
- Engage in service audit and demonstrate the achievement of the service objectives
- Represent the department/ profession/ team at meetings and conferences as appropriate
- Deputise for the Speech and Language Therapist Manager as required
- Participate in the control and ordering of clinical equipment
- Engage in technological developments as they apply to the service user and service administration
- Keep up to date with change and developments within the Irish Health Service
Eligibility Criteria, Qualifications and/ or experience / Candidates must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post possess:
(a) (i) the B.Sc degree (Clinical Speech and Language Studies) from the University of Dublin
or
(ii) the BA (Moderatorship)(Remedial Linguistics) from the University of Dublin
or
(iii) the M.SC in Speech & Language Therapy (Professional Qualification) from the University of Limerick
or
(iv) Licentiateship from the College of Speech Therapists
or
(v) A validated Speech & Language qualification at least equivalent to (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above**
and
(b) have at least three years satisfactory post qualification experience
and
(c) a suitable standard of professional attainments
and
(d) the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
**Please note a Speech & Language Therapy qualification from NationalUniversity of Ireland, Galway and UniversityCollegeCorkis a recognised qualification.
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.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age.
Post Specific Requirements, additional qualifications and / or experience / Adult Acquired (including older persons)
- Ability to assess and manage communication and feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing disorders in the adult population as it applies to the post
- Experience in conducting, interpreting and reporting instrumental swallowing assessments e.g. videofluoroscopic swallow studies and/or FEES (fibre optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing)
- In-depth knowledge and experience in the areas of specialism as it applies to the post
- Speech & Language Therapists who work with people with feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties must hold a dysphagia qualification or equivalent as outlined in “Standards of Practice for Speech & Language Therapists on the Management of Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)” Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists (IASLT) 2007
- Knowledge of the major psychiatric disorders and their clinical symptomatology and course
- Understanding of the inter-play between communication difficulties and Mental Health disorders
- Familiarity with conditions associated with this client group such as drug and alcohol abuse, self-injury and eating disorders
- Understanding of the role of the Speech and Language Therapist in behaviour management
- Experience in addressing social communication impairments
- In-depth knowledge of a wide range of paediatric communication disorders and their clinical symptomatology and course
- Ability to take a population health approach to service planning and delivery in conjunction with the Speech and Therapy Language Manager
- In-depth knowledge of intellectual disability and autistic spectrum disorders and their clinical symptomatology and course
- An understanding of the interplay between communication difficulties in intellectual disability and/or autistic spectrum disorders across the lifespan
- Awareness of and sensitivity to the impact of disability throughout the lifespan of the service user and their family
- In-depth knowledge of communication impairments associated with physical and sensory disabilities; their clinical symptomatology and course
- An understanding of the interplay between communication difficulties and physical and sensory disability across the lifespan
- An awareness of and sensitivity to the impact of physical and sensory disability throughout the lifespan of the service user and their family.
Other requirements
specific to the post / Further requirements may be outlined at the “expression of interest” stage of the recruitment process e.g. access to transport, fluency in Irish etc.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge /
- Demonstrate sufficient clinical knowledge and evidence based practice to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to evidence based practice
- Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver care in an effective and resourceful manner
- Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions
- Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user centred service
- Demonstrate effective team skills
- Display effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, carers, etc.
- Display awareness and appreciation of the service user and the ability to empathise with and treat service users / others with dignity and respect.
- Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change
- Demonstrate ability to utilise supervision effectively
- Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development
Campaign Specific Selection Process
Ranking / Shortlisting / Interview / A 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.
Code of Practice / The Health Service Executivewill 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 applicantson 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 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 description may be reviewed.
This job description 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.
Speech & Language Therapist Senior