Speech And Language Therapist, Senior, Children'S Disability Network Team - Rolling Campaign

Under Progressing Children's Disability Services, The Children's Disability Network Services currently provide services for children and young adults with complex needs aged 0-18yrs.
We provide a range of therapy, diagnostic and assessment services and family supports.

Our Team model is an interdisciplinary approach and our team includes OTs, Physios, Social Workers, Social Care Workers, Psychologists, Autism Therapist, and Community Facilitator for Disability and SLTs.

The Senior SLT will work as part of a team providing SLT assessments, intervention and support to children and young adults under the CDNT's attending Special schools.

· 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.

· Demonstrate a working knowledge of the varied client groups and service provision requirements for children who access Children Disability Network Services and show awareness of aspects of service monitoring, improvement, evaluation and development.

· Experience in clinical Speech & Language Therapy in a community setting.

· Development of clinical standards, protocols, Clinical audit and evaluation.

· To be responsible for the provision of a high quality Speech and Language Therapist service in accordance with standards of professional practice.

To work in conjunction with other team members in co-ordinating and developing the service to meet the needs of the population it serves in line with the objectives of the organisation/CDNT.

Professional/ Clinical The Senior Speech & Language Therapist will:

· Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment / intervention programmes for service users according to professional standards

· Arrange and carry out assessment and treatment / intervention programmes in appropriate settings in line with local policy / guidelines and professional standards

· Communicate results of assessments and recommendations to the service user and relevant others as appropriate

· Document all assessment, diagnosis, 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

· Foster close working relationships with colleagues and other relevant professionals in maximising the service users' potential

· Provide support and information in relation to communication and / or feeding, eating, drinking and swallowing disorders etc.
to service users and relevant others

· Attend clinics and participate in meetings, case conferences, ward rounds etc.
as agreed with the Children Disability Network Manager

· Participate in teams as appropriate, communicating and working in collaboration with the service user and relevant others as part of an integrated package of care

· Maintain professional standards of practice

· Represent the department / profession / team at meetings and conferences as designated

· In conjunction with the Children Disability Network Manager, contribute to the development and implementation of procedures, policies and guidelines while adhering to existing standards and protocols.

· Actively engage in team based performance management, where appropriate

· Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation

· Seek advice and assistance from Children Disability Network 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 Children Disability Network Manager (CDNM)

Education & Training The Senior Speech and Language Therapist will:

Participate in mandatory and recommended training programmes in accordance with departmental / organisational guidelines Maintain continuing professional development e.g.
by attending in-service events, training courses, conferences and involvement in research Engage in and provide reflective practice, support / supervision Staff Grade Speech and Language Therapist. Participate in the practice education of student therapists and provide teaching / training / supervision to others (e.g.
to staff, service users, carers) as appropriate Attend practice educator courses as required Engage in planning and performance reviews as required with the Children Disability Network Manager Health & Safety The Senior Speech and Language Therapist will:

· Comply with the policies, procedures and safe professional practice of the Irish Healthcare System by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards

· Assist in the development, implementation and review of the department's Health and Safety statement, as appropriate

· Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of the relevant person(s)

· 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

· Support a culture that values diversity and respect

Administrative The Senior Speech and Language Therapist will, in consultation with the CDNM

Keep up-to-date administrative records, reports and statistics as required by the Speech & Language Therapist Manager Be responsible for organisation and maintenance of own clinical equipment and identification of equipment needs as appropriate Participate in the planning and development of the Speech & Language Therapy Service Represent the department at meetings and conferences as designated Participate in the review, evaluation and audit of Speech and Language Therapy services, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services Assist in ensuring that the Speech & Language Therapy Service makes the most efficient and effective use of developments in Information Technology Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service. Self-Development: The Senior Speech & Language Therapist will:

· To be aware of current developments and issues in speech and language therapy.

· To assume responsibility for his/her own professional development and safe work practice.

· Keep up to date with relevant scientific research findings and current practices and identify and update relevant measures in response to these findings.

Professional: · To ensure confidentiality on all matters and information obtained during the course of employment.

· To have a working knowledge of Health Service Executive policies.

· To present and act in a professional manner at all times and ensure colleagues do likewise.

Information Technology: · Ensure the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for patients care in a manner which integrated well with systems throughout the organisation.

Other Responsibilities: · To undertake other duties appropriate to the office as may be required by the CDNM, or his nominee.

Safi Ahamed

Leitrim Children Disability Network manager

Mobile: 087-7877809

****** Mary Durcan

Sligo Children Disability Network manager

Mobile: 071-93-21700

******