CoAction West Cork provides quality services to support children and adults with an intellectual disability, and children with autism. This is achieved by helping each service user reach their full potential, working in partnership with their families and carers, within the community.

Senior Speech & Language Therapist

(Clonakilty - This may be subject to change however pending caseload allocation - Ref B40)

Spec Purpose Contract - 22 hours per week

Closing date: Friday, 19th April 2024

Please note that a 12 month panel may be formed from these interviews from which future positions may be filled.

For full position details and job description or for details on submitting an application please visit our website www.coaction.ie or you can email HRgen@coaction.ie

Overall Purpose of Position:

The Speech & Language Therapist will be required to plan, develop and implement Speech & Language Therapy and Team intervention pathways to meet the needs of children with complex needs.  

In the implementation of this service the Speech & Language Therapist will at all times be expected to promote and implement the ethos of the Organisation. The Speech & Language Therapist will work as part of a multi -disciplinary Children’s Disability Network Team and as a part of the SLT team. 

Main Responsibilities: 

• To develop and deliver speech and language intervention, either on an individual basis or for groups of pre-school children and  school going children with complex needs within the WCCDNT service at CoAction . 

• To avail of supervision and support from your head of discipline 

• To support relevant staff in the implementation of SLT programmes and to carry out on-going reviews. 

• To actively encourage parent and family involvement in their child’s intervention while at all times taking into consideration family circumstances and limitations. 

• To carry out initial assessments as part of the multi-disciplinary team and where requested further reviews on infants and small children in their own homes or at the clinic as appropriate. 

• To take a key contact role as defined by WCCDNT/PDS policy within the network team to which the therapist is attached. 

• To participate as required in educational and information sessions provided by the Organisation for families or members of the public. 

• To keep records and submit such reports as may be required by the CDNM, or the Chief Executive. 

• To contribute in a positive and energetic manner to the overall development of the organisation and the services it provides. 

• To develop relevant skills and abilities by taking part in training courses. 

• To attend relevant training courses/conferences as required. 

• To keep abreast of developments in the field of children with complex needs (to include ID, ASD, DLD and FEDS.) 

• To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and participate in staff meetings and case conferences. 

• To keep adequate up-to-date records. 

• To adhere to Health and Safety regulations at all times. 

• To maintain the highest level of client confidentiality at all times. 

 Senior Specific Duties: 

• Participation in planning groups and committees related to the ongoing development of the service. 

• Active involvement in the compilation, delivery and evaluation of training within the organisation. 

• Management of resources currently available and application for resources where there is a need. 

• To manage the development of the role of the Speech and Language Therapist working with children with complex needs. 

• Be responsible for personal time management and management of caseload. 

• Department responsibilities or administration duties as required. 

• Attend and participate in in-service programmes 

• Actively engage in professional and personal development initiatives. 

• Work with Head of Discipline and the CDNM to enhance the SLT service within the organisation including supervision of basic grade therapist and peer supervision as required. 

• Participate effectively in the performance management system that operates within the organisation. 

• Display active interest in research development and in the development of the service as an evidence based provision of intervention

Essential:

• Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy 

• Experience in the area of learning disability – child 

• Experience in the area of ASD – child 

• Experience in the area of wider complex needs of children 

• 3 years minimum post qualification experience as a Speech and Language Therapist

Desirable: 

• CPD – Lamh, Hanen, ITTTT, MTW Talkability, Derbyshire Language Scheme, Sensory Integration, Floor time, ADOS, DISCO are all desirable. 

• Knowledge of progressing disability model and ICF 

• Prior experience on a team working with ASD children 

• Knowledge and experience of group and joint discipline approaches to working with children with complex needs 

Skills:

• Ability to develop and implement a Speech and Language Programme. 

• Ability to develop and deliver training to other staff, parents etc. 

• Organisational skills 

• Report Writing 

• Ability to empower others – parents for example 

• Observation skills 

• Able to work independently 

• Able to manage a full and complex caseload independently 

• Ability to work in a consultative fashion with teachers, multi-disciplinary team and medical staff 

This job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment in light of changing circumstances and may include other duties and responsibilities as may be determined from time to time by the Director of Services/CEO or designated Line Manager. You will be given as much notice of such changes as possible. It is CoAction’s policy to review job descriptions on a regular basis.

CoAction West Cork is an equal opportunity employer