Senior Speech And Language Therapist

Job Title, Grade Code

Speech and Language Therapist, Senior (Gender) (Grade Code: 3379

Teiripeoir Urlabhra & Teanga, Sinsearach (inscne) (Cód Grád: 3379)

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is: as of 01/08/2025

€63,912 €65,275 €66,681 €68,073 €69,467 €70,933 €72,478 €74,018 €75,254

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Campaign Reference

SCH/073/2025

Closing Date

17:00hrs Monday 15th September 2025

Proposed Interview Date (s)

Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks' notice of interview. The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.

Taking up Appointment

A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.

Location of Post

St Columcille’s Hospital, Bray Road, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin

Ospidéal CholmCille, Bóthar Bhré, Baile Uí Lachnáin, Co. Bhaile Átha Cliath

There is currently one permanent full-time Senior SLT vacancy in the National Gender Service in St. Columcilles Hospital Loughlinstown.

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Senior Speech and Language Therapist from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Informal Enquiries

We welcome enquiries about the role.

Contact Deirdre M Fitzgerald, Speech & Language Therapist Manager, Tel 01 -2115266 or email deirdrem.fitzgerald@hse.ie for further information about the role.

Contact hr.sch@hse.ie for enquiries relating to the recruitment process...

Details of Service

St. Columcille’s Hospital (SCH) is located in South East Dublin on the border with County Wicklow. It is a model 2 hospital within the RHA Dublin & South East and is aligned to the Sláintecare vision. SCH has 117 inpatient beds and provides a range of services to a diverse population. St. Columcille’s Hospital is committed to providing a quality, patient focused service in a way that meets all patient needs in an equitable, efficient and safe manner. We acknowledge the contribution of each member of staff and aim to encourage and support them in their on-going professional development. Services include a 7/7 Local Injury Unit, 7/7 Medical Assessment Unit, 113 medical inpatient beds incorporating Stroke & Ortho Rehab Units, Endoscopy, a 5/7 Day Surgery Unit, an Outpatient Department, Radiology and diagnostic services including CT, DEXA, US, VFL and FEES. St. Columcille’s Hospital acts as a hub and spoke model for integrated care. The National Centre for Obesity Management and the National Gender Service are located on site.

The National Gender Service provides a holistic approach to gender care. It is the national adult service providing care to residents in the Republic of Ireland. The multidisciplinary model of care incorporates a holistic assessment pathway and individualised care pathways. These pathways include initiation and monitoring of gender affirming hormone replacement therapy and referral for gender affirming surgery, as well as multi-disciplinary therapeutic input.

Details on the service can be found on our website www.nationalgenderserviceireland.com.

Successful candidates must demonstrate a proven track - record in their clinical practice and interest in the area of gender affirming healthcare.

Our team includes the following multidisciplinary members;

• Consultant Endocrinologists
• Consultant Psychiatrists
• Senior Clinical Psychologists
• Clinical Nurse Specialists in Gender
• Liaison Psychiatry Nurse Specialists
• Senior Speech and Language Therapist
• Senior Social Worker
• Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist
• Administrators

Reporting Relationship

The senior SLT’s professional reporting relationship will be to the SLT Manager.

Key Working Relationships

· The person appointed to this post will work in the National Gender Service as part of the multi-disciplinary team delivering an integrated and coordinated program of care to this client group.

· The Senior SLT will work closely with the National Gender Service Lead on operational matters

· He/she will form part of the front-line multi-disciplinary assessment team

· He / She will join the SLT team of St. Columcille’s Hospital which includes a Manager, Clinical Specialist, 4 seniors and 3 staff grade therapists

Purpose of the Post

· To provide a quality Speech & Language Therapy Service to the National Gender Clinic.

· To work with the National Gender Service multi-disciplinary team and Speech and Language Therapist Manager in co-ordinating the service to meet the needs of this client group and the objectives of the service and organisation as a whole.

· To contribute to research and development in the field of Transgender Voice and Communication in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team and SLT Manager.

· To support and supervise students and staff as designated and promote continuing professional development.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Speech and Language Therapist, Senior will:

Professional / Clinical

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

· Be able to make senior clinical decisions following assessment of complex cases.

· Communicate results of assessments and recommendations to the service user and the National Gender MDT / relevant others as appropriate.

· Document all assessments, diagnoses, treatment / intervention plans, clinical notes, relevant contacts and summaries in accordance with the National Gender Service, SLT Department and professional standards.

· Collaborate with service user, family, carers and the National Gender MDT in goal setting, and treatment / intervention planning and evaluation as appropriate.

· 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 voice & communication to service users and relevant others

· Attend clinics and participate in relevant meetings and case conferences as required.

· In conjunction with the members of the National Gender MDT and 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 and / or Clinical Lead 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.

Education and Training

• Participate in mandatory and recommended training programmes in accordance with the National Gender Service, SLT departmental or 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 and develop SLT 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 above Job Description 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 Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

1.Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

(a) Candidates for appointment must:

(i) Be registered or be eligible for registration, as a Speech & Language Therapist by

the Speech & Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU.

(https://www.coru.ie/)

And

(ii) Have 3 years full time (or an aggregate of 3 years 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 beforea contract of employment can be issued.

2. Annual registration

(i)On appointmentpractitioners 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 to the HSE by way of

the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

3. Health

Candidates 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.

Please note that appointment to and continuation in posts that require statutory registration is dependent upon the post holder maintaining annual registration in the relevant division of the register maintained by: CORU

Post Specific Requirements

• Demonstrate knowledge and experience of working with clients with voice disorders and / or gender related voice and communication needs.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience of working with clients with mental health conditions at either undergrad/ post graduate level.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience of working with clients with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and or Intellectual Disability
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience of role of the Speech and Language Therapist in behaviour management, counselling and advocacy.

Other requirements specific to the post

· Voice therapy training programs or ASD specific training or mental health specific training

· Have access to transport to attend meetings and clinics off site.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

· Demonstrate sufficient command of the English language to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

· 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 progressing 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 Inclusion

The 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 Inclusion

Code of Practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).

The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles to be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards to be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.

Read the CPSA Code of Practice.

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.

Speech & Language Therapist, Senior (Gender)

Teiripeoir Urlabhra & Teanga, Sinsearach (Inscne)

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure

The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time.

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Working Week

The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 35 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 35 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full time equivalent.

You are required to work agreed roster/on-call arrangements advised by your Reporting Manager. Your contracted hours are liable to change between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of collective agreements and HSE Circulars.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation

The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.

Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.

Visit HSE Children First for further information, guidance and resources.

Infection Control

Have a working knowledge of 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.

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

• Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.

• Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.

• Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.

• Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures[2].

• Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

• Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.

[1]A template SSSS and guidelines are available on writing your site or service safety statement.

2 Structures and processes for effective incident management and review of incidents.