Senior Speech & Language Therapist

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Professional/ Clinical:

• Under the guidance of the Speech and Language Therapist Manager, will assist in the ongoing functioning and organisation of the Speech and Language Therapy service on LUH campus.

• Maintain high standards of clinical practice and knowledge within the SLT service.

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

• Develop and maintain expertise in issues relating to communication and swallowing for designated service users and ensure that professional standards are maintained.

• Arrange and carry out assessment and treatment/ intervention programmes in appropriate settings (e.g. Department, Ward) in line with local policy guidelines.

• Communicate the results of assessment & recommendations to service users and relevant others, as appropriate.

• Document all relevant care appropriately and in accordance with department and professional standards.

• Collaborate with service users, family/ carers and other staff in goal setting and treatment/ intervention/ management planning.

• Provide clinical leadership in the day to day running of the service, by supporting and supervising staff as appropriate, prioritising and allocating work.

• Actively participate in team working as appropriate, communicating and working in collaboration with service users and team members as part of an integrated package of care.

• Be responsible for maintenance of standards of practice of self and designated staff.

• Foster close working relationships with colleagues and other relevant professionals with the aim of maximising the service user’s potential.

• Actively engage in team based and individual Performance Management.

• Attend clinical and other relevant meetings, case conferences and ward rounds as appropriate.

• In conjunction with the Speech & 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 assistance from Speech & Language Therapist Manager with any cases or issues that prove beyond the scope of his/ her professional competence, in line with principles of best practice and clinical governance.

• Operate within the scope of practice as set out by CORU and the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists.

• Participate in and develop activities that promote health and wellbeing promotion.

• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Speech & Language Therapist Manager.

• Be involved in instrumental swallow evaluation e.g. Videofluoroscopy, FEES clinics, as appropriate to experience and competence.

• Prioritise and manage a patient caseload according to the needs of the department and service.

• Recognise the need for effective self management of workload, available time and resources.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of database, information and audit systems and shared care arrangements as required.

• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness & appropriateness of treatment programmes and interventions.

• Represent the Speech & Language Therapy service at meetings, committees and interdisciplinary project work.

• Actively engage in Risk Management, reporting any incidents/ near misses to Manager, and using formal recording systems, as indicated

Education and Training:

• 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 training and other courses relevant to practice, audit & research.

• Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of Student Speech & Language Therapists and promote and engage in the training and education of others as appropriate.

• Avail of and participate in own supervision and performance reviews with Speech & Language Therapist Manager.

Health & Safety

The Speech and Language Therapist, Senior will:

• Comply with the policies and 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, hazard, incidents and accidents, and bring them to the attention of relevant/ designated individuals in line with best practice.

• Work in a safe manner with due care to the safety of self and others, including compliance with the Speech & Language Therapy Department Policy on Lone Working.

• Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action.

• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect.

• Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to Quality, Risk and Safety.

• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) standards as they apply to the role, for example, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare-Associated Infections, HIQA Standards for Nutrition & Hydration in Acute Hospitals.

• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Administrative

The Senior Speech & Language Therapist will, in conjunction with the Speech & Language Therapist Manager:

• Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of service in designated area(s).

• Contribute to policy development, performance monitoring, business planning and budgetary control as advised by the Speech and Language Therapist Manager.

• Prepare progress reports/ statistics as required and in line with agreed templates/ business plans.

• 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 & Language Therapist Manager in service development including policy development and implementation.

• Maintain professional standards with regard to patient and data confidentiality.

• 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 review and demonstrate the achievement of service objectives.

• Deputise for the Speech and Language Therapist Manager as required.

• Participate in the ordering and maintenance of equipment and supplies as required.

• Engage in technological developments as they apply to the service user and service administration.

Keep up to date with changes and developments in the Irish Health Service