SLPC Occupational Therapist, Clinical Specialist

Closing Date

Monday 3rd August 2026 at 12 Noon

Proposed Interview Date (s)

TBC

Taking up Appointment

A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.

Location of Post

Integrated Healthcare Area TBC

There is currently one permanent vacancy available in Sligo South Donegal Leitrim West Cavan Integrated Healthcare Area

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for the role of Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Informal Enquiries

Please provide name & contact details for person who will deal with informal enquiries.

Shanker Kumar

Occupational Therapy Manager

Email: shanker.kumar@hse.ie

Tel: 0877964481

Details of Service

The implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways protocol in the Regional Healthcare Areas will be supported by In-Reach Teams. In-reach teams are being introduced on a phased based. In Phase 1 In-reach teams x 11 will be introduced across the Health Regions in 2026. In Phase 2 a further 9 x teams are planned for 2027.

In Phase 1 of the implementation five of the six Regional Health Areas will receive 2 x In- Reach teams in 2026, and one Regional Health Area will receive 1 x In-Reach team.

This implementation plan of 1 x In-reach Team for every 2 x Community Healthcare Networks is based on the learnings from the prototype In-reach Team in t in Co Meath.

The initial focus of the In-Reach Team will to support service integration and the flow of client care for Children. Accordingly, the In-Reach Team will work in collaboration with Primary Care Children’s Services, Disability and CAMHS teams (core services) to support and/or undertake autism diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents, as appropriate to the local area service needs and configuration. This will broaden out to Adults as the teams are developed and embedded into integrated service design and delivery.

It is envisioned, that the focus will be for children requiring an autism diagnostic assessment who have non-complex needs; and who cannot access a full diagnostic autism assessment in either CAMHS or Primary Care. Non-complex needs are defined by the National Policy on Access to Services for Children & Young People with Disability & Developmental Delay.

Existing referral pathways to core services will be maintained (acknowledging the move towards a single point of access (SPoA) in the regions. The In-Reach team will be engaged by the core service to complete/support a diagnostic autism assessment for open active cases, with the core service providing additional background information. There should be ongoing communication and collaboration between the core service and the In-Reach Team as the assessment is being conducted. The outcome of the assessment findings should be collectively and collaboratively agreed and shared.

The In-Reach Team may also support existing teams with a focus on enhancing their capacity in undertaking assessments. The goal is to make sure that children get the right care, at the right time, no matter where they live. These teams support the provision of services that are consistent, equitable and based on relevant healthcare evidence.

Reporting Relationship

The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will report to the Occupational Therapy Manager in Charge III or other designated Occupational Therapy Discipline Manager.

Key Working Relationships

Integrated Healthcare Teams (Previously primary care, mental health and disability teams/groups)

Integrated Healthcare Managers

Discipline Managers

Integrated Service Leads

Regional Directors Health & Social Care Professionals

Purpose of the Post

The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will be a key member of the multi-disciplinary In-Reach Team. The team, comprising of Specialist Principal Psychologist, Clinical Specialist Speech and Language, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist and admin support (Grade IV).

The team will work across the core care groups Primary Care, CAMHS and Disabilities . The in-reach team will work collaboratively with clinicians from the core service and the heads of discipline / service managers to ensure a co-ordinated and comprehensive service delivery to, and effective communication with, all stakeholders with the aim of providing integrated care. The post-holder will contribute significantly to service planning, development, evaluation and quality initiatives to the autistic community.

The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will lead and be responsible for the delivery of a high-quality, evidence-based Occupational Therapy service within the area of Autism Assessment. They will advocate for neuro-affirmative practice. This service will be person-centred and strengths-based, and will encompass occupational therapy assessment, formulation, consultation, education, and support, with a specific focus on functional participation, sensory processing, daily living skills, and environmental fit. The Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist will participate in audit and research ensuring client outcomes and satisfaction with service is at forefront of service development

The post-holder will provide expert Occupational Therapy input and leadership to one or more service teams and sectors as required, as part of the In-Reach Team, and across services involved in autism assessment. All practice will be delivered in accordance with service plans and objectives, and within established professional standards, policies, and guidelines.