Speech & Language Therapist, Clinical Specialist will be responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of an evidenced based, patient focused, quality driven Speech and Language Therapy Service for stroke patients in the Louth Hospital Group

The Dublin North East Region includes the following hospitals;

• Beaumont Hospital
• Cavan General Hospital
• Connolly Hospital
• Louth County Hospital
• Monaghan General Hospital
• Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
• Rotunda Hospital

The HSE provides a national service and a regional service to the Dublin and the North East Region and is committed to the provision of world-class care, exceptional clinical services with respect and compassion.

Louth Hospitals comprise the following:  Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda, an internationally renowned hospital, Louth County Hospital Dundalk and the Cottage Hospital community Hub Drogheda. Acute stroke care is undertaken in Our Lady of Lourdes / Rehabilitation pathways include: Louth County Hospital Dundalk and ESD.

The clinical specialist post offers an exciting opportunity to develop the SLT stroke service working closely with a dedicated MDT team.

Clinical/Professional:

The  Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist will:

• Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, and implementation of treatment/intervention programmes for patients with communication and/or disorders of oropharyngeal swallowing function.
• Arrange and conduct assessment and treatment/intervention programmes in line with local policy/guidelines and professional standards.
• Be able to make highly specialist clinical decisions following assessment of complex cases.
• Be responsible for a clinical caseload
• Communicate the results of assessments and recommendations to the service user and relevant others as appropriate.
• Provide specialist support and information in relation to communication and /or feeding, eating drinking and swallowing disorders etc... To service users and relevant others.
• Document all assessment , diagnosis , treatment /intervention plans, clinical notes, relevant contacts and summaries in accordance with departmental and professional standards
• Collaborate with service user, family, carers and other staff in goal setting and treatment/intervention planning, respecting the dignity will and preference of service users at all times.
• Foster close working relationships with colleagues and other relevant  professionals in maximizing the service users’ potential
• Keep abreast of research, clinical trends and best available evidence pertaining to the clinical area.
• Actively engage in professional development by attending seminars, conferences, and post graduate courses.
• Actively engage with professional bodies and academic institutions to further develop services.
• Act as a resource to other Speech and Language Therapists within the service/region/nationally together with advising other health care professionals with regards to management of complex /challenging cases,
• Communicate with other clinical specialists nationally /internationally to further develop clinical excellence and research.
• Serve on and advise such committees that may be set up relevant to this area of clinical speciality
• Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality , ethics and legislation
• Comply with the code of conduct as outlined by CORU

Working practice

• Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality , ethics and legislation
• Participate in mandatory and recommended training programmes in accordance with departmental/organisation.
• Put in place evaluating mechanisms appropriate to the specialist and continually audit and evaluate the service with a view to maximising effectiveness, efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate and effectively communicate with the SLT Manager and SLT staff working across the service.
• Support optimisation of clinical pathways to best meet patient needs.
• Promote changes in work practices, procedures, techniques or technology having regard to the development of best practice and advanced practice in Speech and Language Therapy.
• Be aware of resource management and contribute to business planning and continuous quality improvement related to the specialist area.
• Advise the Speech and Language Therapy Manager on matters relevant to optimal functioning of the Speech and Language Therapy service in the specialist area and in service development.
• Assist in setting and monitoring of clinical standards, policies and procedures, evaluation of clinical practice, quality control and clinical audit.
• To understand the specifics of current legislation as it applies to their specific area of practice

Undertake other responsibilities as agreed from time to time with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager

Education

• To disseminate knowledge and evidence based practice through presentations and publications
• Act as an information resource for junior colleagues
• Be proactive in fostering a learning environment to support clinical placements/training programmes.
• Undertake research as relevant to the speciality 3025ClinSpecSLTStroke0325 Job Spec

Candidates must at the latest date of application:

     (I)  Candidates must demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the required area of specialism, in the form of post –graduate qualifications or relevant courses.

                                         AND

     (ii) Candidates must demonstrate achievement in the areas of clinical audit, quality improvement initiatives, practice development, teaching and research

                                       AND

    (iii) Provide proof of statutory registration on the Speech and Language Therapists Register maintained by the Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

                                      AND

Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in the assessment and management of stroke patients across the continuum of care

Statutory registration, professional Qualifications, experience etc.

• eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date of application have the following :

• Be registered , or be eligible for registration on the Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU

                          AND

• Have 5 years full time (or an aggregate of five years) post registration qualification experience. Of which 4 years full time or an aggregate of four years post registration qualification clinical experience must be in the required area of specialism

                          AND

• Demonstrate a proven record of excellence in the specialism

                        AND

• Provide proof of statutory registration on the Speech and Language Therapists Register maintained by the Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU  before a contract of employment can be issued

A recognised dysphagia qualification or equivalent as outlined in “standards of practice for Speech and Language Therapists on the Management of Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing Disorders” IASLT 2015

Annual registration

Post Specific:

Experience in conducting VFU examination

Access to own transport       

Technical & Professional Expertise

Has a command over the technical/professional skills and knowledge required within the job holder’s role and continues to upskill to maintain high professional standards and continuous professional development requirements.

Commitment to Quality & Risk Management

The ability to focus on understanding stakeholder’s needs and expectations and to respond effectively and efficiently to them. Has a good knowledge of and is committed to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals, accreditation standards, other organisation/department standards and risk management frameworks and guidelines.

Flexible & Adaptable

Works effectively within a variety of situations with individuals or groups. Adapts one's approach as the requirements of a situation changes; adjusts tasks and priorities when necessary. Accepts that changes in one’s role may be required from time to time.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Speaks and writes clearly, fluently and effectively to both individuals and groups; communicates in a manner that will persuade, convince and influence others, in order to motivate, inspire or encourage them to follow a particular course of action.