Speech and Language Therapist

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Speech and Language Therapist to join our organisation and make a real difference in the lives of autistic children and their families. The Speech and Language Therapist (Senior) on our Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Support Programme, will report to the Head of Community Support. They will be responsible for developing and delivering an AAC support programme to families and creating an AAC device prescription and funding pathway. This role provides an ideal opportunity for someone who has experience in directly supporting clients with AAC, as well as extensive experience delivering evidence based therapeutic supports to autistic people.  

The successful candidate will have the ability to communicate in a sensitive and professional manner with autistic individuals and their families. They will also, have the ability to provide both informal and formal training on AAC and communication. The role requires the successful candidate to develop a suite of resources, training, 1:1 supports and referral pathways for the AAC support programme.  

This post is suitable for a Speech and Language Therapist with extensive (minimum 5 years) post graduate clinical Speech and Language Therapy experience as well as experience in developing services, and in managing and leading a team. Clinical experience in working with high tech communication devices and engaging in ongoing professional development in AAC is essential. Clinical experience in supporting the communication of autistic children and providing parent training and support is desirable.

We particularly welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Clinical programme development and delivery for the AAC Support Programme
• Develop a suite of resources, training, 1:1 supports and referral pathways for the AAC support programme
• Clinical supervision of clinical and non-clinical team members
• Liaise with key stake holders and high tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication providers in Ireland to ensure best outcomes for families
• Engage in and lead clinically-informed programmes that are guided by neuro-affirmative evidence-based practice
• Develop and communicate ideas for innovation and improvement
• Ensure comprehensive and accurate documentation

• Work collaboratively, recognising contributions from all members of the team  
• Actively participate in employee supervision process
• Complete administrative duties such as supervision notes, report writing, developing AAC resources for families and professionals, reviewing AAC equipment applications, planning training for parents and professionals and required email correspondence
• Be solution focused and responsive to new directions and program requirements.
• Ongoing training and upskilling in the area of AAC
• Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation, in support of the strategic goals of the charity
• Undertake other such duties as may be required

Key Requirements:

• Hold a qualification in Speech and Language Therapy approved by the Speech and Language Therapy Registration Board at CORU.
• CORU registration
• Minimum 5 years post graduate clinical Speech and Language Therapy Experience
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience leading a clinical team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Previous experience with high tech AAC
• Strong understanding of Gestalt Language Processing and autistic communication styles

Contract Duration:

This is a permanent role, subject to ongoing HSE funding

Salary and Benefits:

AsIAm will offer a salary and benefits commensurate with the AsIAm pay scale and experience.

In addition to annual leave, the company traditionally offers additional paid time off (company days) including a Christmas office closure period.  This is sanctioned annually at the discretion of management. Access to Employee Assistance Programme and generous pension contributions post completion of probationary period.

Working Hours:

The role is fulltime.  

The role holder is required to have a degree of flexibility regarding working hours with the expectation of some evening and weekend work.

Location:

The role is based in AsIAm HQ in Blackrock, Co. Dublin.  Remote working agreements can be requested and are at the discretion of the line manager.

Your next step…

Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter to Lisa Aspeling, Executive Assistant to the CEO, at Lisa@asiam.ie.  

The closing date for receipt of applications is 22nd April 2024.

Note: All candidates must be willing to undergo Garda Vetting should they be successful.

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