What is the position

We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven Speech & Language Therapy Assistant to provide assistance to Speech and Language Therapists working across Resilience Healthcare residential and respite services to support the day-to-day provision of SLT services.

This role includes supervised or directed service user contact as well as assisting in the day-to-day organisation and running of the SLT service.

This role is ideal for someone who is interested in working as part of a clinical team to support service users with complex needs in a fast paced environment.

Location:  Will be dependent on successful applicant – to cover services in Kildare, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford

Type of Contract:  Full time permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week

About Resilience

Since 2011 high-growth Irish company Resilience has continued to lead the way in transforming health and social care in Ireland. Our essence is to help build resilience in the people we support to bring the possible to life.
Our Social Care division is providing progressive Residential, Day and Outreach Services for people with Disabilities and Autism – Helping people to realise their potential. We’re looking for passionate people to join our Permanent Team and build a future in rewarding work that truly changes lives. You’ll enjoy a supportive environment that helps you realise your own potential, and with access to upskilling and best practice training you’ll grow and develop your career.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Fetac Level 5 qualification or relevant qualification in the field of Health & Social Care,
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a health setting with children/adults with intellectual disabilities
• Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role.
• Access to a car and full, clean Irish driving licence.

Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical/Service User related

• To work effectively as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant incorporating therapy, support and administrative roles
• To facilitate therapy programme under the direction and supervision of the Speech and Language Therapist
• Prepare and set up treatment areas for individual sessions including tidying area and storing away equipment used upon completion of the session.
• Observe the general performance, behaviour and ability of individuals during therapeutic interventions. Record and report these observations to the Speech and Language Therapist.
• On instruction of the Speech and Language Therapist document service user contacts/interventions in the relevant service user file
• Develop rapport with service users and demonstrate positive attitude, respect and compassion in interactions.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality in all matters of information obtained during the course of employment.
• Liaise and communicate effectively with Speech and Language Therapy and multi-disciplinary team members as appropriate to ensure co-ordinated intervention.
• Foster and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues.
• Seek advice and assistance from the relevant Speech and Language Therapist/Speech and Language Therapy Manager with any clinical or administrative work task that is felt to be beyond level of competence in line with the principles of best practice and clinical governance.

Administrative related

• Record accurate service user statistics and other administrative records in a timely manner and in accordance with the Speech and Language Therapy department’s guidelines and procedures.
• Develop therapy resources and materials under the direction of the Speech and Language Therapist
• Maintain professional standards in relation to consent, confidentiality, ethics and legislation.
• Complete assigned administrative tasks such as filing, photocopying, scanning, faxing, formatting forms/service user materials.
• Use of computer programmes as required including developing and ensuring department resources are kept up to date. (E.g. client handouts, equipment supplier lists).
• Engage in IT developments as they apply to service user and service administration.
• Notify Speech and Language Therapy Manager/supervising therapist of sick leave/annual leave in accordance with the organisation policies.
• Engage in supervision, personal development planning and performance review with assigned Senior Speech and Language Therapist/Speech and Language Therapy Manager.
• Participate in continuing professional development e.g. journal clubs, in-services, courses relevant to role.

Health and Safety

• Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.
• Participate in mandatory training programmes.
• Implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
• Comply with all relevant statutory, local and service regulation and policies, guidelines, procedures, standards e.g. Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, HIQA standards.

Knowledge

• Demonstrate good understanding of the role of the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Speech and Language Therapy service in Resilience Healthcare.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and standards and application in work situations e.g. Infection Prevention and Control Standards, Moving and Handling techniques.
• Demonstrate competent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft word and Power Point.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Good communication skills. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, particularly in listening, giving explanations/directions and reporting back on observations.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and ability to empathise with service users, relatives and colleagues.
• Demonstrate ability and understanding in working with people with complex needs/disabilities and/or behaviour that challenges.
• Demonstrate evidence of enthusiasm and interest in working with people to carry out meaningful self care and leisure goals.
• Demonstrate ability and knowledge of working with and motivating people in individual and group situations.

Teamwork

• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with all grades of staff and professions.
• Demonstrate evidence of being able to work collaboratively with other staff in carrying out work tasks.
• Demonstrate ability to take direction/instruction from Speech and Language Therapists and follow through on work plans.

Planning & Organising

• Demonstrates good time management skills in carrying out both clinical and administrative duties.
• Demonstrates good organisational skills with practical competence.

Quality & Service User Focus

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, training and development within the role.
• Demonstrate the required skills to maintain a tidy and welcoming environment that is in line with Health and Safety standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to ensure that all service users are treated with dignity and respect and ensures that the well being of the service user is a key consideration at all times.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrate the ability to use sound practical judgement and decision making

Why Join our Team

• Competitive salary.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Health Insurance and discounted Health Insurance for dependents.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Resilience Rewards employee discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7.
• Continuous professional development.
• Bike to work scheme.
• Resilience4Me Health and Well-being Forum.

If you would like the opportunity to make your mark as part of a service that is changing the future of care in Ireland, then this is the role for you.  You will be given the opportunity to feel empowered in your role where you can empower others.

Reporting to:

Senior Speech & Language Therapist

Please apply to this role by completing the following: