Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is the national charity for people with Down syndrome and their families in Ireland, supporting over 3,500 members across 25 branches nationwide. We are working to achieve an optimal quality of life for people with Down syndrome as equally valued, independent citizens. At Down Syndrome Ireland, we are a dynamic and progressive organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. We provide support, information, and advocacy services to people with Down syndrome and their families across Ireland. Our mission is to empower and enable individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. 

The Dublin branch of Down Syndrome Ireland requires a Speech and Language Therapist to join their expanding team of professionals.

This is a varied, interesting and evolving role which will make an important difference to members in the Dublin region.

The successful candidate will share responsibility for the coordination, delivery and development of the Speech & Language Therapy service, alongside a Senior Speech & Language Therapist, for the Dublin branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. The successful candidate will also contribute to the nationwide team of Speech and Language Therapists working for other DSI branches by participating in team discussions, collaboration and peer support. Regular opportunities for CPD will be facilitated.

About you

• The successful candidate will gain experience working with all age groups, from birth to adulthood. The role will involve a mixture of direct and indirect therapy.
• As a passionate and dedicated Speech & Language Therapist, you will provide a wide range of support, including:
• Training, advice and liaison with pre-schools, schools and adult training centres
• Training, advice and collaboration with parents of members with Down syndrome
• Collaboration with colleagues in other roles at Down Syndrome Ireland such as employment officers
• Introducing and using AAC systems, including manual sign (Lámh), paper-based and high-tech approaches
• Speech sound therapy
• Language therapy
• Early literacy work
• Fluency work / Stuttering
• Voice therapy
• Incorporating functional goals to enhance members’ independence

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with service users, families, carers and other professionals in goal setting and intervention planning in an efficient and timely manner whilst ensuring a holistic approach.
• Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of intervention programmes for service users
• Deliver a range of therapeutic models appropriate to the client population.
• Generate and manage documentation in respect of assessments, diagnoses, intervention plans, and clinical notes
• Be innovative in the use of resources to maintain and enhance service delivery standards.
• Work collaboratively and in partnership with families, schools and other service providers.
• Evaluate effectiveness of intervention and adjust approach accordingly.
• Contribute to service planning and development.
• Adequately identify, manage and monitor risk within your area of responsibility.
• Maintain CPD and standards of service delivery in line with policy, CORU guidelines and relevant legislation.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy
• Current CORU registration
• Current IASLT membership
• A minimum of one year’s experience working as a Speech & Language Therapist
• A willingness to seek to understand each member’s strengths and needs in the context of their general development and in the context of their day-to-day life.
• A willingness to work collaboratively with and be responsive to the perspective of the person with Down syndrome.

Desirable:

• Experience of assessment and therapy for children and adults with Down syndrome and/or people with autism spectrum disorder and/or people with intellectual disability is an advantage.
• Experience of assessment and therapy for children or adults in a Primary Care setting
• Experience of Lámh and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Telehealth
• Hanen It Takes Two to Talk and More than Words
• DIR Floortime
• Own transport and a full clean driving licence.

Hours of work & location

This is a part-time position working 25 hours per week , with a mutually agreed schedule flexibly over various days, Monday to Saturday, with some flexibility to work early evenings.

Our branch location is in Ballymount, Dublin 12.

Down Syndrome Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

This is a great opportunity for a Speech and Language Therapist to join the nationwide Down Syndrome Ireland team, develop their career and progress as a therapist with the support of an experienced speech and language therapist who will provide supervision, training and support. The successful candidate will be a valued and active member of the team whose contributions will enable the Dublin Speech and Language Therapy service to further evolve, and support our members to participate to their fullest potential.