Clinical Specialist in Stroke and Neurology SLT - HR26156-1

Clinical Specialist in Stroke and Neurology SLT - HR26156-1 Job Location:
St Vincent's University Hospital

Grade:
Speech & Language Therapist, Clinical Specialist

Overview Informal Enquiries or Role Specific Enquiries to:Ms Fionnuala Duffy, Speechand Language Therapist Manager & Head of Health & Social CareProfessions, Tel: . Email:

Any applications submitted after the vacancy has closed willnot be accepted.

You will receive a confirmation email within 2 working daysthat your application has been received. We highly recommend that you contactus by emailing if you do not hear from us.

Closing date of applications: 26/10/2026.

Key Responsibilities Professional /Clinical

The Speech & Language Therapist, Clinical Specialist will:

• Be responsible for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment/intervention programmes for patients with communication and/or disorders of oro-pharyngeal swallowing function and feeding ability according to professional standards.
• Be able to make highly specialist clinical decisions following assessment of complex cases.
• Be responsible for the development and maintenance of high standards of clinical practice within the stroke and neurology services.
• Be responsible for a clinical caseload.
• Ensure a high standard of Speech & Language assessment, treatment and management is provided for patients under his/her care and ensure that professional standards of practice are adhered to.
• Ensure the privacy and dignity of the patient is respected at all times.
• Work within the multidisciplinary team ethos and liaise with staff to ensure that effective communication takes place at all times.
• Keep abreast of research and practice developments within the stroke and neurology services by attending seminars, conferences and post graduate courses.
• Communicate with other clinical specialists throughout the country and internationally to further develop clinical excellence and research.
• Act as resource in his/her specialist clinical area to Speech & Language Therapists and other health care professionals regarding the management of complex/problematic cases.
• Serve on and advise such committees that may be set up relevant to this area of clinical specialty.
• Undertake other appropriate responsibilities consistent with the nature of the post.

Working Practice

The Speech & Language Therapist, Clinical Specialist will:

• Collaborate and effectively communicate with the Speech & Language Therapist Manager and multidisciplinary team regarding referral pathways to the specialist area and patient management to ensure a safe, effective and efficient service.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with other Speech & Language Therapists in the region and other health professionals and attend multidisciplinary, clinical interest group and staff meetings etc. where required.
• Promote changes in work practices, procedures, techniques or technology having regard to the development of best practice and advanced practice in Speech & Language Therapy.
• Be aware of resource management and contribute to business planning and continuous quality improvement related to the Speech & Language Department and the specialist area.
• Advise the Speech & Language Therapist Manager on matters relevant to the optimal functioning of the Speech & Language Therapy Service within the stroke and neurology services and in service development of the Speech & Language Therapy Department.
• Assist in the setting and monitoring of clinical standards, policies and procedures, evaluation of clinical practice, quality control and clinical audit.
• Build and maintain good relationships with other services in the region and with agencies, both statutory and voluntary.
• Undertake other responsibilities as agreed from time to time with the Speech & Language Therapy Manager or other such persons to whom he/she may be accountable to.

To Understand and Participate in Research

• To maintain knowledge of and critically analyse current literature and available evidence relevant to specialism and integrate same into practice.
• To monitor and evaluate effectiveness of intervention through the use of evidence based practice and outcome measures and modify practice accordingly.
• To develop and update clinical guidelines for own areas of practice in accordance with evidence and professional body guidelines.
• To demonstrate evidenced based practice in clinical specialism through the process of clinical reasoning and decision-making allowing knowledge to be applied in complex/different situations.

To Promote Education and Development - Self and Others

• To identify own personal and professional development needs and to put formal and informal structures in place to meet those needs in collaboration with the SLT Manager.
• To identify and avail of formal and/or informal learning opportunities within SLT and MDT contexts to remain informed on contemporary clinical best practice.
• To analyse and apply learning from formal and informal CPD activities relevant to practice.
• To act as a positive and supportive specialist team leader in their own area.
• Avail of and participate in own supervision with Speech and Language Therapist Manager.
• Maintain and develop professional expertise and knowledge by actively engaging in continuing professional development e.g. reflective practice, by attending and presenting at in-service events, training courses, conferences, professional courses or other courses relevant to practice, participating in research etc.
• Manage, participate and play a key role in practice education of student therapists and promote and engage in teaching/training/support of others as appropriate (e.g. to staff, students, patients, carers etc.)
• To organise departmental journal clubs, academic and clinical case presentations.
• Attend practice educator courses as required.
• Participate in planning and performance management/personal development reviews as required with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager
• Maintain a continuous professional development (CPD) folder/online log in accordance with departmental, IASLT and CORU guidelines.

To Contribute to SLT Professional Practice and Act as Clinical Resource

• To represent the SLT profession within their own area and across multiple service areas within SVUH, larger health service and with all relevant stakeholders.
• To promote and instigate initiatives that will ensure professional practice and advancement of standards.
• To maintain knowledge of on-going work done by SLT professional bodies, Irish healthcare services and relevant developments internationally and apply same to practice when relevant.
• To understand the specifics of current legislation as it applies to their specific area of practice.
• To understand and respect own scope of practice and that of all members of the MDT.
• To know when to ask for support in decisions or referring decisions to others when appropriate.
• To act as an advocate for colleagues within profession.
• To act as a clinical advisor to colleagues, students and health professionals.
• To provide clinical expertise on a regional and national basis on their specialist knowledge and skills in a defined clinical area.
• To contribute professional expertise to wider organisation initiatives/committees or steering groups.
• To disseminate knowledge and evidence based practice through presentations and publications.

Health and Safety

• Participate in mandatory and recommended training programmes in accordance with departmental/organisational guidelines.
• Comply with hospital and community policies in relation to fire, health & safefty, risk management, Freedom of Information, patient confidentiality, radiation safety and dignity in the workplace.
• Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring to the attention of the relevant person(s) in line with best practice.
• Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others
• Keep up-to-date with all departmental and hospital standards, policies, guidelines and protocols
• Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect

Administrative

The Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist will, in consultation with the Speech and Language Therapist Manager:

• Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of service in designated area
• Ensure good working practice and adherence to standards of best practice
• Promote quality by reviewing and evaluating the Speech and Language Therapy service, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services
• Assist the Speech and Language Therapist Manager in service development, including policy development and implementation
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, the organisation's requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, and provide reports and other information/statistics as required
• Engage in service audit and demonstrate the achievement of the service objectives and Key Performance Indicators and Quality Improvement Projects
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