Job Title: Senior Speech and Language Therapist
Department: Allied Therapy
Reports to: Allied Therapy Manager
Date: 2026
Overall Purpose of Job
We will provide exceptional patient care in an environment where quality, respect, caring and compassion are at the centre of all we do. The role encompasses the delivery of an effective and efficient speech and language therapy service for both inpatients and outpatients.
This is an excellent opportunity to join an extremely skilled Speech and Language Therapy team who are at forefront of multiple developing services within the organisation.
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop and administer the highest quality service by identifying and implementing operational procedures in line with best practice standards.
Keep up to date with new developments, skills and technology to ensure continuing competence in the job.
Enhance skills in order to initiate and respond to changes in the work environment as additional roles may be demanded e.g. developing service pathways, data analysis, clinical audit, continued professional development and research.
Provide comprehensive specialist assessment, treatment and information for patients with communication and swallowing disorders, ensuring full patient involvement, underpinned by a broad range of specialist knowledge and experience.
To provide videofluoroscopy and procedure, analysis and reports for both adult inpatient and outpatient patient groups.
To represent and promote speech and language therapy (SLT) within the hospital and provide rolling educational sessions for both nursing and medical staff as to the role of SLT and swallow screening in Beacon Hospital.
Be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries.
Maintain an accurate record-keeping system to comply with legal requirements, to maintain high level of patient care, to support clinical studies and to provide information for data collection
To work within the scope of SLT practice as set down by CORU and the Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists (IASLT).
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
To participate in the management of the SLT Service as a member of the Senior SLT team in co-operation with the Allied Therapy manager.
Ensure multi-disciplinary approach to patient care through developing close links with wider team members and promote good working relationships through open communication.
To actively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities consistent with the position.
To contribute to and participate in staff induction and facilitate staff compliance with orientation training.
To maintain appropriate records and statistics sufficient for organisational and legal purposes to include work related injuries/incidents.
Work with Allied Therapy manager to consider and develop new areas of service delivery for Speech and Language Therapy e.g. Neurosurgery.
To contribute to the creation and review of policy and procedure documents relating to the service.
To be involved in Quality improvement
To ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply not only with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act, but also within the spirit of the Hospital's mission, values.
To be conversant with and uphold the Beacon Hospital's Safety Statement, Fire Safety regulations and the Major and Emergency Disaster Plan, with continuous maintenance of Hospital Mandatory Training.
To ensure that faulty equipment is immediately removed from the treatment area and restored to safe use as promptly as possible.
In association with the Information Technology Department, to comply with the Computer-integrated system Meditech, QPulse, BTime
To collect, interpret and present data and information through audit of service activity and clinical standards.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
To attend mandatory training as required by the organisation.
To participate in Personal Development Planning, supervision and Peer Review.
To contribute to and participate in service training programmes.
Maintain a record of CPD activities to demonstrate evidence of ongoing professional development.
Attend relevant training in order to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge required of a Senior Speech and Language Therapist.
Demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with the therapy manager and peers and identify own strengths and development needs
NOTE - The hours of work are required must meet the needs of the service and will be determined by the Allied Therapy Manager within a 35-hour working week.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a degree in Speech and Language Therapy or an equivalent qualification. This degree must be recognised and approved by the Department of Health & Children.
Candidates must be CORU registered.
Experience
Candidates must have a minimum of 4 years Speech and Language Therapy experience.
Training / competence in dysphagia is essential.
Experience / competence in tracheostomy weaning is desirable.
Experience/ competence in carrying out FEES is desirable.
Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge
Competent in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a wide range of adult patients with dysphagia, dysphonia and adult acquired communication disorders.
Experience in managing an outpatient caseload.
Competent to carry out videofluoroscopy clinics.
Personal Competencies
All posts in Beacon Hospital require a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore, the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager or hospital management.
This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility and deliverables at the time of its writing. As the Hospital and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the Hospital.
