Job Title: Senior Speech & Language Therapist in Older Persons
Reference No: 04.028 (2026)
Department / Directorate: Speech & Language Therapy Department, COO Directorate
Reports to: Manager of Speech & Language Therapy or Deputy
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4, voluntary, academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4,000 people from 63 different countries, it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800,000 people and is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre, the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country, Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit.
The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region, which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties, and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation, the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.
TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.
The Hospital is ambitious, recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future, largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is a
“Hospital without Walls” always looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff.
TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “
People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our
TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
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Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
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Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
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Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
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Equity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally. We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on
Purpose of the role:
The Age-Related Health Care department of TUH provides a wide range of services, some of which are detailed below:
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A multidisciplinary Gerontological Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) service for frail older persons in the ED;
- Multidisciplinary inpatient care and rehabilitation within the inpatient Age Related Units of TUH;
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Multidisciplinary specialist off-site non-acute rehabilitation at the Age Related Rehabilitation unit at Tymon North campus;
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Age Related Day Hospital (Charlie O’Toole Unit) providing multidisciplinary services for ‘community-based’ patient assessment and rehabilitation of patients either to promote earlier supported discharge or prevention of functional deterioration in chronic disease (e.g. Parkinson’s disease) which might otherwise precipitate acute admission ;
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All-age Regional Specialist Memory Service as part of the TUH Institute of Memory & Cognition, with weekly consultant-led multidisciplinary memory assessment consensus forum;
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The National Intellectual Disability Memory Service;
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A consultant-led Integrated Care of Older People team which works with a joint hospital and community team assessing and managing complex care of older people in the community and nursing homes;
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A hospital consultation service for the assessment of older people requiring extended care, rehabilitation and acute management of Gerontological conditions such as delirium etc.;
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A Falls Assessment Service.
Senior SLTs in Older Persons currently deliver a Speech and Language Therapy service to a number of the Age Related service areas which include Inpatient Age Related Care and Rehabilitation; Gerontological Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) team; Tymon North Age Related Rehabilitation Unit; Age Related Day Hospital at the Charlie O Toole Unit (COTU). SLTs have the opportunity to rotate between these different service areas for continuous learning and development.
The Senior SLT will be responsible for the provision of a high quality Speech and Language Therapy service in their designated service area/s which meets the needs of the patients and the objectives of the Hospital.
The role offers the opportunity to work alongside Clinical Specialist, Senior and Basic Grade SLTs and Therapy assistant colleagues with a strong emphasis on training, collaboration, support and close team-working.
The successful candidate will have exciting opportunities to continue to develop existing Speech and Language Therapy services with SLT colleagues, as well as close collaboration with the multidisciplinary team in the areas of clinical care, education, service development and innovation.
The Senior SLT will also be responsible for supervising Basic Grade/ Student SLTs as well as Therapy Assistants, and participate in their continuing professional training and development.
A panel of suitable applicants will be formed for future permanent and temporary Speech and Language Therapy vacancies in Older Persons.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE required
Note: All essential requirements as set out below must be clearly demonstrated on the CV to be shortlisted.
Essential:-
Be registered as a Speech and Language Therapist with CORU, the professional body for regulating Health & Social Care Professionals in Ireland, or be in the process of obtaining same- acceptable proof of CORU registration application is correspondence from the Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board at CORU confirming their application.
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Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years full time (or an aggregate of 3 years full time) post qualification clinical experience for offer of senior contract. Candidates with 2.5 years post qualification clinical experience are eligible to apply with a view to forming a panel.
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Demonstrate evidence of adequate recent experience in care of the Older Person.
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Demonstrate evidence of full and independent competence in the management of adult eating, drinking and swallowing disorders.
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Demonstrate recent evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the Older Person.
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Demonstrate evidence of relevant service development/quality improvement experience.
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Have experience in the supervision of Speech and Language Therapists and/or students and/or therapy assistants.
- Have the clinical, managerial and administrate capacity to fulfil the functions of the role
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Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the role.
Desirable
- Experience in an acute hospital setting.
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Post-graduate competence in adult videofluoroscopy or FEES analysis.
Reward & Recognition-
Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3379.
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This is a full time permanent position. A panel will be formed from which future permanent or temporary positions full time or part time posts may be filled.
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The annual leave entitlement is 29 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
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Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement
Overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical and Professional
- Provide timely and clinically appropriate assessment, diagnosis and management to patients with communication and swallowing disorders in the designated area, ensuring full patient involvement, underpinned by a broad range of knowledge and clinical experience.
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Be responsible for the development and maintenance of high standards of quality clinical practice of self and any junior staff appointed to the designated area.
- Demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures.
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Work as a key member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) within the area and actively advocate for speech and language therapy through engagement with the team, primary care colleagues, GPs etc for optimal patient care.
- Be responsible for supervising colleagues, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale and team working, in collaboration with senior colleagues and the Speech and Language Therapy Manager.
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Manage clinical risk within own service and that of any designated team at all times.
- Foster and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, front line managers, and other healthcare personnel.
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Maintain timely and accurate records to comply with local service, professional standards and legal requirements, in order to maintain high level of patient care, to support clinical studies and to provide information for data collection.
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Advise and collaborate with Manager and Clinical Specialist SLT on operational issues and/or issues of service delivery, resources etc and contribute to business cases as appropriate.
- Assume delegated tasks as requested, including participation in working groups/committees, representing at meetings etc.
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Develop, read and adhere to hospital and departmental protocols, policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Assist in the recruitment and induction of new staff, and in probation, supervision and performance management as appropriate.
- Be ICT competent having experience in the use of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint along with other desktop software.
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Work within departmental and national guidelines and professional code of conduct, being accountable for own professional action and recognising own professional boundaries.
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Adhere to the Ethics for Speech and Language Therapists from CORU and the IASLT.
- Deputise for the Manager in their absence, as requested, undertaking specified duties.
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Have the clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly carry out the functions of the role.
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Closely liaise with the Manager regarding clinical and professional duties and undertake any other duties that may be assigned by the Manager.
Education and Development- Self and Others-
Keep abreast of ongoing developments in clinical and professional practice by engaging in informal and formal continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
- Participate in the departments professional supervision and performance achievement programme.
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Participate in relevant internal training and mandatory training programmes.
- Play an active role in the departmental in-service training as well as teaching programmes for other healthcare professionals.
- Supervise, teach and support junior staff, colleagues, students and assistants as required.
- Ensure newly qualified therapists have adequate induction and clinical supervision and assist the Speech and Language Therapy Manager in implementing staff development and regular appraisals.
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Participate in the clinical training and assessment of speech and language therapy students, and as required for qualified speech and language therapists.
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Develop, organise and facilitate the running of local, national and international training programmes and courses for speech and language therapists and other professionals as may be appropriate.
Innovation, Quality & Service Improvement, Audit & Research-
Be responsible for the organisation and provision of the speech and language therapy service in the assigned areas and collaborate with the Speech and Language Therapy Manager, Clinical Specialist SLT, and multidisciplinary colleagues as appropriate.
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Collect, collate and analyse workload statistics required for departmental and service purposes and review with the Manager and Clinical Specialist SLT.
- Undertake innovative service and quality improvement and clinical audit activities to monitor, maintain, and/or develop clinical standards and service quality and efficiency.
- Participate in research relevant to the designated areas as post allows.
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Report on and disseminate audit, quality improvement and research outcomes to improve service delivery/patient care.
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Adapt working practices and roles based on new learning and developments.
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Be familiar with quality improvement and research resources available within the hospital and from relevant hospital stakeholders.
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Facilitate and jointly supervise undergraduate research projects as post allows.
Application process
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at
www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.
Note: A panel will be formed for any future vacancies arising in the area.
Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to:
Fiona Hill, Speech and Language Therapist Manager- in-Charge III,
Department of Speech and Language Therapy, Tallaght University Hospital
Telephone (01) 4142780/2776 or email [email protected]
Please note this is an open active advert, candidates will be reviewed weekly for interview.
TUH Core Competencies:
Core Area
Competency
Level
Managing the service
Quality & Safety of Service
3
Managing the service
Delivery of Results
3
Managing Change
Problem Solving & Decision Making
3
Managing Change
Communications & Influencing
3
Managing Yourself
Team player
3
Managing Yourself
Planning and Organising
3
Managing People
People Management
3
Managing People
Leadership
3
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.
Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.
Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period. Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.
Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.
Sick Leave-
There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
- In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data-
Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
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Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.
Health & Safety
- All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
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Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
- Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control
- All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
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All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
- All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
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All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality, safety and risk management-
Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management-
Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.
Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality. To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.
Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first. It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.
