Speech & Language Therapist – Contractor Role – Cork Area.

ABOUT US

• The MDT Service at Fostering First Ireland (FFI) was formerly known as Key Assets Consulting. We merged with our sister company FFI in Jan 2025.
• The MDT Service provides clinic based and community based multidisciplinary assessment and clinical support services for children and their families nationwide. Our Head Office is in Dublin, and we have an additional clinic in Cork.
• We are approved providers of Psychology, OT, SLT and multi/interdisciplinary assessments for HSE, Tusla and private health insurers. We also complete independent Social Work assessments for Tusla.
• FFI is part of the Key Assets Group, an international group of companies delivering flexible child and family social services solutions across three continents. As a social enterprise group, we offer innovative client centred services to government and non-government partners and bring a range of professional services direct to communities.
• We pride ourselves on providing high quality services to children and families.
• Equally, we place strong emphasis on supporting our clinical teams and support staff and on having a positive working environment for all. We do this through strong governance and support structures, manageable caseloads, open communications, reflective practice, modern & well-resourced work-spaces and a focus on professional development.

We are growing our clinical teams to enable us to increase the number of children and families we can support in response to rising demands. To achieve this, we wish to appoint a Speech and Language Therapist (Senior) at our Cork clinic.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

To provide a variety of high-quality Speech and Language therapy services (assessments and clinical supports) to children and young people (0-18 years) and their families attending the MDT Service at FFI, within an interdisciplinary framework.

LOCATION

• Cork: Our modern office and clinic premises are located at Victoria Cross Road in Cork city.

• Occasional travel may be required (to schools / community locations). Some aspects of the work can be completed online from home (e.g. report writing, feedback sessions, intake measures).

DESCRIPTION OF ROLE

• This flexible and freelance role involves direct assessment, report writing, feedback/clinical support for children, young people and families who have been referred to the MDT service by Tusla or the HSE.
  • There is an emphasis on interdisciplinary working and adhering to best practice guidelines.
  • To work with the Quality Assurance Team in line with the quality assurance framework of the MDT Service by upholding standards in high quality report writing for children and families attending the service.
  • To contribute to the growth and development of the services, aligned to the core culture and values.
  • Access to Peer Supervision model (with senior practitioners) and Case Management Supports.
  • You are required to ensure appropriate Clinical Supervision is in place consistent with your professional code of ethics.
  • You are required to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance. Advice/assistance in securing insurance is provided.
  • You are responsible for your own tax returns. Basic self-employed taxation information is available for those who are new to working in a self-employed /contractor capacity.

TYPES OF ASSESSMENT/CONSULTING SERVICES REQUIRED

• Comprehensive Speech and Language Therapy assessment as part of an overall Assessment of Need (AON) – per the HSE agreed protocol (includes assessment of expressive and receptive language, speech and pragmatics as appropriate). This may be requested as a single discipline assessment or as part of the full multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary assessment process under the AON scheme.
• Specific assessments may be requested regarding DLD, swallowing, stammer, selective mutism, use of AAC methods/devices,).
• Neuroaffirmative assessment approach required.
• Specialist trauma-informed assessments and clinical support services [e.g. for foster carers and children in care] subject to additional experience and expertise.
• SLTs who are trained and experienced in the ADOS-2 may work as part of our Autism assessment team.
• Online consulting support may be required for children, parents/foster carers/key processionals to support implementation of assessment recommendations.

WORKING HOURS

A flexible working week applies. The role may involve occasional evening /weekend work, (e.g. report writing) however the consultant is in charge of their own diary and can structure assessments to suit their availability.

PROFESSIONAL RATES / PAY INFORMATION

• Senior SLT assessments are payable at €70 per hour. Consultants are required to keep a log of their work and submit this with their invoice for each case upon completion of their assessment report. Invoices are payable within 30 days.
• SLTs with additional training in trauma-informed care model and experience, may be eligible to work as part of the specialist team for which a higher rate applies – please discuss at interview with Director.
• Expenses are paid for travel to external locations where applicable (e.g. to schools/community locations).

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

• The post holder must be a fully qualified Speech and Language Therapist and registered by the Speech and Language Therapists’ Registration Board at CORU.
• Have at least two years’ full time (post qualification) relevant clinical experience (within a children’s service/disability service)
• Training in ADOS-2 is an advantage.
• Clinician must be able to reliably provide a minimum commitment of 1 day per week.

EQUIPMENT:

• You are required to use your own laptop and mobile phone device and to ensure these are appropriately set up and secured (i.e. password protected, bit locker enabled laptop/pc).
• A business email account must be used (Gmail/Hotmail are not suitable for data security reasons). Suitable options are provided.
• SharePoint domain is provided for data security. All working documents and files are exchanged digitally and securely – dual authentication system in place.
• Free access to modern library of print and digital (online) assessments and test materials and relevant equipment is provided. Automated scoring of digitalised assessments is used where possible for efficiency reasons.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH THE MDT SERVICE AT FFI

• Flexible working arrangements (Clinics are open Mon-Sat)
• Fulfilling work – achievable case loads – no wait list management tasks
• Attractive professional rates of pay which recognise clinical experience.
• Accessible case management supports to ensure strong clinical governance and a positive working environment.
• Parking provided at clinic locations.
• Multidisciplinary Peer Support Forums – Provide the opportunity to share professional research/assessment resources.
• Induction process – includes online company module (re: P&Ps), meeting with Director and staff, access to redacted reports and templates. Can include shadowing of senior practitioners at our clinics if so desired.
• Learning and Development Programme; internal online learning system + external training courses in relevant areas are supported (e.g. attachment, trauma, expert witness work, Autism specific courses)
• Robust test library available – including use of online testing platforms (automated scoring systems) for greater efficiency and accuracy.
• Modern IT systems to help you do your job efficiently – IT support available.
• Well-developed Quality Assurance system, including proof-reading support service for reports.
• Services are backed by excellent administrative staff, IT support and managerial supports.
• Welcoming, positive team culture & well-resourced work spaces.
• We are committed to high standards of service delivery – and our job is to help you concentrate on delivering your best to the children and families we serve.

HOW TO APPLY

Please see our full Job Description and Person Specification attached. 

To be considered for this role, you must complete our application form.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Tues 18^th March 2025. (Online Interviews will be scheduled for 21^st & 24^th March 2025)

Please email completed application forms along with your CV to jobs@ffi.ie. Shortlisting will apply.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

• For further information on our services, please visit https://fosteringfirstireland.ie/services-provided/mdt-service/
• Should you have specific queries or wish to have an informal discussion please contact Sarah Treacy (Director) on 087 7024569