The Organisation:
AsIAm is Ireland’s National Autism Charity based in Blackrock, Co.Dublin. AsIAm is a fast paced, growing organisation with a vision to create a society where every autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued, and respected. The organisation’s purpose is to advocate for an inclusive society for autistic people that is accessible, accepted and affirming. AsIAm works to support the Autistic community and our families to fully engage in Irish life and build the capacity of society to facilitate true inclusion.
The Role:
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with experience in directly supporting and nurturing the communication of Autistic children to join our organisation and make a real difference in the lives of Autistic children and their families. The SLTA on our AAC Support Programme, will report directly to the AAC Programme Manager on the programme. They will be responsible for supporting the SLT in delivering our AAC Support Programme. This role provides an ideal opportunity for someone who has strong administrative skills and experience in directly supporting children and their families with AAC, as well as delivering effective neuro-affirmative strategies and/or therapeutic supports to autistic people and their families.
The successful candidate will have the ability to communicate in a sensitive and professional manner with autistic individuals and families. The role requires the successful candidate to work with the AAC programme manager and SLT by supporting programme adminstration and resourcing (e.g, referral follow up and bookings, liaising with families etc.
This post is suitable for an individual with a minimum of one years’ experience in supporting Autistic children in an educational/therapeutic or home setting. Experience in working with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices/supports and in supporting different communication style’s is desirable.
We particularly welcome applications from Autistic individuals.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical / Administrative
• Collaborate with service users, family, carers and other staff in the provision of support and advice.
• Follow support plans as determined and delegated by a Speech and Language Therapist including assisting in the provision of education and advice to service users on the use of high tech communication devices.
• Carry out duties related to the planning, organisation and maintenance of Speech and Language Therapy programmes as directed by the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Carry out generic programmes and groups for service users to the specifications agreed with AAC Programme Manager.
• Liaise with other staff and agencies in the provision of therapeutic programmes as directed by Speech and Language Therapist Supervisor.
• Maintain professional standards in relation to consent, confidentiality, ethics and legislation.
Administrative
• Carry out the administrative and clerical duties required to support the Speech and Language Therapy staff and the AAC support Programme e.g. the scheduling of appointments/groups, following up on referrals for high-tech AAC, ensuring that all families receive their AAC device in a timely manner etc.
• Assist in the organisation, maintenance and / or ordering of equipment and materials used for the AAC Support Programme in conjunction with the Speech and Language Therapists.
• Develop SLT resources and materials under the direction of the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Carry out duties related to the planning, organisation and maintenance of Speech and Language Therapy programmes/groups/events as directed by the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Keep up-to-date statistics and other administrative records as required within the Speech and Language Therapy department
Education and Training
• Attend induction and mandatory in-service education relevant to the role.
• Participate in the induction of new staff as directed.
• Participate in appraisal and the development of a personal development plan in conjunction with the line manager.
• Participate in team-based development, education, training and learning.
• Work collaboratively with all members of the team, leveraging the knowledge and strengths of others.
• Be solution focused and contribute to the planning and development of the AAC Support Programme and participate in service improvements, in conjunction with the Speech and Language Therapists.
Key Requirements:
• Speech and Language Therapy Assistant course at QQI Level 5.
• Minimum one year experience supporting Autistic children in a school/therapeutic or home environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Some experience or knowledge of high tech AAC.
Desirable Requirements:
• Experience in directly supporting children and their families with AAC.
• Experience delivering effective neuro-affirmative strategies and/or therapeutic supports to Autistic people and their families.
Contract Duration:
This is a one-year contract, with a view to permanency subject to funding.
Salary and Benefits:
AsIAm will offer a salary and benefits commensurate with the AsIAm pay scale and experience.
Working Hours:
The role is fulltime.
The role holder is required to have a degree of flexibility regarding working hours with the expectation of some evening and weekend work.
Location:
The role is based in AsIAm HQ in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Remote working agreements can be requested and are at the discretion of the line manager.
Your next step…
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter to Lisa Aspeling, Executive Assistant to the CEO, at Lisa@asiam.ie.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 14 August 2024.
Note: All candidates must be willing to undergo Garda Vetting should they be successful.
AsIAm actively support inclusion in the workplace and will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations as requested by candidates throughout the interview process for this position.
AsIAm is an equal opportunities employer who reserves the right to practice positive discrimination as set out by the Employment Equity Act, 1998.
AsIAm actively support inclusion in the workplace and will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations as requested by candidates throughout the interview process for this position.
AsIAm is an equal opportunities employer who reserves the right to practice positive discrimination as set out by the Employment Equity Act, 1998.
