Senior Speech and Language Therapist / AAC Programme Manager
Maternity Cover Contract
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.
Our Values:
A key expectation of everyone who works for AsIAm is that they demonstrate our values; Perseverance, Same Chance and Service. Our values come into play throughout everything we do at work – how we work together and how we deliver services to the people we support and to the people we work alongside.
The Role:
We are currently seeking a Senior Speech and Language Therapist/AAC Programme Manager to join our National Supports Team. This is an exciting opportunity to join our organisation and make a real difference in the lives of autistic children and their families. The Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist on our AAC Support Programme, will report to the Head of National Supports. They will be responsible for developing and delivering an AAC support programme to families and creating an AAC device prescription and funding pathway. This role provides an ideal opportunity for someone who has experience in directly supporting clients with AAC, as well as extensive experience delivering evidence based therapeutic supports to autistic people.
The successful candidate will have the ability to communicate in a sensitive and professional manner with autistic individuals and their families. They will also, have the ability to, provide both informal and formal training on AAC and communication. The role requires the successful candidate to develop a suite of resources, training, 1:1 supports and referral pathways for the AAC support programme.
This post is suitable for a Speech and Language Therapist with extensive (minimum 5 years) post graduate clinical Speech and Language Therapy experience as well as experience in developing services, and in managing and leading a team. Clinical experience in working with high tech communication devices and engaging in ongoing professional development in AAC is essential. Clinical experience in supporting the communication of autistic children and providing parent training and support is desirable.
We particularly welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals.
Key Responsibilities:
· Clinical service development and delivery for the AAC Support Programme
· Develop a suite of resources, training, 1:1 supports and referral pathways for the AAC support programme
· Clinical supervision of clinical and non-clinical team members
· Liaise with key stake holders and high tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication providers in Ireland to ensure best outcomes for families
· Engage in and lead clinical work that is guided by neuro-affirmative evidence-based practice
· Develop and communicate ideas for innovation and improvement
· Ensure clear documentation
· Work collaboratively, recognising contributions from all members of the team
· Actively participate in staff supervision process
· Complete administrative duties such as progress notes, report writing, developing therapy resources, and required email correspondence
· Be solution focused and responsive to new directions and program requirements.
· Ongoing training and upskilling in the area of AAC
Key Requirements:
· Speech and Language Therapy degree or postgraduate qualification
· CORU registration
· Minimum 5 years post graduate clinical Speech and Language Therapy Experience
· Minimum of 2 years’ experience leading a clinical team
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
· Previous experience with high tech AAC
· Strong understanding of Gestalt Language Processing and autistic communication styles
Contract Duration:
The maternity cover contract will have a minimum duration of six months, with the possibility of extension up to one year, subject to the length of the maternity leave. Expected start date is February 2026
Salary and Benefits:
Salary will align with the SSLT clinical grade salary scale as set out in the HSE Consolidated Pay Scales. In addition, we offer:
· Annual leave allowance of 23 days p.a. (pro-rata based on length of contract)
· Additional paid time off (company days) as approved by Management
· Hybrid working arrangements
· Inclusive and neuro-affirmative team environment
· Pension Plan ((initially through “My Future Fund” and transitioning to Company Pension plan on successful completion of probation)
· Healthcare Plan (on successful completion of probation)
Working Hours:
The role is fulltime and working hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with some flexibility around start and finish times. This will be planned in advance and balanced with flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.
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. Hybrid working arrangements can be facilitated in discussion with the line manager.
Your next step…
Complete the application form and upload your CV and Cover Letter for review.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 28 November, 2025
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.