Hours: This is a full-time position (37–39 hours per week) or part-time flexible position. Working hours will include weekday afternoons/early evenings, with the option of some Saturday morning/afternoon work to support after-school groups and family availability. Exact working pattern can be discussed during the hiring process.
Location: Sandymount Sensory Centre, Sandymount, Dublin 4 (with some flexibility for remote administration and meetings where appropriate).
Pay: Competitive pay in line with HSE payscale, CORU registration and level of experience.
Job Opportunity
Neurodiversity Ireland is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic Senior Speech and Language Therapist to join our dynamic, neurodiversity-affirming multidisciplinary team at the Sandymount Sensory Centre.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a child-led, strengths-based, trauma-informed environment where communication, sensory regulation, autonomy and emotional safety are prioritised.
Neurodiversity Ireland is a national charity advocating for and supporting the neurodivergent community. Our mission is to change the narrative on neurodiversity by providing services that allow children and young people to:
- Be their true, authentic selves
- Build meaningful connections and friendships
- Participate in play, communication and leisure activities that matter to them
You will work collaboratively with Occupational Therapists, our Sensory Centre Manager, support staff, clinical managers and families to deliver high-quality, neuro-affirming speech and language therapy services.
This role offers the opportunity to engage in service development, parent coaching, team training, and innovative group-based communication supports, with scope for leadership as our service expands.
Main Responsibilities
Clinical
- Deliver neuro-affirming, child-led assessments and interventions for neurodivergent children and young people (Autistic, ADHD, PDA, DLD, minimally speaking, AAC users, etc.).
- Support a wide range of communication profiles, including:
- Gestalt Language Processors
- Echolalia
- AAC users
- Alternative and multimodal communication
- Provide individual, dyadic and group-based therapy.
- Collaborate with children and families to create meaningful goals grounded in connection, autonomy, co-regulation and participation.
- Support communication-friendly environments across all Sensory Centre programmes and groups.
- Work closely with OTs and support staff to co-lead or shape child-led communication, play and leisure groups.
Family & Community Support
- Provide parent/caregiver coaching rooted in neuro-affirming approaches.
- Contribute to workshops, talks and training for parents, schools and community groups (as appropriate).
- Liaise with schools, other therapists and external services to support holistic, consistent care.
Teamwork & Service Development
- Collaborate closely within a multidisciplinary team.
- Offer clinical support or informal supervision to junior team members, support staff or students (as appropriate).
- Participate in and contribute to service development, programme planning, evaluation and quality improvement.
- Lead or contribute to internal trainings related to communication, regulation and neuro affirming practice.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate, concise clinical documentation in line with CORU and organisational standards.
- Ensure implementation of all health and safety, safeguarding and data protection policies.
- Participate in ongoing CPD, clinical supervision and reflective practice.
- Complete any required training as assigned by the employer or Clinical Practice Managers.
Experience / Requirements
Essential Criteria
- Recognised qualification in Speech and Language Therapy.
- CORU registration as a Speech and Language Therapist (or eligibility and active process of registration).
- Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience, including paediatric experience.
- Experience supporting neurodivergent children/teens.
- Strong commitment to neuro-affirming, child-led, trauma-informed practice.
- Understanding of communication variability, monotropism, sensory needs and emotional safety.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
- Fluent in English.
- Ability to provide two professional references.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience supporting:
- Gestalt Language Processors
- AAC users
- Minimally speaking children
- Neurodivergent children
- Experience in group-based intervention or play-based groups.
- Experience delivering parent coaching or training.
- Experience in service development, research or clinical leadership.
- Additional training such as Children First, Basic Life Support, or trauma-informed care.
Our Commitment
We warmly welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals and can provide accommodations throughout the hiring process. Please let us know what you need to feel comfortable and supported.
The hiring process typically includes:
- An in-person or Zoom interview (with questions provided in advance), and
- A practical component, such as observing a Sensory Centre session to meet the team and experience our environment.
How to Apply
Please email Sorcha Rice, Clinical Manager, at sorcha@neurodiversityireland.com with any questions related to this role.
To apply, please send Sorcha:
- Your CV, and
- A short cover letter describing your interest in neuro-affirming practice and your experience supporting neurodivergent children.
Successful applicants must complete Garda Vetting, Child Safeguarding training, and a comprehensive induction programme.
