Speech Language Therapist – Adult Acute


  • Part-time (0.4 FTE / 16 hours per week) fixed-term opportunity covering parental leave through to February 2025 with a potential to extend, based at Christchurch Health Campus
  • Utilise your passion for working within the acute care setting and continue to develop your skills in an experienced team
  • Registration with the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) is essential

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Kia ora!

We are searching for a highly skilled and passionate NZSTA registered Speech-language Therapist (SLT) to join our Haumanu Reo ā-Waha Speech-language Therapy team working with adults in the acute setting.

We are a dedicated Speech-language Therapy team working to provide high quality evidence based clinical care and innovative practice in a fast-paced tertiary acute care environment. Our team provides services to all clinical areas in the acute hospital setting, including but not limited to; general medicine, general surgery, respiratory, stroke, neurology/neurosurgery, orthopaedics, acute spinal, cardiology, cardiothoracics, ORL/head & neck cancer and critical care. 

The Speech-language Therapy service offers a supportive team environment with experienced colleagues and a wide range of opportunities for continuing professional development. Instrumental swallowing assessments, including cough reflex testing, videofluoroscopy and Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are embedded in our daily practice and there are opportunities to upskill and further develop in these areas. SLT service delivery is also  supported with the integration of a SLT Kaiāwhina (Allied Health Assistant) in the team.

Applications from clinicians with an interest and experience across any clinical areas within an adult acute service are welcome, however we are preferably seeking clinicians with experience and skills in Neurology/neurosurgery, tracheostomy management and instrumental assessment including FEES. 

You will have a proven track record of working autonomously, as well as part of a high performing multi/interdisciplinary team.  Having a genuine interest in working with patients and their whānau in the acute setting, aspiring as a life-long learner and being motivated to continue to work towards equity for our patients will make you a great fit for our team.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Ko wai koe | About You;

In this role, you will be responsible for:

  • Providing holistic and culturally safe Speech-language Therapy services within the acute care setting;
  • Implementing assessment procedures according to Speech Language Therapy protocols and professional standards;
  • Establishing and implementing treatment plans and interventions in consultation with the multidisciplinary team, the patient and their family/whanau;
  • Educating patients, their family/whanau, and the wider multidisciplinary team on relevant information to facilitate wellbeing;
  • Working with colleagues to implement quality/service improvements and patient safety initiatives to improve patient care and meet the strategic goals of the organisation;

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

Your skills and experience will include:

  • Knowledge of the unique Aotearoa context, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and biculturalism, including demonstration of Māori responsiveness and culturally safe care;
  • Commitment to the provision of quality care for patients and their whānau;
  • Demonstrated skills in the assessment and management of swallowing and communication disorders in the adult population;
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as a supportive and reliable team member to ensure the best health outcomes for people;
  • Self-awareness with strong reflective abilities and able to identify areas for growth and development;
  • Autonomous caseload management and advanced skills in time management, prioritisation, flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to meet changes in clinical demands;
  • The ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team;
  • At least two years’ experience working in the acute hospital setting is preferred;
  • Minimum Level 3 New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) Videofluoroscopy competency is preferred;
  • Minimum Level 3 NZSTA Tracheostomy competency is preferred;
  • Minimum Level 3 NZSTA Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) competency is preferred;
  • Registration with the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists Association (NZSTA) is essential.

Mō mātou | About Us

“Ko ngā tāngata, te mātua mahi - Putting people at the heart of all we do”

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, leads the day-to-day running of our health system across New Zealand, with functions delivered at local, district, regional and national levels. It weaves the functions of the 20 former District Health Boards into its regional divisions and district offices, ensuring continuity of services in the health system.

Here in Waitaha, Canterbury we deliver health services to the almost 600,000 people that live in the Canterbury region. We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles by ensuring our partnership with Māori are at the forefront of all our conversations.

Ngā hua | Benefits of working at Health New Zealand

When you work at Health New Zealand, you are part of a wider whānau that will support you along your career journey. We offer great professional development and learning opportunities for all staff. We are always improving our facilities across all campuses and have access to amazing kaimahi/staff discounts from select retailers, restaurants and businesses.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

Only applications submitted via our career site will be accepted, therefore apply directly on our career site here. For additional information about this role please contact Alex Jay, Recruitment Partner on Alexandra.Jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Applications will be reviewed as received, therefore this advert may close early, please submit your application early!

We have a range of clinical and non-clinical roles at Health New Zealand, there could be a place for you!

Please visit our careers website for other roles and find your ideal fit within Health New Zealand

Apply now

Fixed Term/Contract/Part Time

Job no: PC3184869

Location: Christchurch

Closing Date: Sunday, 13th October 2024