Speech Language Therapist - Paediatrics

• Fixed term full-time role (40 hours per week)/part-time applications welcome
• Utilise your passion for working with children in a tertiary setting and develop your skills in an experienced team
• Experience working with a Paediatric caseload, ideally in a healthcare setting
• Registration with the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) or ability to obtain, with a current Annual Practicing Certificate is essential

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

Kia ora!

The Haumanu Reo ā-Waha Speech Language Therapy team at Christchurch Health Campus would like to hear from NZ Registered Speech Language Therapists who are enthusiastic and passionate about working with a paediatric population in the acute hospital 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.  We offer a supportive team environment with experienced colleagues and a wide range of opportunities for continuing professional development.

Our paediatric Speech-language Therapy team provides a service to all paediatric clinical areas in the acute hospital setting, including paediatric medical and surgical wards, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Inpatient and outpatient videofluoroscopy (VFSS) is part of our service. We work within multidisciplinary outpatient clinics and provide individual outpatient support for children with swallowing difficulties/dysphagia.

We have a fixed term 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week) role available, and we also welcome any applicants who would prefer part-time hours (minimum 0.4 FTE) to also apply. This role is available immediately and ends on 13^th February 2026. This role will cover any inpatients +/- outpatients and the exact clinical areas you will work in will be negotiated based on your experience, competencies, and skills, as well as the needs of the service.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Providing holistic and culturally safe Speech-language Therapy services within the acute care setting
• Implementing assessments according to Speech-language Therapy protocols and professional standards, including instrumental swallowing assessments
• Establishing and implementing treatment plans and interventions in consultation with the patient and their family/whānau, and the multidisciplinary team
• Educating patients, their family/whānau, 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

 About You

You will have a proven track record of contributing positively to your current team, as well as working autonomously and as part of high performing multi/interdisciplinary teams. 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.

Your skills and experience will include:

• Commitment to the provision of quality care for patients and their whānau
• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth
• Demonstrated skills in the assessment and management of paediatric feeding and dysphagia
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as a supportive and reliable team member to ensure the best health outcomes for children and their family/whanau
• Self-awareness with strong reflective abilities and able to identify areas for growth and development
• Autonomous caseload management and excellent 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 an acute hospital setting is preferred
• Experience with paediatric videofluoroscopy is preferred
• Experience in projects / initiatives which give effect to Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings
• Registration with the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists Association (NZSTA) is essential

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply for the role please click “apply now” on our careers page. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on Wednesday 29th October. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz