Speech Language Therapist

• Permanent part time opportunities available (Our preference is for 0.6–0.7 FTE, though we are happy to consider other working arrangements. We encourage applicants to note their preferred hours in their cover letter)
• Based at Christchurch Health Campus
• Utilise your passion for working with adults within the acute care setting and continue to develop your skills in an experienced team

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, an exciting opportunity awaits! We are seeking skilled, motivated, and NZSTA registered Speech Language Therapists to join our high performing Haumanu Reo ā Waha team, working with adults in the acute inpatient setting at Christchurch Hospital, with one role also contributing to the outpatient voice service.

These roles include providing timely assessment, diagnosis, and management of communication and swallowing disorders across a wide range of acute adult inpatient and outpatient clinical areas. The roles are primarily based within general medicine and general surgery, however, all roles will work across any of the acute areas depending on service need and skills/experience, including (but not limited to): respiratory, stroke, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopaedics & acute spinal, cardiology & cardiothoracics, ORL/head & neck cancer, critical care/ICU.

These roles contribute to high quality, evidence based clinical care in a fast-paced tertiary environment, supporting patients and their whānau during acute episodes of care. Collaboration is central to these roles - you will work closely with the multidisciplinary team to optimise functional outcomes and ensure services are responsive, culturally safe, and equitable.

These roles are primarily based on the Christchurch Health Campus; however, may be required to work across the wider district as needed. 

In this role, you will:

• Provide holistic, culturally safe Speech Language Therapy services
• Complete assessments in line with professional standards, including instrumental swallowing assessments
• Develop and implement treatment plans in partnership with patients, whānau, and the MDT
• Educate patients, whānau, and colleagues to support wellbeing and safe care
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives
• Maintain up to date, evidence-based practice and engage in ongoing professional development

Why join us?

You will be part of a vibrant, supportive, and high performing team, with experienced clinicians including an Advanced ORL clinician and a Critical Care Educator available as valuable learning resources to support your growth in complex acute care practice.

• Be part of an innovative, collaborative team with a strong culture of learning
• Work in a tertiary acute hospital with broad clinical exposure
• Regular professional supervision and individualised coaching
• Opportunities to develop advanced skills in VFSS, FEES, cough reflex testing, and tracheostomy management, as appropriate to meet service needs
• Integration of a Kaiāwhina (Allied Health Assistant) to support service delivery
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Competitive salary and excellent organisational benefits
• A workplace grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and committed to equity, cultural safety, and inclusive care

We welcome applications from clinicians with experience across any adult acute clinical areas and/or outpatient voice therapy. Skills in oncology/radiotherapy, ICU, head and neck cancer, neurology/neurosurgery, tracheostomy management, and instrumental assessment (VFSS/FEES) are highly desirable.

Please indicate your preferred range of part-time hours and clinical interests in your application.

About You

Having a genuine interest in working with patients and their whānau in the acute care 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.

You will bring:

• A commitment to high quality, equitable care for patients and whānau
• Knowledge and understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth
• Registration with the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists Association (NZSTA) and current Annual Practicing Certificate, or eligibility to obtain (essential)
  
• Demonstrated skills in assessing and managing adult communication and swallowing disorders
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong reflective practice and self-awareness
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a high performing MDT
• Effective caseload management, prioritisation, and adaptability
• Preferably at least two years’ experience in an acute hospital setting
• For the outpatient component we are seeking prior experience with a voice outpatient caseload
• Level 3 (or above) competencies in VFSS, FEES, and tracheostomy management are desired

We look forward to hearing from clinicians who are passionate about acute care, committed to evidence based practice, and eager to grow within a supportive, expert team.

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 view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 13th May. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay, Recruitment Partner on alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz ⁠