Speech Pathologist (Grade 1 / Grade 2)

CrossNation Healthcare Partner

Role Snapshot

The Speech Pathologist is responsible for evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for clients presenting with communication, language, voice, fluency, and/or swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Working within a social model of health in the Mildura LGA, the role supports clients to participate meaningfully in daily life. Grade 2 additionally provides clinical leadership, supervision of junior staff, and leads service improvement initiatives. Services are delivered across Victorian Department of Health, My Aged Care, NDIS, fee for service, and brokerage arrangements.

What You Will Do

• Conduct comprehensive evidence-based assessment of communication, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders across all age groups
• Develop, implement, and review individualised intervention plans aligned with client goals and best-practice guidelines
• Deliver dysphagia assessment and management including mealtime plans, modified diet texture recommendations (IDDSI), and carer education
• Provide early intervention for children with speech, language, and communication delays or disorders
• Facilitate individual and group therapy in clinic, community, home, and school settings
• Provide AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) assessment and support where indicated
• Formulate, record, and manage individual care plans for all clients

Paediatric and School-Based Services

• Collaborate with schools, early childhood services, and families to support children's communication development
• Participate in multidisciplinary assessments for children with complex needs including ASD, developmental delay, and intellectual disability

Team and Service Delivery

• Delegate to and supervise Allied Health Assistants and Speech Pathology students within their scope
• Grade 1: Participate in clinical supervision with a Grade 2 Speech Pathologist
• Grade 2: Provide clinical supervision and professional support to Grade 1 Speech Pathologists and student placements
• Grade 2: Co-ordinate multidisciplinary case conferences, service planning, and evaluation activities
• Grade 2: Lead development and review of Speech Pathology clinical guidelines and quality documents

Operational Responsibilities

• Work within a multidisciplinary model of care and contribute to integrated service delivery
• Collaborate with the Team Leader and Manager to monitor service performance
• Ensure documentation is timely, accurate, and consistent with organisational policy
• Enter data into the client management system to ensure statistical data and invoicing are accurate
• Manage workload and diary to meet service demands and funding targets
• Contribute to a healthy and safe working environment, modelling ethical behaviour and practices
• Operate, adhere to and demonstrate organisational Mission, Vision and Values
• Participate in quality improvement projects, clinical audits, and service evaluation activities
• Other reasonable duties as directed

What Will Help You Succeed

• Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills across communication and swallowing disorders
• Commitment to family-centred, evidence-based, culturally responsive practice
• Safety-first approach, particularly in dysphagia and swallowing management

Desirable Experience

• Experience with paediatric or adult neurological caseloads
• Experience with AAC systems and assistive technology
• NDIS, My Aged Care, or community health funding experience
• Grade 2: Post-graduate qualifications in a relevant area
• Current driver's licence (essential)

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Speech Pathology as recognised by Speech Pathology Australia – essential
• Certified Practising Member (CPM) of Speech Pathology Australia – essential
• Grade 2: Minimum 5 years' post-graduate clinical experience
• Grade 2: Demonstrated leadership within a speech pathology or multidisciplinary team
• Current driver's licence – essential
• Working With Children Check (Employee) – required prior to commencement
• NDIS Worker Screening Check – required prior to commencement

Skills and Capabilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of communication and swallowing assessment tools and evidence-based intervention approaches
• Proficiency in dysphagia assessment and mealtime management using IDDSI framework
• Ability to write clear professional reports and care plans for diverse audiences
• Computer literacy with client management systems and Microsoft Office suite
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with ability to engage clients from diverse backgrounds

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate, person-centred approach to care
• Reliable, accountable, and organised
• Culturally sensitive with respect for diverse backgrounds and lived experiences
• Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving ability
• Strong work ethic and commitment to continuous professional development
• Team-oriented, collaborative, and approachable

Compliance and Screening

• National Police Check (mandatory for all staff)
• Working With Children Check – Employee (where applicable)
• NDIS Worker Screening Check (for all client-contact roles)
• Immunisation evidence per Category A health worker requirements
• Proof of identity and AHPRA registration (where applicable)
• Right to work in Australia – citizen, PR, or valid work authorisation

Professional Standards

All registered professionals must comply with AHPRA requirements, relevant professional body Codes of Conduct, and applicable legislation including the OH&S; Act, Privacy Act, Health Records Act, and Public Health and Wellbeing Act.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQA+ individuals, people with disability, mature-age workers, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Employment Conditions

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive evidence-based assessment of communication, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders across all age groups
• Develop, implement, and review individualised intervention plans aligned with client goals and best-practice guidelines
• Deliver dysphagia assessment and management including mealtime plans, modified diet texture recommendations (IDDSI), and carer education
• Provide early intervention for children with speech, language, and communication delays or disorders
• Facilitate individual and group therapy in clinic, community, home, and school settings
• Provide AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) assessment and support where indicated
• Formulate, record, and manage individual care plans for all clients

Requirements & Compliance

• Experience with paediatric or adult neurological caseloads
• Experience with AAC systems and assistive technology
• NDIS, My Aged Care, or community health funding experience
• Grade 2: Post-graduate qualifications in a relevant area
• Current driver's licence (essential)
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Speech Pathology as recognised by Speech Pathology Australia – essential
• Certified Practising Member (CPM) of Speech Pathology Australia – essential
• Grade 2: Minimum 5 years' post-graduate clinical experience
• Grade 2: Demonstrated leadership within a speech pathology or multidisciplinary team
• Current driver's licence – essential
• Working With Children Check (Employee) – required prior to commencement
• NDIS Worker Screening Check – required prior to commencement
• Comprehensive knowledge of communication and swallowing assessment tools and evidence-based intervention approaches
• Proficiency in dysphagia assessment and mealtime management using IDDSI framework
• Ability to write clear professional reports and care plans for diverse audiences
• Computer literacy with client management systems and Microsoft Office suite
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with ability to engage clients from diverse backgrounds