Speech Language Pathologist

Role Overview

Speech Therapists provide services to develop communication systems and improve oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms of patients whose ability to communicate effectively is threatened or impaired by physical illness or injury, psychosocial disabilities, the aging process, or developmental deficits.  

Speech Therapists at NAPA Centre complete skilled assessments and provide intervention to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents with disorders that affect development of motor, cognitive, and behavioural skills within the professional scope of practice. The role will require all therapists to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to provide evidence-based interventions to patients with complex communication and feeding needs.  

It is expected that each therapist will be able to complete most of the below responsibilities autonomously, with supervision available; however, minimally required.   

RESPONSIBILITIES – KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Provision of Clinical Care 

• Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment with documentation of speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and feeding-swallowing disorders primarily in the paediatric population.
  
• Engage with patient, family, and caregivers to train, teach, and provide strategies to improve communication in all environments. 
  
• Accurately assess client conditions using a variety of standardised tools to determine the best individual plan for treatment. 
  
• Create tailored treatment plans to address client’s limitations, taking into account their age, abilities and other medical/physical factors.
  
• Utilise multiple frames of reference to inform practice including but not limited to: neurodevelopmental, developmental biomechanical, sensory integration, motor learning, cognitive, and rehabilitation.
  
• Assessment, development, application and/or training in the use of aided communication devices.
  
• Demonstrate understanding of use of AAC systems and access methods, including, but not limited to, eye gaze and switch access. 
  
• Demonstrate understanding of assessment and treatment of oral motor skills and feeding/swallowing mechanics.
  
• Utilisation of multi-modal communication strategies (Sign Language, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, verbal language, gesture, body language, etc.).
  
• Prescribe home exercise programs for patient/caregivers to promote carryover and generalisation of skills obtained during therapy sessions for continued progress in the community.
  
• Demonstrate appropriate professional knowledge of child development to assess and refer families to other disciplines when appropriate.
  

Data Administration 

• Maintain impeccable documentation; Ensure that treatment notes are recorded accurately and in a timely manner in the electronic health record system in accordance with NAPA policies.
  
• Ensure documentation is done in a timely fashion compliant with Napa Centre’s policies and procedures. 
  
• Conduct report writing including but not limited to NDIS, School reports, Assistive Technology.
  
• Demonstrates the ability to complete adhoc administration responsibilities including assessment and development of treatment plans for more complex cases (for discussion and review with Manager) 
  

Self- Management and Team Contribution 

• Actively participate in professional development including continuing education opportunities provided through the organisation, from outside providers, as well as through opportunities offered as part of regular clinical supervision.
  
• Act as a member of an interdisciplinary team to create a comprehensive developmental approach to client-centered care.   
  
• Develop rapport with clients and families to build a relationship of trust and mutual respect.
  
• Work closely with administrative staff to manage schedule and ensure that time is being used productively.
  
• Create a safe, professional, and supportive environment where clients, families, and colleagues feel empowered to succeed.”
  
• Communicate confidently and effectively with clients and other medical professionals.
  
• Act as a member of an interdisciplinary team to create a comprehensive developmental approach to client-centered care.   
  
• Provide input into the development of clinical practices and procedures.
  
• Act in accordance with all company, legal and industry policies and ethics.
  
• Comply with all professional development requirements for maintenance of registration as a Speech Therapist with AHPRA.
  
• Work in a healthy and safe manner and encourage others to do the same.

The above description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties. All Napa Centre employees are required to comply with any reasonable work requests from Management that occur from time to time.

REQUIREMENTS: QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Your qualifications include completion of at least a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology), from an accredited University.
• You have clinical experience - ideally 2 years post graduate Speech Pathology experience
• You have current registration /membership with SPA.
• You love what you do and have the ability to create a safe, professional, and supportive environment where clients, families and colleagues feel empowered to succeed.
• You communicate confidently and effectively with clients and other medical professionals.
• You demonstrates a level of professional empathy towards clients and the ability to develop rapport. 
• You're a team player that can demonstrate the NAPA values; working as part of multi-disciplinary team to advance a clients needs.
  
• Create a safe, professional, and supportive environment where clients, families and colleagues feel empowered to succeed.
• Ability to communicate confidently and effectively with clients and other medical professionals.
• Display a level of professional empathy towards clients and the ability to develop rapport.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and their families.
• Exercise discipline by completing all documentation, reporting requirements and training in an accurate and timely manner.
• Team player that can demonstrate the values for working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to advance a client’s needs.
• Demonstrates the ability to take on additional responsibilities with time, including assessment and development of treatment plans for more complex cases, supervision of therapy aides/volunteers and additional clinic responsibilities.
• Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment with documentation of motor deficits, functional impairments, sensory impairments, and difficulties in motor skills primarily in the paediatric population.
• Good Physical health and fitness and the ability to:
  • Lift up to 20 kg, extended periods of standing and/or sitting on the floor.  
    
  • Maintain extended periods of standing and/or sitting on the floor for up to 7 hours per day
  • Move from floor to standing position back to floor frequently (6-7 hours) throughout the day