Speech Language Therapist

Location & Contract Kenepuru Community Hospital – Permanent/Part Time (0.5FTE / 20 hours per week) About the Role We are seeking an energetic, efficient and motivated Speech Language Therapist to join our inpatient Allied Health Team, working in the area of neuro‑rehabilitation, orthopaedics, and older adults. The team is part of the wider Allied Health Inpatient team at Kenepuru Community Hospital where there is also the opportunity to work with patients who have amputations and older adults with mental health conditions. The Speech‑Language Therapist in this position will have an understanding of the theory underpinning communication and acquired swallowing disorders in adults. They must be able to independently assess, diagnose and treat dysphagia and acquired communication difficulties in adults to achieve the best possible health outcomes for patients. This position will provide mentorship to rotational Occupational Therapists, students and delegates and work with Allied Health Assistants. Responsibilities Provide comprehensive assessment and treatment of dysphagia and communication disorders for adult patients. Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation team. Offer mentorship and support to occupational therapists, students, delegates, and allied health assistants. Participate in inter‑professional practice models, stroke and amputee pathways, and early supported discharge initiatives. Contribute to service improvement projects and promote cultural responsiveness within the team. Qualifications & Experience Relevant qualification in speech‑language therapy recognized and approved by the New Zealand Speech‑Language Therapists' Association (NZSTA) with a current APCA. Appreciation of Inter‑Professional Practice (IPP) or willingness to learn. Experience in a hospital inpatient setting. Understanding of the health needs of Māori and Pacific communities. Current full driver’s licence. Experience performing instrumental swallowing assessment (FEES, VFSS) desired or willingness to learn. Passion for supporting students and junior staff members. About the Team / Service / Location The inpatient rehabilitation multi‑disciplinary team is a close‑knit group of allied health, nursing and medical colleagues, based at Kenepuru Hospital. We are a team that loves to learn and up‑skill, encouraging service improvements that help patients and the team. A perk worth mentioning is the free parking available on site. This role sits within the wider Kenepuru Inpatient Allied Health team which consists of over 45 Allied Health staff from Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Speech Language Therapy, Psychology, Diversional Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work, and our Allied Health Assistants. We work together closely to provide a service of high standard to patients and their families and whānau. We provide training and learning opportunities, supervision, mentorship, and celebrate wins with food. It is a warm and inviting space to work in. Our recent service improvements include introducing Inter‑Professional Practice models, an Amputee pathway, a Stroke Pathway, working closer with our early supported discharge team (known as AWHI), and working in closer collaboration with nursing and medical colleagues. We continue to grow in our cultural responsiveness as a team and a service, and we welcome anyone who is also on the journey to improve health equity outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples to join us as we learn and improve together. Employer Statement Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness’. We are dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. We are a pro‑equity health organisation with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community. All potential employees are guaranteed equal employment opportunity. #J-18808-Ljbffr