Speech Language Pathologist

• Contribute to learning and teaching within the Catholic Diocese of Townsville by providing a collaborative and consultative speech pathology service for:
  • Students with significant speech language impairment
  • Students who may be at risk educationally because of speech and/or language delays
  • The development of speech language skills of students in the Early Years (Prep to Year 2).
• Assessments occur within the school environment and information profiling each student’s strengths and concerns with respect to their overall communication skills is provided to the school and parents.
• Programs may be designed based on assessment results and these are also provided to the school and parents.
• For students in the early years of schooling, appropriate screening assessment and oral language program implementation occurs in conjunction with classroom teachers. Such oral language skill development is embedded with current curriculum directions in the school.  When required, advice is given to teachers regarding the modifications required to cater for the students’ speech/language needs.
• Collaborate effectively to create partnerships within the school community to optimise the quality of service outcomes
• Confidential records of speech language pathology services provided are maintained and undertaken in accordance with Townsville Catholic Education Office guidelines
• Maintain standards of practice and competencies consistent with those described by Speech Pathology Australia and Townsville Catholic Education Office.

• Demonstrated ability to develop effective programs and monitor the progress of these programs, making adjustments as required specifically for students with a disability
• Clinical experience and competence in differential diagnosis and intervention for children/adolescents with communication difficulties and the capacity to effectively apply this knowledge and expertise within the educational or other organisational contexts
• Experience and capacity to facilitate, perform and interpret appropriate speech and language pathology assessments and to report findings to all stakeholders

Knowledge

• An understanding of and sensitivity to, the ethos of Catholic Education
• Demonstrate knowledge of current best practices in the area of speech-language pathology
• Knowledge of professional and ethical standards
• Knowledge and up-to-date skills in relation to responsibilities and resources specific to the role.

Skills

• Highly developed interpersonal and written communication skills in dealing with a diverse range of students, school staff, parents/carers, community members and professionals from other agencies and organisations
• Excellent time management skills, flexibility with the ability to problem solve
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and to form effective partnerships with other professionals, students and parents/carers.

• Current Working with Children Suitability Card* 
• Appropriate tertiary qualification(s) in Speech Language Pathology.
• Eligibility for Certified Practising Membership with Speech Pathology Australia.
• Current Driver’s Licence
• Ability to travel from time to time within the Catholic Diocese of Townsville
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner.

*The successful candidate will require a paid Blue Card before commencement as per the No Card, No Start policy developed by the Queensland Government. 

• Experience working within educational environments