Speech Pathologist

About Early Start Australia

Join Early Start Australia and become part of a collaborative allied health team dedicated to supporting children, young people, and their families across Australia. Our local teams are supported by experienced leaders who understand the work. You’ll have the flexibility and support needed to develop a fulfilling and meaningful career tailored to your goals.

Role Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments tailored to individual clients’ needs.
• Manage a specialized caseload, including complex cases, using a case management approach.
• Assist in selecting and maintaining assessment and therapeutic tools.
• Create, implement, evaluate, and adjust personalized therapy plans aligned with client objectives.
• Provide therapy services in various settings such as clinics, homes, schools, and communities.
• Work collaboratively with allied health professionals to maximize client outcomes.
• Design and deliver specialized programs like group therapy and parent workshops.
• Maintain confidentiality and adherence to privacy policies.
• Keep practices current with best practices and contribute to ongoing service enhancements.

Therapy Program Development

• Complete initial appointments and formulate goal-oriented plans based on identified needs.
• Develop measurable and focused intervention strategies.
• Coordinate with other health professionals (e.g., Speech, Psychology) when necessary.
• Prepare home and session-related resources and detailed session plans.
• Conduct visits to schools and homes as appropriate.
• Track client progress, updating goals and programs as needed.
• Complete thorough reviews and reports.
• Identify and incorporate additional services or group programs in therapy plans when suitable.

Reporting and Documentation

• Document all treatments and activities within 24 hours using the Practice Management System (PMS).
• Produce timely, high-quality reports for clients, families, healthcare professionals, and funding bodies such as NDIA.
• Ensure reports and communications meet organizational standards.
• Report and record any client incidents or complaints through appropriate channels.

Funding and Compliance

• Align therapy planning with available funding sources and types.
• Review NDIS plans when applicable to guide therapy approaches.
• Provide accurate details to support proper invoicing of client services.

Professional Development and Organizational Duties

• Engage in regular team meetings, peer reviews, and case discussions.
• Maintain accurate records according to organizational policies and leadership direction.
• Take advantage of professional development opportunities to enhance role-specific competencies.
• Adhere to workplace health and safety, emergency protocols, child safety, and cultural competence policies.
• Participate in risk management activities including identification, assessment, and prevention.
• Foster collaborative relationships with professionals and agencies.
• Maintain discipline-specific registrations and comply with relevant codes of conduct.
• Ensure confidentiality and privacy compliance in line with legal and organizational requirements.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience with solution-focused therapy and early intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of and commitment to individualized service delivery, adapting approaches to meet unique client needs.
• Ability to effectively engage children, families, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and organizational capabilities.
• Strong observational skills and competency in professional report writing.
• Comfort working both independently in community settings and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications and Compliance Requirements

• Relevant Speech Pathology qualification.
• Registered with AHPRA and Speech Pathology Australia (SPA).
• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance.
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle.
• Current Working with Children Check or Working with Vulnerable People registration based on state requirements.
• National Police Clearance certificate.
• Possession of Accredited First Aid Certificate.

Benefits and Work Environment

Flexibility and Wellbeing

• Option for flexible hours and compressed work schedules.
• Generous annual leave allowance of up to 12 weeks.
• Up to 16 weeks of paid primary carer leave.
• Access to wellbeing support programs for employees and their families.

Rewards and Support

• Competitive salary with bonus incentives.
• Contributions toward registration and professional memberships.
• Relocation reimbursement up to $10,000 if relocating.
• Dedicated administrative assistance to enable focus on therapy delivery.
• Work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment aimed at improving client outcomes.

Career Growth

• Continuing professional development (CPD) allowance and paid leave for professional learning.
• Structured mentoring and leadership advancement programs.
• Opportunities to work in remote areas through Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) projects supporting children.
• Access to national and international career progression through the APM Group.

About Us

We are a passionate team specializing in allied health, dedicated to supporting children and young people aged 0-16 to achieve their full potential. Our multidisciplinary teams work closely with families providing evidence-based, personalized services that enhance communication, motor, cognitive, and social skills. As a registered NDIS provider within the APM Group, we offer career opportunities across multiple global brands and regions, employing over 16,000 professionals worldwide with the shared purpose of promoting health, independence, and social participation.