Speech-language Therapist (Critical Care)

Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Whatu Ora – Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley District

Location: Wellington Hospital

Service:    Older Adults, Rehabilitation and Allied Health (ORA) Service (Critical Care)

Contract: 1.0 FTE (0.6 FTE permanent, 0.4 FTE fixed term for 24 months)

Salary:  As per MECA

Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

We are looking for a Speech-Language Therapist (SLT) to join our thriving team of 18 SLTs who work across the greater Wellington region, covering paediatric and adult caseloads in acute, rehabilitation, outpatient and community settings. Our SLT team at Wellington Regional Hospital is comprised of ten therapists, supported by both a team leader and a professional leader. The successful applicant will be required to diagnose and treat adult patients with a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders in the inpatient critical care setting. 

This role is split between 0.6 permanent FTE supporting patients in their critical care journey, from intensive care, to high dependency units, and on to the ward. The additional 0.4 fixed term is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a national research project being run by the University of Auckland. This research involves the use of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) in people following extubation. Across the combined FTE, this role may also provide general clinical cover to the inpatient wards as required. Experience in VFSS, FEES and tracheostomy management is desirable. Wellington Hospital provides tertiary services to the lower north island for neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat surgery, cancer care, and renal care, and our critical care units provide services across these areas, among others. 

There may be the option to modify FTE for the right candidate so we encourage all those interested to apply. Please contact the team leader if you would like to discuss the role further. 

Mō tō mātou rōpū – About our team

We are a close-knit, sociable team, with a wide range of experience and interests.  We provide cross-cover to support each other and are well connected to our wider Allied Health whānau.  We have a well-developed programme of continuing professional development, including involvement in SIGs, a district-wide quarterly wānanga, and access to a range of online and face-to-face learning opportunities.  We have a reputation for excellence and regularly participate in quality improvement opportunities to grow the level of service we provide to our patients and their whānau. 

Moū – About you

The ideal applicant will have at least three years’ experience working adults with acquired communication and swallowing disorders, preferably in an acute inpatient setting. You must be able to demonstrate sound clinical reasoning, good communication skills, the ability to work independently and to quickly build strong working relationships.  Excellent time management and prioritisation skills are a must. Experience in videofluoroscopy and/or flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing are desired. 

You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to culturally safe practice that supports health equity for our patients and upholds our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

You will be a registered member of the New Zealand Speech-language Therapy Association (NZSTA).

E pā ana ki a tatou – About us

Here at Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley District we embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disability and religions. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and serve our community.

Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley District are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community.

To find out more about us click on the following links:

Capital and Coast

Hutt Valley

Mental Health, Addiction and Intellectual Disability Service

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click the apply now button to send your application directly to us. For further information on this role please email philip.adamson@tewhatuora.govt.nz and indicate the job title and vacancy number in the subject line.

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Ma tini, ma mano, ka rapa te whai

By joining together we will succeed