THE DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title of Position:
Speech Pathologist
Administrative Unit:
Department for Education and Child Development (DECD)
Classification Code:
AHP2
Directorate:
Office for Schools
Type of appointment:
Ongoing
Term
Temporary
Term
Up to 5 years
Casual
Term
Unit:
Regional Offices
Job Analysis:
 Originated by: Managers Speech Pathology
 Classified by: Corporate HR Services
Position Reference Number:
Various
Version Number: 6 (update)
Version Date: 18 September 2012
Job and Person Specification Approval
__________________ ___/___/___
Delegate
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. Summary of the broad purpose of the job and its responsibilities/duties.
The Speech Pathologist is responsible to the Manager Regional Support Services for:

Providing a curriculum focussed speech pathology service within a region or designated area

Managing the speech pathology service to assigned locations

Contributing to the planning and development of speech pathology services at the regional and state-wide level

Contributing to the effective delivery and maintenance of a multidisciplinary support service at the regional level
2. Reporting/Working Relationships
Reporting lines are as follows:
MANAGER,
REGIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
XXX
XXX
Speech
Pathologist
XXX
XXX
(AHP2)
The Speech Pathologist is responsible to the Manager Regional Support Services and works as a member of a
multi-disciplinary team. Key working relationships required to support performance outcomes are;
Internal:
support services staff within and across regions, other regional staff, preschool and school staff, other
speech pathologists and Speech Pathologists (Professional Support), Special Education and other key
state office personnel
External: government and non-government agencies, professional associations and other relevant bodies,
authorities, families and groups in the community
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3. Special Conditions
Travel:
Out-of-hours:
Location:
Performance targets:
Conditions:
Intrastate travel as required.
Some out of hours work may be required.
Regional Office (metropolitan and/or country)
The incumbent will be required to achieve performance targets that are negotiated
with the Manager, Regional Support Services.
Successful applicants may be subject to a criminal history screening check prior to
confirmation of appointment.
Successful applicants will need to show proof of having undertaken or proof of
being registered to undertake the Responding to Abuse and Neglect – Education
and Care full day training course.
A current Driver’s Licence and willingness to drive is essential.
4. Statement of Key Responsibilities/Duties
The Speech Pathologist is responsible for:
4.1 Providing a curriculum focussed speech pathology service within a region or designated area by:
 identifying communication needs of individuals and groups within care and education, by providing
assessment and diagnostic services including the use of formal and informal assessment, and observation, in
consultation with families, staff and other service providers
 planning, preparing, implementing, evaluating and modifying intervention programs and related resources for
individuals and groups
 identifying training and development needs, in collaboration with relevant staff – developing, delivering and
evaluating programs as negotiated
 contributing to the development of care and education programs that promote the participation and learning
outcomes of those with communication difficulties through collaboration and negotiation with families, staff
and other services providers, and by providing formal reports, information, advice, advocacy and counselling
as appropriate
 contributing to the ongoing management of and continuity of service (including transition to school) to those in
receipt of service by maintaining complete and accurate records of involvement and complying with
established procedures, policies and legislative requirements
 identifying those eligible for additional resources and contributing to the process of development of negotiated
education plans
4.2 Managing the speech pathology service to assigned locations by:
 identifying and informing appropriate personnel (e.g. directors/principals/manager) regarding the provision of
speech pathology services to those with communication difficulties, within and across locations
 ensuring that referrals and caseloads are prioritised in accordance with established procedures and principles
through negotiation with directors/principals/manager to maximise the use of available resources
 working with other service providers and agencies to develop and co-ordinate support and delivery models
4.3 Contributing to the planning and development of speech pathology services at the regional and statewide level by:
 monitoring, evaluating and reporting on service delivery in accordance with established procedures;
contributing to local and state-wide quality assurance by identifying aspects of service that require
clarification; assisting in the development, implementation and evaluation of appropriate strategies
 developing and maintaining effective working relationships with local teams – multidisciplinary/speech
pathology/interagency/state-wide services
 undertaking particular projects or contributing to specific work groups established at the local or state-wide
level, as negotiated with the Manager Regional Support Services
 contributing to training and development programs of the state-wide speech pathology group by identifying
aspects of the service where such activities would be beneficial or necessary; reporting to the group on
professional development activities attended outside the department; sharing relevant experiences with the
group; providing to the group copies of newly developed programs and materials developed for use with
children, students and sites
 undertaking professional development to extend professional knowledge and skills to meet own and service
needs
 assisting with the selection and induction of new staff; providing support to less experienced speech
pathology staff, supervision of undergraduate speech pathology students and work experience students, as
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negotiated with the Manager Regional Support Services
4.4 Contributing to the effective delivery and maintenance of a multidisciplinary support service at the
regional level by:
 being actively involved in formulating team aims and objectives and contributing towards their attainment
 actively contributing to regional team and planning meetings and working groups
 actively building relationships with key stakeholders within DECD and other agencies to provide appropriate
practice and connected services
 applying and promoting the Public Sector principles and practices, employee conduct standards, equal
opportunity and Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare
5. Authority
Departmental delegations and policies define levels/limits of authority in relation to finance, human resources
and administrative requirements.
6. Job Challenges/Context
This position works both independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team. This position provides
professional support and assistance to less experienced speech pathologists, and receives professional support
from the Speech Pathologist (Professional Support), as negotiated with the Manager Regional Support Services.
Acknowledged by Occupant _______________________ ___/___/___
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Minimum Requirements (Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary).
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
An appropriate degree in speech pathology or other appropriate qualification giving eligibility for Practising
Membership of the Speech Pathology Association of Australia
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills

Proven ability to apply high level interpersonal skills and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing,
with a diversity of individuals and groups in a range of forums

Ability to initiate, lead and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, with other services and agencies

Ability to collect, analyse and apply information and professional expertise to support children and students,
operations and corporate directions
Experience (including community experience)

Successful experience in providing a diversity of speech pathology services including use of a range of speech
pathology assessments and interventions with children and students with communication difficulties
Knowledge
 A sound knowledge of the relationship between communication skills and learning, particularly literacy
development
 Knowledge of current research, issues and trends for children and students with communication difficulties within
the educational context
 A sound working knowledge of policies relating to Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, EEO and Public
Sector principles and practices as they apply to the scope of the position
Desirable Characteristics (to distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
 Other relevant graduate and post-graduate qualifications
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