South Australian Department of Health
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title of Position
Speech Pathologist
Administrative Unit
Royal Adelaide Hospital, CALHN
Classification Code: AHP 2
Discipline Code:
OD
Type of Appointment:
 Permanent
 Temporary
Term 6 – 24 months
 Other
Term
Division: Allied Health
Branch: Speech Pathology
Section: North Terrace
Position Number: RA2026
Position Created:
Job and Person Specification Approval
All excluding senior positions
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CEO or delegate
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Commissioner for Public Employment
JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation's goals (its expected outcome
and how it is achieved).
The Speech Pathologist applies clinical experience, increasingly specialist clinical knowledge and professional
competence to plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive and integrated range of services which result in improved
care and outcomes for the patients of Royal Adelaide Hospital. The Speech Pathologist works under an appropriate level
of clinical supervision, and may provide direction to less experienced allied health professionals, allied health assistants
and students. The Speech Pathologist also contributes to efficient, effective multi-disciplinary patient management.
2.
Reporting/Working Relationships (to whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible,
and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation).
Reporting to the Director, Speech Pathology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, and under the professional supervision of a
Senior Speech Pathologist, the incumbent is one of a team of speech pathologists and speech pathology assistants
providing effective speech pathology services to both in-patients and out-patients at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.. The
incumbent collaborates and consults with members of the Speech Pathology Department and provides education and
clinical supervision to less experienced staff and students. Liaison and advice about Speech Pathology matters are
provided to other health professionals.
3.
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Special Conditions (such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime, etc.).
Required to undertake credentialing for specific clinical responsibilities.
May be required to work across sites of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.
Subject to relevant Criminal History Checks prior to confirmation of appointment.
Out of hours work and intrastate travel may be required.
Participation in rostered weekend service provision may be required.
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Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated Activities. (Group into major areas of responsibility/activity
and list in descending order of importance. Continue on next page).
Under the supervision of a Senior Speech Pathologist, provide timely assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment
and counselling for communication and/or swallowing disorders to inpatients and outpatients in the area of higher
level surgical, medical and critical care, including tracheostomy management..
Provide timely assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and counselling for communication and/or swallowing
disorders in the areas of general Medicine and Surgery.
Liaise closely with other disciplines in the multidisciplinary team and external agencies involved in patient care to
assist in forward planning and patient management.
Foster active participation of patients and their families/carers in the management process to enable them to achieve
an optimal level of independence.
Contribute to the identification, establishment and implementation of models of care and clinical protocols for
speech pathology assessment and management of patients.
Undertake and maintain departmental/Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH)/Central Adelaide Local Health Network
(CALHN) competency requirements in advanced and extended practice areas.
Provide supervision and support to less experienced RAH speech pathologists and speech pathology students through
the provision of clinical supervision/education, in line with the SA Health Supervision Framework
Provide education, clinical advice and consultative services to speech pathologists and other health practitioners
within CALHN in the clinical areas of general medicine and surgery..
Facilitate access to training and development opportunities for RAH staff, students and speech pathology staff from
other CALHN agencies.
Represent the department and speech pathology on relevant RAH and CALHN committees/forums.
Develop and maintain strong links with peers and other stakeholders to ensure sharing of information regarding
resources, service integration and collaboration.
Participate in the development and implementation of quality improvement activities to contribute to the ongoing
review, development and evaluation of the effectiveness of speech pathology services.
Participate in applied clinical research and provide feedback/recommendations regarding the implementation of
activities that improve patient outcomes.
Maintain and further enhance standards of patient care by participating in annual performance review and
development and maintenance of professional credentialing requirements.
Participate in regular supervision sessions with Senior Speech Pathologist
Identify and pursue professional development needs through critical research appraisal, attendance at seminars,
observation of and liaison with clinical specialists.
Ensure accurate recording of statistical requirements to facilitate accurate reporting against speech pathology key
performance indicators.
Contribute to the review, development and adaptation of clinical and administrative resources to support speech
pathology practice.
Contribute toward the provision of a safe and healthy work environment for self and others by: reporting all
accidents, incidents and near misses; complying with reasonable instructions or procedures aimed at protecting the
health and safety of themselves and others; and carrying out responsibilities as detailed in occupational health,
safety and injury management policies and procedures.
Contribute to a safe and equitable environment by maintaining knowledge of and adhering to the principles and
standards of Equal Employment opportunity legislation.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
Degree in Speech Pathology or equivalent and eligibility for membership of Speech Pathology Australia.
PERSONAL ABILITIES/APTITUDE/SKILLS:
 Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing including presentation skills.
 Ability to work as a member of a team.
 Initiative, assertiveness, flexibility, awareness of stress management issues, awareness of limitations, organisational
ability.
 Ability to initiate, develop and participate in staff development and education activities.
 Awareness of and ability to contribute to quality improvement practices.
 Ability to independently organise workloads and meet deadlines.
 Excellent inter-personal skills, including the ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.
 Motivation and commitment to continuously update professional knowledge and skills relevant to this position.
EXPERIENCE:
 Clinical experience as a Speech Pathologist demonstrating expertise in the management and treatment of adults in a
health setting.
 Experience working within a multidisciplinary team
 Experience in contributing to service planning, development and evaluation.
KNOWLEDGE:
Demonstrated:
 Broad knowledge of speech pathology assessment and treatment techniques and their application to a wide range of
conditions in adults.
 Knowledge of evidence based speech pathology interventions
 Understanding of Quality Management principles and methods.
 Knowledge of and commitment to comply with:
-SA Public Sector Code of Conduct and Code of Fair Information Practice within the workplace and in the public
domain
-OHS&W and EEO legislation
-Freedom of Information principles
-Central Adelaide Local Health Network guiding principles, workplace values and directions.
-Confidentiality guidelines regarding any client/patient, personal staff information, human resource and financial
information and information of strategic importance to CALHN and its health units.
-Professional issues and Speech Pathology Australia Standards of Practice.
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Person Specification Cont.....
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
Short courses relevant to the position.
PERSONAL ABILITIES/APTITUDE/SKILLS:
Awareness of the organisation, and its strengths and weaknesses.
A current driver’s licence.
EXPERIENCE:
Experience in an acute adult teaching hospital,
Experience managing patients with multiple, complex medical issues.
Experience in contributing to palliative care / end of life / quality of life decision making.
Experience in training and supervising other professional clinicians and students.
KNOWLEDGE:
Current knowledge of Speech Pathology management of acquired/neurologically-based communication and swallowing
disorders.
Current knowledge of principles of tracheostomy management.
Computing skills.
Familiarity with clinical research methodologies
Certified Correct:Branch Head ……………………………………….. Occupant ………………………………………………
Date ….. / ….. / …..
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