Speech Pathologist - Incentives Offered

Support communication. Strengthen communities. Thrive in rural practice.

Remuneration: $116,892 - $120,680 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging + rural incentives
Location: Narrabri Community Health Service
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Speech Pathologist Level 3
Requisition ID: REQ642270
Applications Close: Tuesday 10th March 2026

This is a Level 3 position. However, if there are no appropriate Level 3 applicants, applications from Level 1 and 2 will be considered. The selection criteria reflects the requirements for a Level 3 applicant. Responses from Level 1 or 2 applicants need to demonstrate their level of competence with regard to the same criteria and their ability to work towards Level 3. The expected performance of the incumbent will be commensurate with his/her years of experience and current level at commencement of appointment. The incumbent will work towards meeting the criteria for Level 3. 

About your new role:

Joining the Narrabri Community Health Service team as a Speech Pathologist offers a diverse and rewarding clinical experience across acute, outpatient, and community settings. You’ll provide services to inpatients and outpatients, as well as deliver community and outreach support, making this role both varied and professionally fulfilling.

You will work with a broad range of clients across the lifespan, supporting individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties. This diversity provides excellent opportunities to expand your clinical skills across areas such as speech, language, voice, fluency, and dysphagia management. You’ll also contribute to group programs and education sessions where appropriate. As a valued member of the team, you’ll share your speech pathology expertise across disciplines, contributing to a dynamic, collaborative environment focused on delivering coordinated, person-centred care.

You’ll receive strong support from experienced local clinicians and the Northern Lead for Speech Pathology, ensuring access to quality clinical supervision and mentoring. You will also be connected to the broader HNE Speech Pathology network, with access to ongoing professional development opportunities both face-to-face and online. This position offers significant professional growth while allowing you to make a meaningful impact within a dedicated rural community.

About the service:

Narrabri Community Health is home to a vibrant multidisciplinary team where the Speech Pathologist is a respected and integral member. This role involves close collaboration with Community Health staff and the wider multidisciplinary acute and community teams to support coordinated, holistic care.

Professional development and team collaboration are strongly encouraged, with regular in-services, case discussions, and shared learning opportunities fostering a supportive and engaging workplace culture.

The recently developed Narrabri Hospital provides a modern and welcoming environment, with the Speech Pathologist working across inpatient, outpatient, community services, clinics, and group programs. Beyond work, Narrabri offers an appealing rural lifestyle with strong community connections, local events, and abundant opportunities for sport and outdoor activities. The stunning Namoi Valley and Mount Kaputar provide beautiful natural landscapes ready to be explored.

About you:

You are passionate about rural healthcare and excited by the diversity and unique experiences that rural community practice provides. You enjoy building strong therapeutic relationships and bring excellent communication skills that enable you to connect with people from varied backgrounds.

You value teamwork and collaborate effectively with other health disciplines to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients. You are proactive, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement, always seeking ways to enhance service delivery and contribute positively to your team and the broader community.

Requirements: 

• Must hold a bachelor or post graduate degree in speech pathology which provides eligibility for membership of Speech Pathology Australia, or other qualification deemed equivalent by the employer.

What we offer

At Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

• Be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*   
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• ADO's each month (for full time employees)
• Salary packaging options
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Additional Information:
 

• * Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. If your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. Please note: the increased RHWIS allowance is approved until 30^th June 2026. Commencement after this date may be subject to change, including the allowance amount for which the candidate may be eligible. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact HNELHD-RuralIncentives@health.nsw.gov.au. 

   

• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. 

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies. 

• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.   

How to apply:

Click apply online, submit your information and resume, and address the criteria listed below providing examples that demonstrate your ability.
 

1. Can you describe a situation where you used your verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to engage effectively with different audiences? How did you adapt your communication style?

2. Provide an example of a complex situation you managed. How did you balance working autonomously with collaborating within a multidisciplinary team?

3. Describe your experience in leading or contributing to the planning and evaluation of team activities. How have you supported the supervision or development of students or less experienced staff?

Need more information? 

  1) Click here for the Position Description 
  2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Sharon Philpott on Sharon.Philpott@health.nsw.gov.au