Speech Pathologist: Rural Reliever Program

Love variety? Rotate across rural NSW, grow your expertise, and support communities that truly value Speech Pathology

Remuneration: $116,892 – $120,680 per annum + superannuation + salary packaging
Location: Rotates across rural sites within the New England and North West regions
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Speech Pathologist Level 3
Requisition ID: REQ641823
Applications Close: Thursday 19th February 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

In the Speech Pathologist Rural Reliever role, you’ll step into a rewarding and highly varied position that offers both professional growth and meaningful connection with regional communities. This role rotates across rural sites within the New England and North West regions, giving you the chance to work with diverse populations, service models and clinical presentations.

While you’ll have a nominated base site, your primary responsibility will be to provide short term leave cover for rural Speech Pathologists across the district. This means every placement brings something new, different settings, new colleagues, and opportunities to broaden your clinical experience while helping maintain continuity of care for rural communities who truly value these services.

About the Team

You’ll be part of the Allied Health Reliever Program, a well-established initiative managed by the Allied Health Directorate since 2007. The program supports paediatric and adult services across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. You’ll be joining a team of covering professions including a Dietitian, Physiotherapist, Social Worker, and Occupational Therapist. Locum blocks typically range from one week to a month, with regular time at your base site every four weeks for admin, mandatory training, professional development, and clinical supervision. It’s a great way to diversify your skillset, all in a supportive environment where every day brings new experiences and learning opportunities.

Supports for You

From day one, you’ll receive a comprehensive orientation to help you navigate local policies and procedures. The Allied Health Directorate will coordinate your roster and travel, providing ongoing line management and a consistent point of contact. 

At each site, you’ll have local one on one support and access to mentoring to help you feel confident and connected. You’ll also have access to: 

• Journal clubs
• Speech Pathology networking and professional groups  
• Online learning modules
• Scheduled upskilling sessions throughout the year
   

This ensures you stay engaged with evidence-based practice and continue to develop your skills while enjoying the variety and fulfilment that comes with rural reliever work.

Requirements:
 

• Must hold a bachelor or post graduate degree in Speech Pathology which provides eligibility for membership with Speech Pathology Australia
• Current eligibility to drive in NSW and the ability and willingness to travel for work purposes which may involve driving long distances
   

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:  

• 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:

• 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. 
• At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace.  Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au  for confidential support.  
• 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. Demonstrated ability to independently problem-solve when working with complex situations as part of a multi-disciplinary team
2. Demonstrated ability to work in different teams, across clinical setting, and in environments where priorities change frequently.

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 Louise Maye on Louise.Maye@health.nsw.gov.au