Speech Pathologist- Rural Reliever Program

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Speech Pathologist Level 3*
Remuneration: $121,568 - $125,507 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging (Level 1/2 $79,149 - $113,301)
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ695278
Location: Negotiable within Hunter New England
Applications Close: Monday, 12th October 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. 

Where you'll be working
The Allied Health Reliever Program within Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) is a well-established and unique service, operating since 2007 to support continuity of care across rural and regional communities. The program provides leave coverage to clinicians on annual or professional development leave across our New England North West sites. The program is centrally supported by the Allied Health Directorate and plays a critical role in maintaining service delivery during staff leave periods and vacancies.

The service delivers flexible allied health support across:
🤝Inpatient, outpatient and community settings
🤝Adult and paediatric populations
🤝Multiple professions including Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work, and Speech Pathology


The Opportunity
The Speech Pathologist will provide cover to teams across our New England North West facilities for blocks based on leave requests. They will have their own case load during this time, and provide cover across a variety of caseloads including adult, paediatric, inpatient outpatient and community teams. 

You will be well supported through:
✅On-site clinical supervision at each placement
✅Oversight from the Allied Health Directorate
✅Orientation to each service and team
✅Access to professional development opportunities
✅Opportunities to build a broad skillset across diverse clinical areas
✅Strong professional support network within the Allied Health Directorate
✅Diverse clinical exposure across specialties, settings, and populations

There is an expectation of initial orientation and informal training at each placement, with ongoing learning embedded in the role, where no 2 placements are the same. This is an ideal role for a clinician seeking career development, variety and autonomy.
 

About you
We are looking for something that can be 
✨ Adaptability and flexibility – ability to work across varied clinical environments
✨ Strong clinical dietetic skills across adult and/or paediatric practice
✨ Effective communication skills – engaging with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams
✨ Organisational skills – managing workload in new settings
✨ Independence and confidence as a clinician

Requirements

1. 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 can offer you
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:

• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Relocating? The Welcome Experience offers free support to help you and your family settle into your new community.
• Proximity to shopping and other services
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• 6 weeks annual leave (for eligible full time nurses)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Additional information

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies. 
• To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• 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 high level verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
2. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and within a multi-disciplinary team to manage complex situations.
3. Demonstrated understanding of the issues related to clinical practice in rural communities
    

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