Speech-Language Therapist at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Speech- Language Therapist / Speech Pathologist
• Palmerston North
• Permanent Fulltime
• Are you a passionate Speech-Language Therapist looking for a role that offers variety, professional growth, and a fantastic lifestyle? Join us in Palmerston North, where your skills will support a diverse community and your weekends can be spent exploring everything the Central North Island has to offer.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

The prime focus of this position is delivery of Speech-Language Therapy Services to both inpatients and outpatients who present with a variety of acquired communication and swallowing disorders.  The successful applicant for this position will work with adults in a variety of clinical settings including acute medical; rehabilitation (A,T&R); outpatients and community services. 

The Speech-Language Therapist is a vital member of the Allied Health and Therapy Service through provision of comprehensive speech, language and swallowing therapy assessment, treatment, education, advice and administration for clients within the MidCentral Health District

About the Service

You'll be joining a friendly and professional team based at Palmerston North Hospital, where collaboration and flexibility are valued. The Speech-Language Therapy team is an integral part of the Allied Health and Therapy Service, providing:

• Comprehensive assessment and treatment for speech, language, and swallowing disorders
• Education and advice to clients and their whānau
• Support across inpatient and outpatient settings within the MidCentral Health District

We pride ourselves on a supportive team culture and a commitment to delivering excellent care to our diverse community.

About you

We're looking for someone who is:

• Qualified: NZ Bachelor of Speech-Language Therapy or equivalent
• Experienced: 1–2 years working with adults in acute hospital settings, including dysphagia management
• Skilled: Strong communication, organisation, and computer literacy
• Culturally aware: Sensitive and responsive to diverse communities
• Committed: To ongoing learning and professional excellence

You'll also need:

• NZSTA membership
• A current NZ driver's licence
• A clear police check (Children's Act 2014 compliance)

About the Location

Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life.  It's a family-friendly place that's easy to live and work, with easy access to an array of outdoor activities – beaches, ski fields, lakes, mountains, as well as fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. No traffic and an easy commute to work, really help a with true work-life balance. Our fantastic central location means exploring other parts of New Zealand is easy as a drive or a short flight. We are well served with excellent schooling options, as well as two tertiary institutes – Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Discover more hidden gems that Manawatū and Palmerston North have to offer here: Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business (manawatunz.co.nz).  Check out our careers site here for more information about Palmerston North hospital.

We actively encourage a life work balance and appreciate flexibility can be important, so we are open to discuss options! 

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.  

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact:  Brigid Fay, Speech- Language Therapist, Professional lead, email Brigid.Fay@midcentraldhb.govt.nz

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.