Paediatric - Speech Language Therapy at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Where you'll be working: Allied Health Speech Language Therapy, Paediatrics, Primary Based at Waikato Hospital

The details: Permanent, full-time position (part-time options may be considered)

Te whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

Join our dedicated Speech Language Therapy team and make a meaningful difference for tamariki and whānau across the Waikato region.

We have an exciting opportunity for either an experienced Speech Language Therapist or a newer graduate seeking to develop their career within a supportive and highly collaborative environment. This role is primarily based within the Child Development Centre at Waikato Hospital, providing specialist assessment and intervention for children with a wide range of communication, feeding needs and developmental assessments.

You will work alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team including Speech Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Paediatricians and other allied health professionals to support children from birth to aging out.

Your caseload will include children with a broad range of developmental and medical conditions. There will also be opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise in paediatric feeding and swallowing.

This is an excellent opportunity to:

• Work within a highly respected specialist multidisciplinary service.
• Develop expertise in paediatric communication and feeding disorders.
• Receive professional support, supervision and ongoing development.
• Contribute to equitable health outcomes for children and whānau.
• Work within a service committed to evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement.

We are looking for someone who brings strong assessment and clinical reasoning skills, excellent communication, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to delivering whānau-centred care.

Click here to view the position description.

Mōu | About you

Required skills and experience for this role include:

• Be eligible for membership of the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association (NZSTA).
• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Speech Language Therapy from an NZSTA-accredited programme, or have qualifications assessed and approved by NZSTA.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of child development.
• Have experience working within multidisciplinary teams to achieve child and whānau-centred goals.
• Hold a current full New Zealand driver's licence.

Ideally you will also have:

• Experience supporting children with communication difficulties and developmental delays.
• Experience assessing and managing paediatric feeding and swallowing difficulties.
• Experience performing and interpreting Paediactic videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), or an interest in developing this area of practice.

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Te iwi Ngakaunui People at Heart

• Whakamana Give and earn respect
• Whakarongo Listen to me; talk to me
• Mauri Pai Fair play
• Whakapakari Growing the good
• Kotahitanga Stronger together

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to delivering equitable, high-quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.

At Health New Zealand Waikato, you'll join a team of more than 8,000 people who are passionate about improving health outcomes for our communities. Every role contributes to our shared purpose of delivering excellent care and improving the health and wellbeing of the people we serve.

Our vision is Healthy People. Excellent Care.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to strengthening Māori health outcomes and achieving health equity.

Why Waikato?
Waikato offers the opportunity to build an rewarding career while enjoying an affordable lifestyle, easy access to outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community. You'll join a supportive allied health workforce that values learning, collaboration and innovation, with opportunities to grow your clinical expertise and develop your career within Health New Zealand.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

To apply please click Apply online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 27 September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ekeraam Jones Ekeraam.Jones@waikatodhb.health.nz