Speech Language Therapy

• Speech Language Therapist | Adult Team
• Waikato Hospital | 0.7 FTE (56 hours per fortnight) | Fixed Term - through to Aug 2027
• Based at Waikato Hospital, with occasional travel across the district

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

Make a difference where it matters most

We're looking for a motivated Speech Language Therapist to join our Adult Speech Language Therapy team at Waikato Hospital.

If you're passionate about helping adults with communication and swallowing disorders achieve the best possible outcomes, enjoy working within a highly skilled multidisciplinary environment, and want to be part of a supportive and innovative team, we'd love to hear from you.

Every day brings variety and challenge. You'll work alongside experienced Speech Language Therapists, Allied Health professionals, nurses, and medical specialists to provide high-quality assessment and intervention that has a meaningful impact on people's lives.

About the Role

This position offers the opportunity to work across a diverse adult caseload, supporting patients with a range of communication and swallowing needs.

You'll be primarily based at Waikato Hospital, with opportunities to provide services in rural settings across the district. The role includes clinical assessment, intervention, and management of adult communication and swallowing disorders, alongside participation in specialist instrumental assessment services.

We're seeking a clinician with at least two years' experience, although applications from clinicians with relevant skills and demonstrated potential are welcome and will be considered on merit.

In this role you will:

• Deliver evidence-based assessment and intervention for adults with communication and swallowing disorders.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve patient-centred outcomes.
• Participate in specialist assessment services, including videofluoroscopic swallowing studies where appropriate.
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement, and ongoing professional learning.
• Support equitable healthcare delivery through culturally safe practice and Te Tiriti-informed care.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team

Our Speech Language Therapy service works across a wide range of clinical areas, including:

• Acute medical and surgical services
• Critical care
• Outpatient clinics
• Rural hospitals and community settings

This diversity creates excellent opportunities for professional growth and exposure to different areas of adult practice.

Waikato Hospital is a tertiary referral centre for the Te Manawa Taki (Midlands) region, providing specialist services across oncology, surgery, emergency care, critical care, paediatrics, obstetrics, radiology, and more. Our Speech Language Therapy team is highly regarded and works closely with Allied Health, Nursing, and Medical colleagues to deliver integrated care.

About You

You'll be an adaptable and collaborative clinician who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to achieving excellent outcomes for patients and whānau.

Essential requirements

• Membership of the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association (NZSTA), or eligibility for membership.
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Speech Language Therapy from an NZSTA-accredited programme, or qualifications recognised by the NZSTA.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to culturally safe practice and health equity.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A current full New Zealand driver's licence.

Ideally, you will also have:

• Experience working with adults with communication disorders.
• Experience supporting adults with swallowing and feeding difficulties.
• Experience conducting and interpreting videofluoroscopic swallowing studies.
• Knowledge of medical conditions commonly encountered within adult Speech Language Therapy practice.

Why Join Us?

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll be part of a service that is committed to delivering excellent care, supporting professional development, and building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

We value diversity, inclusivity, and belonging, and welcome applications from Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled people, rainbow communities, and people from all backgrounds.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and clinical supervision.
• Exposure to specialist and tertiary-level clinical services.
• The chance to contribute to service innovation and improvement.
• A role where your expertise truly makes a difference.

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

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

Nau mai haere mai - Come join the team!