CHIEF SPEECH AND AUDIOLOGIST (GRADE 1)

This is a senior clinical and managerial position within the Limpopo Department of Health, offering an experienced speech therapist and audiologist the opportunity to lead and coordinate comprehensive speech therapy and audiology services. The Chief Speech and Audiologist (Grade 1) will be responsible for overseeing inpatient, ambulatory and outreach services, ensuring that all patients referred for speech therapy and audiology receive effective, ethical and multidisciplinary care. The role demands a strong clinical background, as the incumbent will assess, plan and implement treatment for a wide range of communication and hearing disorders, including patients with cerebral palsy, neurological conditions and hearing impairment. In addition to direct patient care, the position carries significant managerial responsibilities, including human resource management, clinical support and supervision of junior staff and university students, as well as financial and physical resource management.

To be considered, candidates must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Speech Therapist and Audiologist, with dual registration as an independent practitioner. Proof of current renewal of the practice license is required, along with a minimum of three years’ post-registration experience working as a Speech Therapist and Audiologist. A valid driver’s licence is required, except for candidates with disabilities. Supervisory experience and additional qualifications in the relevant field will be an added advantage. The successful candidate must be willing to work night shifts, weekends and public holidays as required, and must be computer literate in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and virtual meeting platforms.

Key duties include managing and coordinating services, conducting clinical audits, compiling monthly statistics, writing reports, attending management meetings, and assisting in the development and implementation of protocols and policies. The role also requires participation in continuous professional development, implementation of quality assurance policies, and developing quality improvement plans. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication, report writing, decision-making, organisational, research, analytical and presentation skills, as well as human resource and financial management skills. They must be proactive, innovative, a team player, and demonstrate team leadership and good interpersonal relations. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional to contribute to public healthcare service delivery in Limpopo.