SPEECH THERAPIST AND AUDIOLOGIST: GRADE 1 -2

This position is a professional therapeutic and diagnostic role within the Limpopo Department of Health, offering employment at either Grade 1 or Grade 2 level depending on the successful candidate’s post-registration experience. The incumbent will function as a dual-qualified Speech Therapist and Audiologist, delivering a comprehensive range of speech, language, and audiology services to patients within the public health sector. The role is rooted in a multidisciplinary care model, requiring close collaboration with other health professionals to ensure holistic patient management. The post also carries a strong community health component, as the therapist is expected to provide health education and actively promote speech, language, and audiology services within the broader population.

To be considered for this role, candidates must hold qualifications that permit registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as both a Speech Language Therapist and an Audiologist. Current dual registration with the HPCSA in independent practice is an absolute prerequisite. For appointment at Grade 1, no prior experience is required after registration, making this an accessible entry point for newly qualified professionals. For Grade 2, a minimum of ten years of appropriate and recognisable experience post-registration is required. Beyond formal qualifications, the role demands a willingness to work after hours, be on call, and participate in shift work, as services may need to be delivered outside standard working hours. Computer literacy is essential, including proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms.

The core duties involve rendering speech language and audiology therapeutic, diagnostic, and treatment procedures. This includes conducting assessments, planning and implementing intervention programmes, and evaluating patient outcomes. The therapist will also be responsible for implementing sectional quality assurance measures in line with departmental guidelines, ensuring that services meet professional and organisational standards. Continuous Professional Development is a mandatory component, requiring the incumbent to keep abreast of evolving clinical practices and maintain their HPCSA registration. Participation in the multidisciplinary team is a key responsibility, involving liaison, coordination, and networking with other health professionals to optimise patient care. Health education forms an integral part of the role, with the expectation that the therapist will promote awareness of speech, language, and audiology services and contribute to preventative health initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong ethical foundation, demonstrated by training in ethics, and a thorough knowledge of Speech Therapy and Audiology (STA) guidelines, protocols, and clinical theory. They must be able to apply this knowledge to specific conditions, using appropriate assessment and treatment procedures. Familiarity with current health and public service legislation, regulations, and policies is required, as is the ability to use health information for planning and service delivery. The role demands the capacity to work under pressure, make sound decisions, and communicate effectively. Excellent report writing, facilitation, liaison, coordination, networking, and decision-making skills are essential, along with project management capabilities and analytical thinking. This is a demanding but rewarding role for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the public health sector, with the opportunity to progress from Grade 1 to Grade 2 as experience is gained.