SPEECH THERAPIST AND AUDIOLOGIST: GRADE 1 -2

This position offers a rewarding opportunity for a qualified speech therapist and audiologist to contribute to public healthcare within a South African provincial health department, specifically the Limpopo Department of Health. The role is a clinical post graded at either entry level or a more senior level, depending on the successful candidate’s years of experience after registration. The core purpose of the job is to deliver comprehensive speech, language, and audiology services to patients within the public health system, working as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic care. The incumbent will be expected to uphold professional standards, engage in continuous learning, and actively promote the availability and importance of these therapeutic services within the community and healthcare facilities.

To be considered for this role, candidates must hold appropriate qualifications that enable registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as both a Speech Language Therapist and an Audiologist. A current, dual registration with the HPCSA in independent practice is a strict prerequisite. For appointment at Grade 1, no prior experience after registration is required, making this an ideal entry-level post for newly qualified professionals. For Grade 2, a minimum of ten years of appropriate and recognisable experience after registration is required. Beyond formal qualifications, the role demands practical readiness, including a willingness to perform after-hours work, be on call, and participate in shift work. Computer literacy is essential, specifically proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms, as these tools are used for documentation, communication, and service delivery.

The key performance areas of this position are varied and clinically focused. The speech therapist and audiologist will render therapeutic, diagnostic, and treatment procedures for patients with communication and hearing disorders. This includes conducting assessments, planning and implementing intervention programmes, and evaluating outcomes. The role also requires implementing sectional quality assurance measures in line with departmental guidelines, ensuring that services meet established standards. Participation in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is mandatory to maintain registration and stay current with best practices. Furthermore, the incumbent must actively promote and participate in a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, collaborating with other health professionals to address the full spectrum of patient needs. Health education is another critical duty, involving the promotion of speech, language, and audiology services to patients, families, and the broader community.

Candidates should possess a strong professional profile, including training in ethics and a sound knowledge of speech therapy and audiology guidelines, protocols, and clinical theory. The ability to apply this knowledge in practice, use health information for planning, and work effectively under pressure is essential. Familiarity with current health and public service legislation, regulations, and policies is also required. Strong skills in communication, report writing, facilitation, liaison, coordination, networking, and decision-making are necessary, along with project management capabilities and analytical thinking. This post is well-suited to a dedicated professional who is committed to ethical practice, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with communication and hearing challenges within the public health sector.