Speech Language Therapist - Christchurch
Are you a motivated Speech-Language Therapist who enjoys technology and wants to join a specialist team?
May 2025
The TalkLink Trust Southern office based in Christchurch, is currently looking to recruit an experienced Speech-Language Therapist who has, or who wants to gain, advanced skills in the area of assistive technology into a fixed-term, full-time maternity leave position based in Christchurch. The position is for 12-months cover of a 1 (40 hours per week) FTE.
The TalkLink Trust provides specialist services in Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) throughout New Zealand by working alongside people of all ages who experience difficulty with spoken and/or written communication. The Southern office is one of three regional centres, and services the South Island region.
If you are interested in technology and are looking for a rewarding role within a supportive team, then this position could be for you. The successful applicant will work as a member of a highly skilled inter-disciplinary team with a focus on assessment and training.
Skills required to be successful in this role:
• A commitment to excellence in all clinical practice.
• Ability to work autonomously, following orientation and training.
• Ability to work co-operatively as part of an inter-disciplinary assessment team.
• Ability to work comfortably in a variety of settings, including client’s homes, residential settings, hospitals and education facilities.
• A commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi
• Sensitivity to cultural and disability issues.
• An interest in and commitment to maintaining knowledge of current assistive technology and its appropriate application.
• Appropriate credentialing in Communication Assistive Technology, or willingness to gain accreditation in this area.
• Experience in assessment and report writing; an appropriate level of written English is required.
• Experience in efficient caseload and workload management, and administrative practice.
• Ability to teach and coach clients and others in the use of assistive communication technology.
• Ability to ‘commit to’ tasks and processes until completion is reached.
• Ability to problem solve under pressure.
A degree in Speech-Language Therapy, or equivalent qualification is required, together with at least 2 years’ experience working as a Speech-Language Therapist. Being a registered member (or being eligible to become a registered member) of NZSTA is also required. Ministry of Health Communication Assistive Technology Level 1 or 2 assessor credentialing, or experience in the area of assistive technology is preferred but not essential. To succeed in this role, you will need to be organised and comfortable working with computer-based technology. On the job training and support will be provided.
Applicants must have a full driver’s license due to regular travel needs in the role. Pool cars are available but occasional use of your own vehicle is required for local trips at times. Flexibility to manage out of town travel and overnight stays will also be necessary once you become familiar with the role. Allowances are provided.
TalkLink Trust is committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and we value cultural competency as a key aspect of our work. We welcome applicants who demonstrate experience engaging with diverse communities, particularly with Māori, and who can bring a strong understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga, and kaupapa Māori. This experience is highly desirable and will contribute meaningfully to the cultural responsiveness of our service.
What we can offer you:
hybrid / working from home and flexible working policies
supportive and thorough induction process
access to ongoing supervision
work laptop and mobile phone
allowances for overnight travel
internal and external PD opportunities
NZSTA membership paid
ATANZ membership paid
support to gain CAT 1 and 2 credentialling
If you have the necessary skills and feel you have what it takes to step into this role, please apply. Applications are requested via SEEK and should include a letter of application, current copy of your curriculum vitae and the names of at least two referees. Applicants must currently be eligible for work in New Zealand.
Check us out at: www.talklink.org.nz
For further information about the position please contact:
Niki Sherriff
Operations Manager - Clinical services
(09) 557 1203
Niki.Sherriff@talklink.org.nz