Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Candidates encouraged to apply.

Position located in Rockhampton or Sunshine Coast.

The successful candidate must be willing to travel and be absent from home for up to 3 nights per fortnight.

Wakai Waian Healing (WWH)

At its core WWH acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures have great strengths that promote healing. While it does generalist services to the wider community, WWH as a primary focus provides specialist services focusing on the promotion of the mental health/social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our Mission/Principles/ Ways of working

For details on our mission, and our guiding principles and ways of working see our website www.wakai waian.com.au. .

Role Purpose

The purpose of this position is to establish, lead and deliver culturally safe, high-quality speech pathology services within Wakai Waian Healing. As the organisation’s first Speech Therapist, this role will design and implement the clinical systems, assessment frameworks, documentation processes, service pathways and multidisciplinary models required to embed speech pathology as a sustainable and culturally grounded service within WWH.

The role provides direct clinical services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in community, while also contributing to organisational capability by building internal processes, supporting NDIS compliance, mentoring emerging staff and shaping WWH’s allied health governance.

The position includes the delivery of communication, language, speech, swallowing and social-communication interventions, supported by discipline-specific supervision and integrated within a structured, NDIS-aligned service model that the clinician will help design.

Position Expected Tasks

Clinical Service Delivery

● Deliver individual and group-based speech pathology services across the lifespan

● Provide in-office, outreach and telehealth services

● Conduct assessments, care planning, intervention, progress reviews and discharge planning

● Deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed and strengths-based services

Service Development and System Building

● Establish WWH’s internal speech pathology service model

● Develop clinical pathways,



assessment frameworks and documentation systems

● Implement NDIS-aligned workflows, templates and reporting structures

● Contribute to multidisciplinary models of care

● Mentor staff and support internal capability building

Collaboration and Community Engagement

● Work collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations, Government and non-Government services

● Strengthen partnerships with Hospital and Health Services, NDIS providers, early childhood & education sectors

● Represent WWH in networking, promotion and education activities

Governance, Reporting and Quality

● Ensure compliance with ISO9001, NDIS Practice Standards and National Mental Health Standards

● Contribute to procurement, evaluation, reporting and stakeholder engagement

● Maintain accurate documentation and support culturally appropriate data collection

● Participate in staff appraisal processes and maintain a safe work environment

● Maintain professional competence, qualifications and wellbeing

Position Expected Skills:

● Demonstrated ability to independently deliver high-quality speech pathology services

● Strong capability in telehealth and digital service delivery

● Competency in screening and managing feeding and swallowing concerns

● Strong understanding of NDIS functional assessments, capacity-building interventions and reporting

● High-level written and verbal communication skills

● Ability to identify communication impacts associated with trauma, grief, loss or developmental history

● Ability to identify and triage at-risk clients

● Understanding of recovery-focused, culturally safe and trauma-informed practice

● Ability to design and implement clinical systems and workflows

● Ability to integrate speech pathology within multidisciplinary teams

● Ability to coordinate and support carers and families

● Experience supporting research,



evaluation or quality improvement

● Understanding of cultural forms of healing or willingness to deepen this knowledge

● Strong collaboration skills across Government, non-Government and Community Controlled Organisations

● Awareness of best practice in communication and swallowing assessment and intervention

● Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and current issues

Essential Requirements

● Degree in Speech Pathology from an accredited program

● Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status or eligibility

● Demonstrated experience with NDIS frameworks, functional assessments and reporting

● Demonstrated experience delivering speech pathology services in community, regional or remote settings

● Demonstrated understanding of communication and swallowing challenges affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

● Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

● Knowledge of relevant State, Territory and Federal policies relating to allied health, disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing

● Demonstrated ability to develop culturally sensitive and innovative solutions

● High-level written and verbal communication skills

● Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

● Ability to work within equity, safety, ethical and quality practice frameworks

Personal attributes

● Excellent engagement skills and ability to build team-oriented relationships

● Ability to work with cultural sensitivity and humility

● Energy, initiative, leadership and respect for others

● Ability to work well in a flexible, emerging environment

● Strong self-care and stress-management skills

● Accountability and proactive approach to work health and safety

● Passion for enhancing communication and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations peoples

How to apply

Please submit your current CV, including referees, along with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

For further information or questions, contact the Workforce Lead on 0484292*** or email *************@wakai-waian.com.au. Eligible applicants will be invited to a face‑to‑face or videoconference interview.

📌 Speech Therapist/Pathologist (FIFO role) (Caloundra)
🏢 Wakai Waian Healing
📍 Caloundra