Happy Dots Occupational Therapy for Children – Newcastle NSW

Your first employer shouldn't just give you a job—it should shape the clinician you'll become.

Graduating at the end of 2026?

Your first year as a Speech Pathologist matters. It shapes your confidence, your clinical reasoning and the kind of clinician you become.

At Happy Dots Therapy Services for Children, we've designed a structured 12-month Graduate Program to help you transition from university into paediatric practice with the right balance of support, challenge and real-world experience.

This is not a graduate role where you're expected to "figure it out."

Instead, you'll be supported by experienced clinicians, mentored every step of the way and given the time, guidance and opportunities to grow into a confident and capable paediatric Speech Pathologist.

Who are we?

For almost 15 years, Happy Dots Therapy Services for Children has been supporting children and families across the Newcastle region through evidence-based Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology services.

Based in our purpose-built Cardiff clinic, we work with children of all ages and abilities across the clinic, schools and community, delivering engaging, family-centred therapy that creates meaningful outcomes in everyday life.

We're proud of the culture we've built—one where collaboration comes naturally, learning is part of everyday practice, and people feel genuinely supported both professionally and personally.

About the 2027 Graduate Program

Our structured 12-month Graduate Program has been designed specifically for new graduate Speech Pathologists wanting to build a strong foundation in paediatric practice.

From your very first day, you'll be surrounded by experienced clinicians who understand exactly what it's like to begin your career and are committed to helping you develop confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

We believe exceptional clinicians are developed through structured support, reflection and experience—not by being thrown in the deep end.

During your graduate year you'll receive:

- A structured 12-month Graduate Program

- Weekly individual supervision with a Senior Paediatric Speech Pathologist

- Weekly Clinical Foundations learning sessions, including protected time for e-learning and reflective practice

- Weekly Peer Supervision sessions

- Fortnightly multidisciplinary learning, mentoring and clinical discussions

- Monthly trauma-informed reflective supervision facilitated by a Psychologist

- Scheduled shadowing and co-treatment opportunities throughout your 90-day onboarding program

- Structured feedback, goal setting and milestone reviews throughout the year

- A gradual,



supported caseload matched to your growing confidence and competence

- A minimum of five hours of protected administration time each week

- Paid professional development leave and an annual professional development allowance

By the end of your graduate year, our goal is for you to feel confident supporting children and families, capable in your clinical decision-making and excited for the next stage of your career.

What you'll be doing

As a Graduate Speech Pathologist, you'll:

- Deliver engaging, evidence-based therapy to children and families.

- Support children across a wide range of communication needs including speech, language, literacy, social communication, AAC and early intervention.

- Work across clinic, school and community settings.

- Build meaningful relationships with children, families, educators and other professionals.

- Collaborate closely with Occupational Therapists and fellow Speech Pathologists within a multidisciplinary team.

- Develop your clinical reasoning through supervision, mentoring and reflective practice.

- Plan and facilitate school holiday therapy groups aligned with your interests and strengths.

No two days are ever the same—and that's one of the things our team loves most about paediatric practice.

Explore your clinical interests

Your graduate year should be about discovering what excites you most as a Speech Pathologist.

Throughout the program, you'll gain supported experience across a broad range of paediatric practice areas, including:

- Early language development

- Speech sound disorders

- Literacy

- Social communication

- Neurodiversity-affirming practice

- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

- School-based intervention

- Parent coaching and family-centred practice

As your confidence grows, you'll be encouraged to further develop your interests while building a strong foundation across all areas of paediatric Speech Pathology.

Why graduates choose Happy Dots

A graduate program that's genuinely structured

Graduate support isn't something we "fit in when we can." It is built into your role through scheduled supervision, mentoring, learning sessions, milestone reviews and a caseload that grows alongside your confidence.

Learn from experienced clinicians





Our senior Speech Pathologists are passionate about mentoring new graduates and creating a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, feedback is constructive and learning happens every day.

Support beyond clinical supervision

Alongside discipline-specific mentoring, you'll receive monthly trauma-informed reflective supervision with a Psychologist to help you build resilience, process complex situations and develop sustainable clinical practice.

Broad clinical experience

Develop your skills across clinic, schools and community settings while working with children of varying ages, abilities and communication needs.

A purpose-built clinic

You'll have access to quality assessment tools, AAC resources, therapy materials, AI-powered technology, a laptop and purpose-built therapy spaces that help you provide exceptional care.

A multidisciplinary team

Work alongside experienced Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists who value collaboration, shared learning and supporting one another.

Qualified growth beyond university

We invest in your future through structured mentoring, regular in-house education, professional development funding and opportunities to pursue your clinical interests.

A culture that feels genuine

We're proud of the workplace we've created. We celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, team achievements, our mid-year celebration and end-of-year function because we know great workplaces are built on great people.

Flexibility where possible

We understand that life outside work matters too. We value open communication and offer flexibility where possible around scheduling, start dates and work planning.

About you

You'll be graduating at the end of 2026 and excited to begin your career in paediatric Speech Pathology in 2027.

You'll be someone who:

- Is passionate about supporting children and families.

- Is eager to learn and welcomes feedback.

- Brings warmth, curiosity and compassion to your work.

- Enjoys working collaboratively within a team.

- Wants to continually learn and develop.

- Is motivated to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and families.

You'll also hold, or be eligible to obtain:

- Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status or eligibility for membership with Speech Pathology Australia

- NSW Working With Children Check

- NDIS Worker Screening Check

- Current First Aid Certificate

- Current Australian Driver Licence

Applications close: 8 August 2026

Flexible start dates are available, with the opportunity to commence as an Allied Health Assistant prior to graduating and obtaining Certified Practising Speech Pathologist status.

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📌 Graduate Paediatric Speech Pathologist (New South Wales)
🏢 Happy Dots Occupational Therapy for Children
📍 New South Wales