Speech & Language Therapist

NMC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

NMC is seeking a Speech and Language Therapist to deliver comprehensive assessments and evidence-based therapy for adults and children in the UAE. The role emphasizes family involvement, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuous professional development.

Responsibilities include planning individualized treatment, using culturally appropriate approaches, and maintaining thorough documentation while ensuring ethical and patient-centered care.”

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Therapy (required).
• Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology (preferred).
• DOH licensure and ASHA membership.
• Clinical experience with both adults and children.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive, age-appropriate assessments in adults and pediatrics.
• Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans for communication, language, fluency, voice and swallowing.
• Apply advanced clinical reasoning to plan, deliver, and evaluate therapy programs with MDT input.
• Use play-based and functionally-relevant activities to engage pediatric patients and support development.
• Involve families in goal setting, home programs, and generalization of strategies.
• Document progress and communicate results to MDT and families; maintain accurate records.

Skills

English communication

Speech-language evaluation

Clinical reasoning

Education

BSc in Speech and Language Therapy

MSc in Speech and Language Pathology

Job description

Responsibilities

• To conduct comprehensive, age‑appropriate assessments for adults and pediatrics, including those with complex presentations, using standardized tools, instrumental evaluations, play‑based observation, and advanced clinical reasoning.
• To implement individualized, evidence‑based treatment plans that address communication, language, fluency, voice and swallowing needs in adult and pediatric patients.
• To apply advanced clinical reasoning and a range of therapeutic techniques to plan, deliver, and evaluate therapy programs, adapting interventions according to patient needs, family feedback, and multidisciplinary recommendations.
• To implement play‑based, functional, and context‑specific activities—particularly in pediatric cases—to enhance engagement, support developmental milestones, strengthen oral‑motor and feeding skills, and promote participation in home, school, and community environments.
• To provide age‑appropriate, family‑centered care, actively involving parents, caregivers, and significant others in goal setting, home programs, and the generalization of therapy strategies.
• To identify and report any signs of developmental delay, neglect, or safeguarding concerns following organizational policies and procedures.
• To maintain clear professional and clinical boundaries when working with both adult and pediatric populations, ensuring all interventions are developmentally appropriate, ethically sound, and aligned with family‑centered and culturally sensitive care principles.
• To develop and apply linguistically and culturally appropriate strategies for assessment and treatment, especially when working with Arabic first‑language speakers, by:
  • a. Demonstrating knowledge of Arabic phonetics, linguistics, and social use of language (dialectically relevant to Emirati nationals).
  • b. Engaging a suitably trained translator or interpreter when required.
• To collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary team (MDT) members—including physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, nurses, and psychologists—to ensure coordinated, patient‑centered care and optimal rehabilitation outcomes.
• To provide education, advice, and guidance to patients, caregivers, and staff on effective communication, swallowing, and feeding management to promote safe, consistent care and functional carry‑over.
• To apply evidence‑based practice and current research to guide clinical decision‑making and ensure that interventions remain current, effective, and outcome‑driven.
• To monitor patient progress using age‑appropriate outcome measures, modifying therapy plans in collaboration with the MDT to achieve realistic, functional goals.
• To maintain comprehensive and accurate assessment and treatment records in line with legal and departmental requirements, and communicate assessment and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines in the form of letters and reports.
• To efficiently and effectively manage designated case load with regard to clinical responsibilities and use of time.
• To comply with the organizational and departmental policies and procedures and be pro‑active in identifying, reviewing and updating as appropriate, which may impact beyond own area.
• To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out clinical duties and to adhere to departmental equipment policy, including competence to use equipment and to ensure the safe use of equipment by others.
• Where dual‑qualified in Audiology, may perform hearing screening and evaluation of residents as clinically indicated and within professional scope of practice.
• To demonstrate flexibility in clinical scheduling and site coverage, providing services across homecare, long‑term care and outpatient settings, as required to meet operational needs.
• To maintain ongoing competencies in adult and pediatric rehabilitation practice through continuous professional development, structured training, and evidence‑based practice review.
• To refer to the Knowledge, Skills, Attitude Framework and Competency Summary Record for Allied Health for the detailed list of speech and language therapy‑specific competencies applicable to this role. These include core clinical, technical, and behavioral competencies relevant to adult and pediatric speech and language therapy practice.
• To renew and validate all job‑specific competencies every two years or as required in conjunction with the performance appraisal to ensure ongoing compliance with DOH and international standards.

Qualifications

• Education: BSc Degree in Speech and Language Therapy; MSc in Speech and Language Pathology.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ experience; preferred 5 years.
• Certifications and Licensure: DOH licensure; membership in the national professional body (e.g., ASHA).
• Job‑specific knowledge and skills:
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Knowledge of speech‑language evaluation and treatment techniques for the rehabilitation population.
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• Must maintain variable work schedule depending on hospital/program needs (evening, holidays, weekend, travel). Must possess highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, working with diverse populations.