Casual Speech Language Therapist

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Southern; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Southern invites applications for a Speech Language Therapist to join the Adult Outpatient service at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton. This permanent role supports patients with communication and swallowing needs in outpatient settings.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating across inpatient and outpatient streams, to deliver assessment and intervention that improves quality of life for adults and, where appropriate, paediatric clients.

Qualifications

• NZSTA membership or eligible for NZSTA membership.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Speech Language Therapy from an NZSTA-accredited programme or approved equivalent.
• Openness to work in a multi-disciplinary team towards patient-focused goals.
• Current valid full New Zealand driver’s license.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team to achieve client-focused goals.
• Culturally safe service with Te Tiriti at the forefront and evidence-based practice.
• Exceptional communication skills across the lifespan.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment and intervention for adults and/or paediatric clients with communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Collaborate with a highly skilled MDT to deliver diagnostic assessment and intervention services.
• Deliver focused and impactful therapy sessions in an outpatient setting.

Skills

NZSTA membership

NZ driver license

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork in MDT

Te Tiriti culturally safe practice

Evidence-based practice

Lifespan communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Speech Language Therapy (NZSTA-accredited)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Southern – Hamilton, North Island

• Waikato Hospital, with potential travel throughout the district
• Speech Language Therapy Outpatient Te Whatu Ora Waikato
• Casual contract
• Salary - as per current employment agreement and in line with clinical experience

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

The Opportunity

Are you a Speech Language Therapist looking for an opportunity to work in our Adult outpatient department?

Are you committed to supporting patients beyond their hospital stay?

Are you wanting to drive and deliver high quality care?

Yes? We would love to talk to you about our wonderful Adult Outpatient Speech Language Therapy service at Waikato Hospital and what this permanent role has to offer you.

Come and join our team where every day brings new challenges in adynamic work environment. You'll collaborate closely with your peers to prioritise patient care across the outpatient service, delivering focused and impactful therapy sessions that make a real difference to the lives in your care and make an impact in one of New Zealands largest industries.

About the Team/Service

The Speech Language Therapy team works in a variety of areas including inpatient medical and surgical wards, critical care, outpatient clinics, rural hospitals, There may be opportunities to gain clinical experiences across these areas if interested.

Our team provides tertiary health care to the Te Manawa Taki (Midlands) Region. Clinical specialties include oncology, surgical services, paediatrics, obstetrics, emergency and critical care, radiology and anaesthetics. Our Speech Language Therapy team works closely with our Allied, Medical and Nursing colleagues across the hospital.

About the Role

This would be perfect for a flexible and innovative Speech Language Therapist with 2+ years working, though all applicants will be considered on merit. As part of the team, you would be providing assessment and intervention on a range communication and swallowing difficulties supporting Adults and / or paediatric.

You will work regularly with a highly skilled MDT team at the Waikato Hospital and other adult specialities to deliver a specialist diagnostic assessment and intervention service to patients under Speech Language Therapy.

About you

Required skills & experience to apply for this position

• Have NZSTA membership or at least be eligible for NZSTA membership.
• Have a Bachelors or Masters degree in Speech Language Therapy from an NZSTA-accredited programme; or have had your qualifications approved by the NZSTA.
• Have an openness to work within a multi-disciplinary team towards patient focused goals.
• Have a current valid full New Zealand drivers licence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work within a team to achieve client focused goals.
• Ability to provide a culturally safe service with Te Tiriti in the forefront of your practice and a focus on evidence-based practice.
• Exceptional communication skills across the lifespan.

Ideally you will also have:

• Experience working with adults with a range of communication needs.
• Experience working with adults with swallowing/feeding difficulties.
• Experience performing and interpreting videofluoroscopy swallowing studies.
• Excellent knowledge of medical conditions commonly seen in Speech Language Therapy patients.

About Waikato Hospital - Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is an lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.