Speech Therapy Lead | Where Clinical Excellence Meets Compassion

Mcculloch Harrison & Partners _ Rehabmatters; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 70 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rehabilitation service in Johannesburg seeks a passionate Speech Therapy Clinical Lead to deliver high-quality therapy and provide mentorship to junior staff. In this role, you'll lead clinical initiatives while maintaining a complex caseload for patients with neurological conditions. The ideal candidate has a strong background in adult neurorehabilitation and a commitment to developing others. This position offers professional growth opportunities within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.

Benefits

Competitive fixed salary

Performance-pay opportunity

Flexible leave benefits

Access to Discovery Health

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years experience in adult neurorehabilitation.
• Strong background in mentoring, teaching, and developing others.
• Confidence working independently in varied healthcare settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical support and mentorship for junior and senior Speech Therapists.
• Ensure high clinical standards across the Speech Therapy service.
• Manage a complex caseload and maintain ethical standards.

Skills

Clinical assessment and reasoning skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Organisational and time-management skills

Mentoring and teaching

Education

HPCSA registration for independent practice

Postgraduate courses in specialist areas

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Speech Therapy Clinical Lead to provide clinical leadership to our speech therapy team whilst delivering high‑quality, evidence‑based speech therapy to adults with neurological conditions within our multidisciplinary rehabilitation service. Working across acute, sub‑acute and outpatient settings, this role offers the opportunity to shape models of care, mentor clinicians, and drive meaningful outcomes for patients and families navigating complex rehabilitation journeys. This is an ideal role for a senior clinician who wants to balance hands‑on clinical work with leadership, mentorship and service development, all whilst working closely with our Executive Team and developing Practice Management skills.

What You'll Do

• Lead by example in clinical reasoning, documentation, communication and professionalism.
• Provide clinical support and mentorship to junior and senior Speech Therapists.
• Drive the development and delivery of specialist services (e.g. AAC, Voice, ICU, Dysphagia, MBS / FEES).
• Assist in maintaining and monitoring clinical standards across the Speech Therapy service.
• Contribute to internal and external course development, in‑services and journal clubs.
• Support the annual clinical education programme and mentorship framework.
• Translate evidence and best practice into practical, high‑impact service delivery.
• Participate in marketing, stakeholder engagement and professional representation where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and compliance with audit requirements.
• Support recruitment processes, including CV review and interviews, when required.
• Collaborate with Unit Heads and Clinical Leadership on staffing, resource and equipment planning.
• Uphold confidentiality, ethical practice and HPCSA requirements at all times.
• Assess and treat adults with acquired communication, cognitive‑communication, voice and swallowing disorders.
• Deliver evidence‑based intervention across acute, sub‑acute, outpatient and home settings.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, goal setting and treatment planning using appropriate outcome measures.
• Manage a complex caseload while maintaining high clinical and ethical standards.
• Contribute to discharge planning, continuity of care and long‑term functional participation.
• Provide education and support to patients, families and caregivers.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years experience in adult neurorehabilitation (10+ years post‑graduation advantageous).
• Minimum 2 years experience in private practice with knowledge of medical aid billing codes.
• Confidence working independently across acute, sub‑acute and outpatient environments.
• Strong organisational, administrative and time‑management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for mentoring, teaching and developing others.
• Experience or interest in specialist services such as LSVT, AAC, voice, dysphagia, ICU or instrumental assessments.
• Active HPCSA registration and commitment to CPD and professional standards.

Why Join Us?

• Grow professionally – explore a pathway to clinical, operational or strategic leadership.
• Get creative – opportunity to shape specialist service development, design a mentorship program and lead with creativity.
• Be inspired – work closely with our Executive Team who are industry leaders.
• Thrive in a supportive team – work within a collaborative, trans‑disciplinary team.
• Enjoy great benefits – competitive fixed salary, performance‑pay opportunity, flexible leave benefits and access to Discovery Health.
• Focus on clients – admin support handles billing, intake and coordination so you can focus on patient care.
• Lead and advance – we invest in our people.

About You

You are a senior Speech Therapist with a strong grounding in adult neurorehabilitation, who enjoys both clinical excellence and leadership responsibility. You love clinical practice but are ready to reduce your daily caseload and spend part of your day growing in the areas of clinical mentorship, clinical service strategy and people management. You are driven to make an impact, enjoy a high‑performing environment and demonstrate resilience under pressure.

Minimum Requirements

• South African citizen or holder of a valid work visa.
• HPCSA registration for independent practice.
• Excellent clinical assessment and reasoning skills.
• Outstanding communication and empathy skills.
• Good to have: valid driver’s licence and personal vehicle.
• Postgraduate courses in specialist areas (i.e. AAC, voice, dysphagia, airways, LSVT).

About RehabMatters

We specialise in multi‑disciplinary physical rehabilitation for adults. Our approach places patients and their families at the heart of the rehabilitation journey, helping restore identity and support individuals in reclaiming meaningful life roles. Our team includes Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists who provide seamless care across every stage of rehabilitation—from acute treatment to outpatient therapy, and into community and workplace reintegration. Our dedicated Speech Therapy team plays a vital role in helping patients regain and strengthen their communication and swallowing abilities. We empower individuals by promoting independence, developing personalised strategies for speech, language and cognitive‑communication challenges, and supporting meaningful participation in daily life. Discover more about our work and values at rehabmatters.co.za.