Company description:

Department of Communities and Justice

Job description:

Speech Pathologist (Enhanced Support Unit) -

Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre,

Youth Justice

• Temporary Part time (17.5 hpw) up to 12 months
• Location: Kariong
• Speech Pathologist Grade 1-4 Salary ($73,522 - $118,296 pro rata), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

This is a targeted recruitment.

While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander descent.

This is because the Department acknowledges that this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community.

Your role

The Enhanced Support Unit (ESU) provides an individualised treatment and intervention solution to young people in YJNSW custody presenting with challenging behaviours and complex needs. Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre is looking for an innovative and dynamic Speech Pathologist to join the ESU team.

The ESU Speech Pathologist holds a case load of complex young people within the ESU as part of a multi-disciplinary team. They deliver assessment, intervention, and therapeutic services both individual and group and consult with families and carers relating to the needs of their clients. The Speech Pathologist also provides a consultancy service to staff regarding the complex needs of young people housed on the ESU from a trauma informed perspective.

What you'll do

• Provide speech pathology supports including screening, assessment, treatment planning, and intervention in line with relevant legislative, professional and ethical requirements.
• Manage a caseload of young people who may have experienced abuse and maltreatment and their families/carers and measure the outcome of intervention strategies to ensure appropriate support is provided and positive outcomes are achieved
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with public sector agencies, non-government organisations and community groups to facilitate a person-centered approach in developing and delivering intervention programs.
• Work collaboratively as a member of multidisciplinary team and in partnership with other services to support planning, building team cohesiveness and resolving issues.
• Maintain accurate files and records in compliance with relevant policies, procedures and professional requirements
• Participate in professional supervision and relevant development activities to ensure good practice standards in providing speech pathology support to young people with communication and/or swallowing support needs
• Contribute to quality assurance activities to ensure good practice standards of speech pathology supports are provided and maintained.
• Provide information to the High-Risk Young Offender Review Panel (HRYORP)

Additional Key Accountabilities (Grades 2-4)

In addition to performing all facets of Speech Pathology as outlined above grades 2-4 are responsible for the following accountabilities:

Grade 2:

• Responsible for a specific clinical section within a Speech Pathology Unit which involves the supervision of at least one other Speech Pathologist.

Grade 3:

• Responsible for a specific clinical section within a Speech Pathology Unit which involves the supervision of more than 6 other Speech Pathologists.
• Perform Student Unit Supervisor duties on a full-time basis
• Manage an Occupational Therapy Unit containing 1-5 other Speech Pathologists
• Provide professional supervision to Grade 1/2 speech pathologist/s and support other staff to ensure appropriate and high-quality supports are delivered consistent with the relevant legislative framework, guidelines, principles and professional and ethical requirements.
• Review and evaluate the speech pathology activities of the team, in conjunction with the Clinical / Line Manager to ensure quality, outcome focused supports are delivered.

Grade 4:

• Manage Speech Pathology Unit containing 6-14 other Speech Pathologists.
• Identify and make recommendations on professional practice improvements and speech pathology systems in order to inform policy and procedural change.
• Utilize organisational client information and communication systems to maintain current and accurate records in compliance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Provide expert advice, consultation, reports, correspondence, briefing notes or submissions in order to inform senior management of complex or critical speech pathology issues.
• Provide clinical supervision and guidance for team quality improvement projects to Grade 3 speech pathologists

What we're looking for

• Degree in Speech Therapy from a recognised tertiary institution
• Eligibility for membership to Speech Pathology Australia
• Current, valid driver's licence and a willingness to drive
• NSW Working with Children Check clearance

Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances:

• National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014

Download the role description.

If you are viewing this ad in Seek and wish to apply via their portal, you will be required to either set up a profile or login via your existing Seek account.

To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now' button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply - you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career

• Flexible, autonomous work environment

• Competitive pay and conditions

• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities

• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia's top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply. You will need to attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum five pages) and a cover letter (maximum three pages) with a brief outline on how you meet the focus capabilities & requirements of the role and answer the two targeted questions below:

1. Describe your experience working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. How have you adapted your practice to ensure positive outcomes?

1. Describe your experience working within a multidisciplinary team.

Applications close Tuesday 15 July 2025 at 11:59 pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Erin Hyde on 0427 835 882 or via [email protected]

If you've got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Lisa Smith on 0456 199 105 or via [email protected]

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/

The Welcome Experience
Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW' page.

Profile description:

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is the lead agency under the Stronger Communities Cluster. DCJ works to enable everyone's right to access justice and help for families through early intervention and inclusion, with benefits for the whole community. Stronger Communities is focussed on achieving safe, just, inclusive and resilient communities by providing services that are effective and responsive to community needs.

We offer:

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career

• Flexible, autonomous work environment

• Competitive pay and conditions

• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities

• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.