The Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital stands as a beacon of medical excellence and compassionate care. Among its many dedicated departments, the Speech Therapy and Audiology (Paediatric) division is currently offering an exciting opportunity for professionals in the field. The hospital is seeking to fill Speech Therapist Vacancies across three grades—Grade 1, 2, and 3.
Whether just beginning their professional journey or seasoned experts in the field, candidates will find these roles not only enhance their skills but also profoundly impact the lives of children they work with.
Speech Therapist Vacancies Overview
- Reference No: CHBAH 809
- Positions: Speech Therapist / Speech and Audiologist Grade 1, 2, 3
- Location: Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
- Educational Background: Candidates must hold a qualification in Speech Therapy or Speech Therapy and Audiology.
- Registration: Mandatory independent practice registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for 2024/2025.
- Experience:
- Grade 1: 0-3 years
- Grade 2: 10 years and above
- Grade 3: 16 years and above
Preferred Skills and Competencies
Applicants for Speech Therapist Vacancies at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital should possess a robust set of skills and experiences that qualify them for the demanding and sensitive nature of working with pediatric patients. Below are detailed competencies expected from candidates:
- Clinical Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate expertise in assessing and managing speech, language, communication, and dysphagia. This includes an understanding of various speech and language disorders and the ability to develop tailored intervention strategies that meet the individual needs of each child.
- Specialized Experience:
- Neonatal and Paediatric Dysphagia: Experience in handling feeding and swallowing difficulties in newborns and children is crucial. This involves the assessment and implementation of therapeutic measures to manage dysphagia, which can be critical for the child’s nutritional intake and overall health.
- Neurological Conditions: Proficiency in managing speech and language issues arising from neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other neurodevelopmental disorders is essential.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Experience with ASD is important, as these conditions often require specialized communication strategies and interventions. Understanding the unique challenges and needs of children with autism is key to effective therapy.
- Early Childhood Intervention: Applicants should have deep expertise in early childhood intervention, using a family-focused approach. This includes the ability to work not just with the child, but closely with family members to ensure that therapeutic practices are supported at home, enhancing developmental outcomes.
- Team Collaboration and Leadership:
- Teamwork: Given the multidisciplinary nature of healthcare at CHBAH, candidates must be able to effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, neurologists, occupational therapists, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care.
- Planning and Coordination: Ability to plan and coordinate therapy sessions effectively, manage time efficiently, and organize resources to meet the needs of a diverse patient group is essential.
- Leadership: For higher-grade positions, leadership skills become crucial. This includes the ability to mentor and supervise junior therapists, lead team initiatives, and contribute to departmental planning.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills are vital for this role, enabling therapists to interact effectively with patients, families, and colleagues. These skills aid in the clear explanation of treatment plans, the building of rapport with patients, and the fostering of an environment conducive to healing and development.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Applicants should be able to engage in solution-based problem solving to address and overcome challenges in treatment plans and patient care. This also involves critical thinking to adapt practices to better meet patient needs and to navigate the complexities of speech pathology.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
For those interested in the Speech Therapist Vacancies at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, the role encompasses a variety of crucial duties and responsibilities. These responsibilities are fundamental in providing top-notch care and support to pediatric patients and their families. Here’s a detailed look at what these roles entail:
- Clinical Management:
- Assessment and Management of Communication Disorders: Conduct thorough assessments to diagnose speech, language, communication, and feeding issues in both neonatal and pediatric populations. Develop and implement individualized management plans aimed at addressing these issues effectively.
- Feeding and Swallowing Therapy: Specialize in interventions for dysphagia to ensure safe feeding practices, enhance nutritional intake, and prevent related health complications.
- Family-Centered Care:
- Family Engagement and Education: Work closely with the families of children to ensure they understand their child’s conditions and are actively involved in the therapy process. Provide training and resources to families to help them support their child’s development at home.
- Developmental Support: Foster positive developmental outcomes by using holistic therapeutic approaches that cater to the physical, emotional, and social needs of children.
- Compliance and Protocol Adherence:
- Standards and Protocols: Strictly adhere to all hospital and departmental standards, protocols, and procedures to maintain high-quality care and ensure patient safety.
- Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, documenting therapy sessions, patient progress, and any changes in treatment plans.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Participation in MDT Meetings: Actively participate in multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings to collaborate with other healthcare professionals. This includes discussing patient care plans, exchanging insights, and adjusting treatment strategies based on collective expertise.
- Integrated Care Coordination: Coordinate with other medical professionals such as pediatricians, neurologists, and occupational therapists to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient care.
- Professional Development and Ethics:
- Continual Learning: Commit to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest research and advances in speech therapy and audiology. Engage in workshops, seminars, and other educational opportunities.
- Ethical Practice: Uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in all aspects of work. This includes maintaining patient confidentiality, ensuring informed consent, and practicing with integrity.
- Mentorship and Supervision: For senior positions, supervise and mentor junior speech therapists and students. Provide guidance and feedback to help them develop their clinical skills and professional conduct.
- Quality Improvement:
- Quality Assurance Activities: Participate in quality assurance activities to improve therapy services and patient care. This may involve peer reviews, service audits, and the implementation of new policies and procedures designed to enhance departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
Salary Scale
- Grade 1: R359,622 – R408,201 per annum
- Grade 2: R420,015 – R477,771 per annum
- Grade 3: R491,676 – R595,251 per annum
Application Process
- Contact: Dr. Sadna Balton
- Phone: (011) 933 0379
- Submit Application: Applications can be delivered by hand or mailed to The Director: Human Resource, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
- Use the new Z83 form.
- Closing Date: 19 April 2024
Note: Ensure to submit the Z83 form as part of your application. Late or incomplete applications for Speech Therapist Vacancies will not be entertained. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide additional documentation.
Related: How to Register on essa.labour.gov.za for Government Jobs as an Individual in 2024
Applying for Speech Therapist Vacancies at CHBAH is an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in paediatric healthcare. With the right qualifications and experience, this could be a pivotal step in your career.
Be sure to apply by the deadline and prepare thoroughly for a role in this prestigious institution.