Speech Pathologist, Mental Health Therapy Services

• Join a specialist multidisciplinary autism assessment team. 

• Temporary Long Service Leave replacement until 16/10/2026 

• Hours can be negotiated (minimum 2 days). 

About the role  

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced speech pathologist to join the Mental Health Therapy Service at Barwon Health to cover a period of long service leave. This senior clinical role combines specialist practice in multidisciplinary autism assessment across both youth and adult mental health services with leadership in communication accessibility across Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services (MHDAS). 

Working as part of the specialist autism assessment team, you will contribute to comprehensive autism assessments, diagnostic formulation and recommendations for adolescents and adults receiving care through Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services. You will work collaboratively with consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and other mental health clinicians to provide evidence-based, person-centred assessment and care planning. 

Beyond autism assessment, you will provide specialist speech pathology expertise across the broader Mental Health Therapy Service, supporting communication accessibility for consumers with diverse communication needs. This includes consultation, clinical assessment, capacity building and service development to improve equitable access to mental health care for people with communication differences and disabilities. 

This is a unique opportunity to shape inclusive practice across mental health services while working within a highly skilled multidisciplinary team committed to improving outcomes for consumers across the lifespan. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver specialist speech pathology assessments as part of multidisciplinary autism diagnostics. 

• Contribute to diagnostic formulation, recommendations and evidence-based care planning through the lens of communication. 

• Provide specialist consultation regarding communication needs and communication accessibility across Mental Health Therapy Services. 

• Support clinicians to deliver accessible, person-centred care for people with communication differences. 

• Collaborate with consumers, families, carers and multidisciplinary teams to improve clinical outcomes. 

• Contribute to service development, education and quality improvement initiatives that enhance communication accessibility and inclusive practice. 

• Collaborate with consumers, families and mental health clinicians to improve outcomes. 

• Contribute to service development, education and quality improvement initiatives that enhance communication accessibility and inclusive practice. 

What We Are Looking For 

We're seeking a compassionate and collaborative speech pathologist who is passionate about improving access to high-quality mental health care for autistic people and people with communication differences. You will bring advanced clinical assessment skills, enjoy working within multidisciplinary teams and be committed to evidence-based, person-centred practice.  

You will have: 

• Registration (or eligibility) as a Speech Pathologist with Speech Pathology Australia and experience working with adolescents or young adults. 

• Experience in autism assessment and diagnostic practice with adolescents and/or adults. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of autism, communication disorders and neurodiversity-affirming practice. 

• Experience working within mental health, disability, community health or related settings. 

• Strong skills in multidisciplinary collaboration, consultation and clinical communication. 

• Experience supporting communication accessibility, inclusive practice and/or service development is highly desirable. 

Position Description 

Position Description 

Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services. 

 Barwon Health staff benefits 

• Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction 

• A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program 

• Extensive professional development opportunities 

• Attractive salary packaging benefits 

• Living expenses capped at $9,010 

• Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650 

For more information about working at Barwon Health, please click Here 

Diversity and Inclusion 

Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community. 

Child Safety 

We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards: About Child Safe Standards | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au) 

Additional information 

If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at peopleassist@barwonhealth.org.au 

All appointments are subject to: 

• Satisfactory Police Record Check 

• Immunisation Status Clearance 

• Working with Children Check (if applicable) 

To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. Please note: We do not accept resumes via email. 

Barwon Health does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Candidates must apply directly through the official recruitment portal.