Speech Pathologist

• Location: Primarily Footscray Hospital
• Employment Type: Part time (0.8 EFT), temporary until March 2026
• Salary: VW6-VW9

About the role

Come and join our dynamic and skilled acute team, providing high-quality care to patients in Melbourne's west. We are looking for a senior clinician to lead our team in acute service delivery at the current and upcoming new Footscray Hospital, including ICU.  As an integral member of the leadership team, you will promote creativity, team effectiveness and evidenced based patient care.

Opportunities include:

• Supporting a successful move into and working at the brand new Footscray Hospital in early 2026
• Optimising acute service delivery for a patient cohort with high clinical complexity and acuity
• Leading and developing others
• Developing (or consolidating existing) skills in FEES or tracheostomy management

Details of the role:

• Grade 3
• Part time; up to 0.8 EFT
• Temporary until March 2026 (maternity leave backfill)
• Based primarily at Footscray Hospital

Key responsibilities:

• Assess and manage dysphagia and communication impairment within the inpatient and outpatient settings

• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Provide clinical supervision to staff and students

• Be committed to continuous quality improvement, clinical research and professional development

• Ensure safe and high-quality patient care is delivered in line with Western Health values and policies.

About you:

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• Strong leadership skills, including proven interpersonal and communication skills
• Expertise in complex dysphagia and communication assessment and management within the acute setting
• Experience in VFSS and tracheostomy (FEES and ENT/Head & Neck is desired but not essential)
• Proven ability to lead and supervise staff and students
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement, clinical research and professional development of self and others

Position Description

About Western Health

Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne's western suburbs.

With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.

We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include

oncology, renal, mental health, women's health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.

We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia's most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.

Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women's and Children's), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women's prison located in Ravenhall.

Why join us?

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
• Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.
• Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.

Learning and development opportunities

• Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.
• Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
• Mentorship and career support.

Community impact and inclusion

• Make a meaningful difference in patients' lives through compassionate care.
• Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
• Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.

Organisational culture and environment

• Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
• Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.

Ready to make an impact?

If you're passionate about patient care, working in a multi-disciplinary team, innovation and evidence-based practice, we'd love to hear from you. Simply click on the "apply" button and follow the prompts.

If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.

Closing date: at 11:59pm on 11 October 2025

Please note that interviews for this position may take place prior to the advertised closing date.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Laura Bezzina, Grade 4 Speech Pathologist – Operations Lead, Ph

Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).

Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.