Speech Pathologist

Employment Type: Fixed Term - 3years with the potential for extension

Employment Category: Full Time

Remuneration: $110,564.61 - $136,145.80 per annum + superannuation + salary sacrifice

Commencement Date: February 2025

About the Opportunity

Are you a passionate Speech Pathologist looking to make a meaningful difference? Join the ground-breaking Jiji Program at Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS), where you will deliver culturally responsive speech and language therapy services to Martu children and families in the remote Western Desert region.

The Jiji Program is transforming lives by addressing trauma, enhancing communication, and supporting children’s development. As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will work alongside Occupational Therapists, various allied health consultants, Jiji Support Workers, and local Martu women to provide innovative, evidence-based care.

This is more than a job—it is an opportunity to make difference in Aboriginal (martu) children by being part of a program that integrates neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and child development with Martu cultural practices, creating a unique and holistic approach to healing and growth.

About the Jiji Program

The Jiji (Kids) Program is an innovative, community-centred initiative designed to improve the health, education, and well-being of Martu children. By blending modern therapeutic techniques with Martu traditions, the program supports families in healing from trauma and building self-regulation skills.

Through workshops, on-country therapy sessions, and the creation of culturally relevant tools like brain maps and regulation cards, the Jiji Program empowers families, schools, and communities to collaborate in the care and development of their children.

As a Speech Pathologist with the Jiji Program, you will:

• Conduct culturally appropriate assessments and develop individualised therapy plans for children with speech and language delays, communication challenges, and trauma.
• Work with families and schools to create tailored solutions that build capacity within the community.
• Mentor and train Jiji Support Workers, empowering them to implement strategies that foster communication and self-regulation.
• Co-create resources such as visual aids, storybooks, and language tools that reflect Martu cultural practices.
• Deliver professional development workshops for teachers and community members, equipping them with the skills to support children’s development.

At PAMS, we are committed to creating healthier futures for Martu communities. By joining our team, you will be part of a workplace that values cultural inclusivity, innovation, and community-led approaches.

About You

To be considered you will meet the following criteria:

• A qualified and SPA-registered Speech Pathologist with at least 3 years of experience.
• Passionate about working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Skilled in trauma-informed care and neurodevelopmental approaches.
• A strong communicator who can build relationships and adapt to diverse cultural contexts.
• Ready for the adventure of working in remote communities and committed to making a lasting impact.

Desirable: 

• Identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander will be highly regarded.

The position involves working with a multicultural organisation where the majority of staff, clients and stakeholders identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Candidates must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

As per section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) PAMS actively seeks to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our clients and stakeholders and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Please note: In addition to the above skills and experience, the successful candidate will require an unrestricted WA “C” Class Driver’s Licence, and be required to submit a National Police Clearance (dated within 3 months) and Working With Children Check (where applicable) prior to appointment, in order to be eligible for the position.

Applicants for this position must be legally entitled to work in Australia and will be required to provide evidence of this entitlement. Acceptable evidence includes an Australian or New Zealand passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport with relevant visa.

About the Organisation

With an administrative hub based in Newman, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, The Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) provides holistic primary health care to the individuals and families within the remote communities of Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji.

PAMS aims to improve the standard of health of the Martu people and all Aboriginal people living in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia through the provision of community based, comprehensive primary health care services. We exist to promote the health and well-being of individual community members and to relieve sickness and the suffering of the indigenous community as a whole. We are passionate about providing the highest standard of patient care whilst incorporating a holistic approach toward diagnosis and management of illness.

 Why Join Us?

• Cultural Immersion: Work in partnership with Martu Elders and community members to ensure culturally appropriate service delivery.
• Professional Growth: Engage in specialised training and development programs.
• Generous Benefits: Enjoy attractive salary packaging, remote area allowances, and subsidised housing.
• Work-Life Balance: Experience the unique landscapes of the Western Desert while maintaining a manageable workload.
• Impactful Work: Be part of a program funded to sustain and grow its operations, backed by significant government investment.

While you will face diverse new challenges in the role, you will also enjoy an attractive remuneration package including a base salary of $110,564.61 - $136,145.80 per annum plus superannuation. You'll also gain access to generous salary packaging options, which will greatly increase your take home pay.

In addition, you will have access to a number of fantastic benefits including:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Rental assistance/accommodation with power subsidy
• Yearly return airfare subsidy
• Mobile phone allowance
• Support to further invest in your career 
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retention Initiatives in accordance with the PAMS Employee Remuneration Policy

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with remote Aboriginal communities and make a drastic impact to the health and well-being outcomes of these communities.

As this role is based in remote community locations you must be willing and able to travel long distances by 4WD car or in light aircraft.

Applications close 5pm, 30th January 2025.

For further information about this position please call Aimable Ndayizeye, Director of Community Health on (08) 9177 8307.