Speech Therapist

Role Overview

Speech Therapist at NMC Healthcare, providing clinical speech and language therapy services in a rehabilitation and healthcare setting.

Role Purpose

Deliver evidence-based speech and language therapy assessment, treatment, and education to patients with communication and swallowing disorders within a multidisciplinary healthcare team, while maintaining professional standards, safety, and quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Maintain and update professional knowledge and skills to screen, assess, and treat patients with communication and swallowing disorders.
• Ensure speech and language therapy treatments are evidence-based and beneficial.
• Screen and evaluate the hearing status of residents for those with dual qualifications in Audiology.
• Develop and implement linguistically and culturally appropriate strategies and tools for patient care.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in Arabic phonetics, linguistics, and social language use, especially for Emirati dialects.
• Engage a suitably trained translator when necessary to manage Arabic first-language speakers.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Work as a professional member of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team.
• Actively participate in team meetings.
• Communicate effectively with staff members, health professionals, clients, and families regarding service provision.

Education and Professional Development

• Contribute to and participate in educational programs for residents, relatives, and NMCRH-KC staff.
• Participate in continuing education and courses to update speech and language therapy techniques and information.

Quality, Audit, and Compliance

• Adhere to the philosophy, business practices, and policies of NMCRH-KC, adhering to the standards and ethics of the Speech and Language Therapy profession.
• Record and report any adverse clinical events.
• Participate in NMCRH-KC's Quality Management System and commit to continuous improvement activities, including audits, surveys, and needs analysis.
• Demonstrate commitment to quality outcomes and consult with staff on continuous improvement.

Health, Safety, and Security

• Assist in maintaining a safe workplace by participating in the implementation of safe work systems.
• Identify and report workplace hazards.
• Adhere to the requirements of the Environment Health and Safety Management System.
• Follow the Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines and Infection Control Guidelines.
• Understand and comply with emergency preparedness, fire safety, and code policies and plans.
• Comply with all Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and infection control policies, standards, and procedures, cooperating with hospital management to ensure compliance.
• Work in accordance with documented OSH procedures and specific responsibilities.
• Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Report OSH hazards, incidents, near misses, and issues, assisting in preparing risk assessments and incident reports.
• Follow waste management procedures and policies.
• Attend applicable OSH and Infection Control training programs, mock drills, and awareness sessions.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and safety systems.

General Duties

• Perform other duties as directed by the Head of Department or Medical team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Valid Department of Health (DOH), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Ministry of Health (MOH), or Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) License as "Speech Therapist" to practice in United Arab Emirates.
• Graduate or Postgraduate degree from an approved college or university in Language Therapy.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in speech and language therapy practice.
• Valid home country registration as "Speech Therapist."
• Appropriate qualifications and registration with relevant professional and/or statutory organizations, maintaining a Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) license.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent command of oral and written English; knowledge of Arabic is advantageous but not essential.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a group practice within a hospital setting and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the range and type of services available for aged or disabled persons.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Capacity to review procedures and implement new service delivery models to meet client and organizational needs.
• Proficient computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.