Consultant Therapist, Speech & Language

Aga Khan University Hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan and Nairobi, Kenya are private, not-for-profit institutions providing high quality health care. The Main Hospitals serve as the principal sites for clinical training for the University's Medical Colleges and Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in Pakistan and East Africa.

The Consultant Therapist, Speech & Language will be responsible for the comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients experiencing communication and eating/swallowing difficulties across all age groups. This includes organizing and delivering both individual and group therapy sessions, setting SMART goals collaboratively with patients and their caregivers, and ensuring seamless transitions between inpatient, outpatient, and community care. The role also involves active participation in multidisciplinary teams to achieve patient goals efficiently. Furthermore, the therapist will contribute to the supervision and development of the videofluoroscopy/modified barium swallow service, liaising with the Radiology department for bookings and report writing, and developing dysphagia specialism within the institution. Continuous professional development is expected, alongside supporting and supervising other SLT staff and students. The position also entails responsibility for the clinical care program for stroke patients, ensuring adherence to pathways, policies, and data collection, and performing other assigned duties.

1. Assess, diagnose, manage, and treat clients with communication and eating/swallowing problems across all ages.
2. Organize and provide individual and group therapy sessions.
3. Set SMART goals collaboratively with patients and their caregivers.
4. Integrate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure client goals are met effectively.
5. Ensure patients are informed about their goals and recommended methods.
6. Facilitate smooth transitions between inpatient, outpatient, and community care.
7. Undertake personal Continuing Professional Development.
8. Supervise and contribute to the videofluoroscopy/modified barium swallow service.
9. Liaise with the Radiology department for client bookings and timely report writing.
10. Further develop Dysphagia specialism within AKUH, including training for other professionals.
11. Provide cover for other Speech Language Therapists during leave.
12. Develop skills in running the VF service and interpreting videos.
13. Support and supervise SLT staff (SLTs, students, assistants, new graduates).
14. Foster cooperation among Speech Language Therapist staff for seamless service delivery.
15. Facilitate supervision of other SLT staff.
16. Arrange supervision for students as needed.
17. Manage the clinical care program for stroke patients.
18. Ensure adherence to stroke pathways, policies, and procedures.
19. Collect and maintain required data.
20. Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

1. Hold a Bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Therapy, Speech Pathology, or an equivalent qualification.
2. Possess valid professional registration/licensure where applicable.
3. Have a minimum of 1 year of clinical experience in a hospital or rehabilitation setting.
4. Demonstrate training and experience in dysphagia assessment and management.
5. Possess experience in acute care, ICU, stroke rehabilitation, pediatrics, or neurorehabilitation.
6. Hold certification in specialized areas of speech therapy.
7. Ability and knowledge of sign language will be considered an added advantage.
8. Preferably have 1 year of work experience as an SLT/SLP in a hospital setting.
9. Possess basic life support certification.
10. Exhibit excellent customer service skills, interpersonal, and culturally appropriate communication skills.
11. Be able to work with clients in a culturally sensitive manner.
12. Demonstrate proficiency in more than one language (e.g., Kiswahili, Somali, Gujarati, other Kenyan languages).
13. Practice reflective thinking in professional work.
14. Show interest in therapy efficacy and cost-effectiveness for clients.
15. Possess good organizational and time management skills.
16. Demonstrate flexibility to accommodate patients as appropriate.
17. Exhibit creativity in work and the ability to innovate.
18. Possess stamina and a tenacious spirit.