This role provides speech and language pathology services that are responsive to the unique communication needs of young people in youth detention, that also support service continuity following a young person’s release into the community. As a Speech-Language Pathologist working within a youth detention centre, you will deliver high-quality individual, universal and systemic consultation, assessment, and intervention services and provide specialist advice to a range of internal and external stakeholders regarding the care and support of young people, who have complex communication needs or disability specific support needs.

You will also build the capability of the youth detention operational workforce to understand, manage and support young people’s communication needs, in line with case planning and intervention objectives.

Please refer to role profile for full details.

Job details

As the Speech and Language Pathologist, you will specifically:

• Demonstrate cultural capability and/or a commitment to developing cultural capability to ensure an inclusive culture that aligns with the Human Rights Act 2019 and supports departmental programs and community partnerships aimed at preserving cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Conduct high-quality comprehensive clinical assessments of young people's communication skills that contribute to multi-disciplinary clinical evaluations and comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments. Develop associated high-quality reports which may inform referrals and interventions in both detention and community-based settings.
• Lead and contribute to the modification of written information and other communication materials using Easy English/plain language principles and develop visual supports to improve the accessibility of information for young people with complex communication needs, in consultation with a range of internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Implement high-quality interventions with young people to assist with their understanding, expressive language, literacy, social skills, and daily functioning that demonstrate an underpinning knowledge of the impacts of complex trauma, mental health, and disabilities on communication skills.
• Lead, plan, coordinate and facilitate multi-disciplinary meetings with both internal and external stakeholders to support integrated case management and to ensure open and effective communication is maintained for the best interests of the young person. As required, provide written information and other support to staff to implement strategies.
• Provide expert advice and support to internal and external stakeholders on complex, profession-specific practice, and client issues.
• Design and deliver speech-language pathology specific training programs relating to the management of young people with communication support needs to increase the skills, knowledge, and capability of the broader workforce.
• Understand the complexities of a high-risk environment and assist with the safety and security of the youth detention centre by adhering to operational procedures as required.

Delegations

Some statutory delegations

What we are looking for

We will assess your suitability for this role by looking at what you've done previously - the knowledge, skills and experience you've built, your potential for development, and your personal qualities.

Every staff member is expected to role model leadership behaviours. This role requires the leadership capabilities of a individual contributor profile, as outlined below and in the Leadership competencies for Queensland booklet.

Leadership capability level for this position: Individual Contributor

• Leads strategically: Thinks critically and acts on the broader purpose of the system (Vision)
• Builds enduring relationships: Builds and sustains relationships to enable the collaborative delivery of customer-focused outcomes (Results)
• Pursues continuous growth: Pursues opportunities for growth through agile learning, and development of self-awareness (Accountability)
• Drives accountability and outcomes: Demonstrates accountability for the execution and quality of results through professionalism, persistence, and transparency (Results)

Role specific/technical skills

• You have a strong understanding of the human services sector, including the ability to work collaboratively with diverse youth, families and communities to deliver client-centred and culturally responsive services.
• You understand the impacts of historical and contemporary policy and practices upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You have a demonstrated ability to engage and communicate effectively, and with humility, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/695999/26

Closing Date: Thursday, 6th August 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 695999-26-Role Description (Word, 136KB)
  Role Description