Assistant Director – Therapeutic & Medical Support Services – Grade 1 (Speech Therapy or Audiology) at Gauteng Department of Health

Requirements :

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Speech Therapy and Audiology, Speech Therapy or Audiology.
• A minimum of three (3) years appropriate experience as an independent practitioner duly registered with the HPCSA. Five (5) years extensive experience as a manager, experience within the Public Sector hospital/PHC environment and postgraduate qualifications will be an added advantage. Must have basic computer skills.
• Applicants are expected to submit a certified copy of their HPCSA current registration. Applicants must be in possession of a valid South African driver’s license.

COMPETENCIES:

• Management & leadership capabilities, Change management skills, Programme and Project management skills, Client Orientation and Customer Focus skills, Financial and Human Resource management skills. Good Communication Skills – verbal and written.
• Skilled in Research, Policy development, data management, Knowledge management, Problem-Solving, and Risk management.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Good Interpersonal Relations skills and ability to work under pressure. Relates well to a diversity of personnel and a range of stakeholders. Must be willing to travel extensively within the province and work after hours if required.

Duties :

• Contributing to the rehabilitation services strategic development processes with specific focus on strengthening and development of the speech therapy and audiology services in the province. Facilitate the integration of speech therapy and audiology services within priority programmes.
• Develop/implement an operational plan for rehabilitation services inclusive of comprehensive and quality speech therapy and audiology programme. Improve independence of people with hearing and communication disabilities as per guideline / policy. Craft, facilitate and monitor the implementation of various audiology guidelines (e.g. hearing aid fitting protocol, OAE, ABR, ASSR screening and diagnostic protocols), dysphagia, AAC, aural rehabilitation protocols, and SOP’s in line with the national and provincial health system.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of the speech therapy and audiology services Clinical Guidelines.
• Collaborate with academic and other relevant stakeholders.
• Solve complex professional and management problems and policy issues.
• Coordination of placement of students and community service professionals (including bursary holders). Lead and direct quality management activities for speech therapy and audiology services in the province. Monitor and support Ideal Hospital/Clinic Programme & Quality improvement initiatives for speech therapy and audiology services.
• Utilize health information technology and other health information systems to transform the speech therapy & audiology services in the province. Monitoring and evaluation of speech therapy & audiology services and management of research projects.
• Strengthen public literacy and Health promotion on hearing and communication impairments in line with the department objectives.
• Strengthen governance, leadership, and management capacity of speech therapy & audiology managers in the province.
• Develop workplace systems that support common professional ethical values, conduct and behaviour. Foster a culture of improvement and development for speech therapy & audiology services workforce in the province.
• Assist in the management of NPOs. Knowledge of the PFMA, treasury regulations and relevant supply chain directives.