Speech and language therapists and audiologists
Speech and Language Roles
We need qualified speech and language specialists and audiologists to help develop rehabilitation programmes and improve the technical ability of local professionals. Most placements have a strong emphasis on mentoring, coaching and providing on-the-job training. You may be working for the Ministry of Health or a regional hospital to support rehabilitation programmes or for the speech and language department at a university, and you could be working in countries such as Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Guyana or Vietnam.
Experience Required
Speech and Language Therapists
You’ll be a qualified speech therapist or pathologist with at least two years’ experience working with children or adults with communication disorders. Experience of working with children with autism is desirable.
Audiologists
You’ll have a post-graduate degree in audiology and at least two years’ professional experience. Knowledge of sign language is desirable.
Speech and language therapist and audiologist roles are generally longer term, ranging from one to two years, and we also have occasional short term assignments for up to six months. For short term roles, you will need at least six years' experience in your field and be available to depart within one year.
Support
In return, we'll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training prior to your placement, and our financial package includes a living allowance, return flights and visas, accommodation and full medical insurance. NHS employees can volunteer with continued membership of the NHS pensions scheme. When you return home, we'll help and support you to resettle, and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
Example placements
Speech and language therapist
Uganda
Over the past 15 years, Uganda has enjoyed a stable government, economic growth and rapid social development. However, the country remains one of the 25 poorest in the world. People with disabilities are amongst the most disadvantaged groups in Uganda. Research demonstrates that half of the population with disabilities have a communication disability and yet there are currently no national speech and language therapists.
In order to enable all people with communication disabilities to access appropriate rehabilitation, education and jobs, it’s essential to expand speech and language therapy services. As a volunteer in the Ear, Nose and Throat department (ENT) of the New Mulago Hospital, you’ll assist in coordinating the strategic development of speech and language therapy services in Uganda through support and training.
What does the role involve?
- Supporting the maintenance of the clinical outpatient service for paediatrics and adults in the Ear, Nose and Throat department
- Liaising with speech language therapy assistants to coordinate and run support groups for patients with communication disabilities
- Working closely with speech language therapy assistants to ensure the effective management of speech language therapy clinics
- Assisting the course coordinator in delivering speech language therapy training courses and providing clinical supervision for speech language therapy students.
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll need a degree or diploma in speech and language therapy and at least two years’ post-qualification experience. Experience of assessing, diagnosing and managing a wide range of paediatric and adult speech and language therapy disorders is essential. Some previous experience in supervising and training students is desirable.
You’ll need to be flexible, patient and a good team worker and have the willingness to learn some of the local language (Luganda) would be an asset, as it will allow you to better communicate with patients and socialise with colleagues and new friends.
And the rest...
Landlocked Uganda lies across the Equator, bordering Tanzania, Sudan, Congo, Kenya and Rwanda. It’s a naturally fertile country with 25 per cent of its area covered in rivers, lakes and swamps. Uganda’s climate is pleasant and comfortable. You’ll be based in the capital city Kampala which is less crowded than many other African cities with a population of around one million people. The city has a variety of good restaurants, bars, clubs and cinemas so you shouldn’t have trouble keeping busy in your free time.
We’ll ask you to commit to 12-24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. NHS employees can volunteer with continued membership of the NHS pensions scheme. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
